To make sure that your horse is fully protected from the cold and the elements. You will want to ensure that they have the right size blanket. So how do you measure a horse for a blanket?
Being prepared when you turn them out in your field or put them to bed in their stable for the evening. However, if you’re new to horse care, it can be tricky knowing which is the correct sized blanket for your horse.
To make sure that your horse is comfortable, you will need to fit them with the right blanket. The best way to find the right-sized blanket for their needs is to measure your horse properly. This will give you a better idea of which blanket size will suit them best.
First, you will need to know where you want the blanket to end on your horse. There are some people who prefer to have a blanket covering the horse’s tail. Other people prefer the end of the blanket to come to an end just short of the horse’s tail.
Once you know where you want the blanket to end, this will give you the endpoint you need to measure. Your horse will need to be stood on a stable, level surface for you to get an accurate measurement.
You will need to measure from the center of your horse’s chest, around the base of the neck, then bring your tape measure horizontally across their shoulder, towards your endpoint.
It will be much easier to do this with a fabric tape measure that measures your horse’s flank in inches. These inches will give you the correct blanket size for your horse.
How Do I Know What Size Blanket My Horse Needs?
You will need to measure your horse to get the right-sized blanket for them. There’s no point in guessing, as each and every horse is different. Depending on the age of your horse when you bought them, they will likely need different-sized blankets at different stages in their life. A foal isn’t going to need the same sized blanket as a yearling, and a fully grown mature horse is likely to need another sized blanket altogether.
It will be better to get an accurate measurement by using a fabric tape measure along your horse’s flank so that they can be comfortable. If the blanket is too small, it could cause rubbing or unnecessary pressure on your horse. If the blanket is too big, it could be hazardous for your horse if it were to fall off and get tangled in its legs. It also wouldn’t be able to give them the protection they need from the colder weather.
How Long Should A Horse Blanket Be?
Your horse’s blanket will need to be long enough to comfortably cover their body, and most importantly, their withers. This is so that your horse can get the protection they need from the cold and wet weather that can sometimes happen when they’re out in their field. It will be best to measure your horse before you buy their new blanket so that you can get the right-sized blanket for their needs.
How Should A Blanket Fit A Horse?
It will be essential to ensure that the blanket is the correct fit for your horse. If it doesn’t fit properly, it will be incredibly uncomfortable for your horse and could cause rubbing or discomfort.
Once you have put the blanket on your horse and secured all the straps and buckles, it should fit comfortably over your horse’s withers as well as their shoulders without being too tight. Your horse should still be able to move freely underneath the blanket. The blanket should also not slip back as your horse moves.
You should be able to slide your hand down the neck of the blanket. The blanket should also lie flat along your horse’s back. If you notice that the seam of the blanket sits below the base of your horse’s tail, this could indicate that it’s too big for your horse. The straps of the blanket should also fit comfortably along your horse’s belly, before the horse’s stifle. You should be able to fit your hand between your horse’s body and the straps.
If your chosen blanket features leg straps, it will be important to make sure that these fit correctly. If the straps are too tight, this could rub on your horse’s legs. Should the straps are too loose, then the rug could come off each time your horse rolls or even just through natural movement. These leg straps should loop around your horse’s hind legs and be fastened to each other to ensure that the rug sits properly on your horse.
How Do I Know If My Horse Blanket Is Too Small?
When you put the blanket on your horse, the front fabric should overlap when you secure the buckles in place. If this doesn’t overlap, then you will know that the blanket is too small. Other indicators could include the fabric cutting into your horse’s flank, or you’re not able to get your hand between your horse’s belly and the strap.
In terms of length, the blanket should cover your horse’s withers and extend to its tail. If you notice that your horse’s hindquarters are exposed when you look at them side-on, the blanket is too short.
In Summary
So there you have it! You now know that your horse will need to be wearing a blanket that fits them properly so that they can get the protection they need. This will mean measuring your horse from their chest round to the back of their tail using a fabric tape measure so that you can get an accurate measurement.
You will need to ensure that your horse’s blanket isn’t too small or too big, as these can cause discomfort and other issues for your horse. Your horse’s blanket should comfortably cover your horse’s withers to give them the protection they need.
