How to Measure Your Horse for a Blanket

For your horse's comfort, any sheet or horse blanket he wears must fit him appropriately. You can measure your horse to determine the overall size you want, and then choose from a variety of cuts and manufacturers to find the optimal fit. To view our entire selection of horse blankets and sheets online, click here.



This picture above, shows how a manufacturer determines a blanket or sheet sizing. The horse blanket is placed flat out with all fastenings undone and the fabric spread smooth. If the blanket has gussets or darts, they should be spread flat too. A soft fabric tape measure with inch measurements runs from front binding to back binding, and it sits at the base of the neck opening.


Follow these steps to determine the size blanket or sheet your horse needs:

1. Decide where you want the sheet or blanket to end. Some people prefer the tail portion to be long enough to form a “tent” over the top of the horse’s tail, especially for turnout coverings. Others prefer to have horse sheets and blankets stop just short of the tail.

2. Stand your horse squarely on level ground.

3. Measure from the center of your horse’s chest (where the base of the neck meets the chest) over the point of his shoulder, to the point at which you want the sheet or blanket to end. A soft fabric tape measure with inch increments works well for this. The diagram provided here shows that the horse’s tail will be covered by the blanket, because the tape measure is stretched to the center of the tail (dock).



4. The inches measurement translates to the blanket size you should try on your horse.


Putting On and Removing Horse Clothing:

• Work from front to rear as you fasten closures of a blanket: chest closures, then surcingles and finally the leg or tail straps. Doing so makes the blanket more stable should your horse suddenly move, and almost ensures that you won’t forget a strap.
  
  
• Likewise, work from the rear to the front when you’re removing the item.

Related Articles:
Tips for Fitting Horse Blankets or Sheets
About Blanketing and Horse Clothing
How and Why to Use an Exercise Rug or a Quarter Rug
About Horse Body Clipping