How do I determine the right rug size for my horse?
Regardless of the type of rug, it is important that the fit is right. Since the fitting of horse accessories, in contrast to riding clothing, takes place exclusively in the stable and not in a shop, you are usually limited to one size when buying and ideally this should of course also fit right away.
A well-fitting horse rug is crucial for comfort, but also for maintaining the functional properties (e.g. waterproofness) and avoiding accidents caused by getting caught in the straps. In particular, the fit in the neck and shoulder area is decisive for comfort and protection against chafing, pressure points and slipping. In addition to hair breakage, the consequences of inadequately fitting horse rugs are chafing and extremely painful withers.
Take measure
It is all the more important to measure correctly. The rug size is given in feet and describes the length of the horse.
Measure the length of the horse
Use a soft tape measure and measure horizontally from the centre of the chest to the end of the rump.
Rug size is not only dependent on the horse’s height.
More often, riders mention the horse’s height in connection with the purchase of a rug. Please note that the horse’s height is only a rough guide as to whether the horse tends to need a larger or a smaller rug. Big horses can be short, just as small horses can be long.
Fitting
You should pay particular attention to the following areas when trying on the horse rug:
The neckline:
The size of the neckline of a horse rug varies from brand to brand as well as within the different rug models. There are particularly strong differences when it comes to high neck horse rugs with a high neck.
- Optimal position: the neckline should be well in front of the withers and the shoulder.
- Too tight: the horse can no longer lower its head without any problems.
- Too far: the rug slips behind the withers.
The chest area
Especially with turnout rugs, the optimal fit should be ensured by means of an easily adjustable chest fastener.
- Optimal position: place your hand on the underside of the horse’s neck. If the chest area is buckled tightly without tension, the rug will fit properly.
- Too tight: the rug cuts in and causes chafing.
- Too far: the rug slips back behind the withers.
Shoulder area
Chafing points are only avoided if the horse’s shoulder has enough space – sloping or steep shoulders must be treated separately here, as well as high or low withers. In the shoulder and chest area, care should be taken to have a smooth inner lining that is gentle on the skin in order to prevent chafing.
- Optimal location: the rug sits loosely on the shoulder.
- Too tight: The rug tightens the shoulders and restricts the horse’s movement. The rug then also causes chafing in the shoulder area.
- Too wide: rug slides backwards. The gusset is no longer at shoulder level.
Closures
Basically, when closing the straps, you should make sure that they are neither too tight nor too loose. If you can still place your hand between the strap and the horse’s body, the straps are optimally adjusted.
Tips for the correct fit of horse rugs
Common fitting problems and their solution
Every horse is different and so is the fit of the horse rugs. With horses that deviate from the „norm“, buying a rug is very difficult. We explain what you can do in such special cases and how you can compensate for fitting problems.
| Conformation | Problem | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Strong neck | Neckline too tight, high neck or full neck rugs too tight | Choose a rug with a regular neck Chest extender |
| Wide chest and shoulder | rug in the chest and shoulder area too tight | Cross surcingle and chest extender Pay attention to the generous cut of the rug |
| High withers | rug rubs against the withers | High neck rugs |
| Long neck | Neck parts are too short | Very high cut high neck rug Rug with a separate neck part that is one size larger than the rug |
The fit of each rug varies from brand to brand and even from model to model. The physique of every horse also differs, so that one cannot say in general which rug fits which horse. The rule here is: try it out! If you make sure that the rugs are not soiled when trying them on, we will take them back within our 30-day money-back guarantee. Tips on how you can try the rug on spotlessly can be found in our FAQ section under point 12.