How To Measure A Horse Rug
Some horses, especially those frequently clipped, benefit from the use of a horse rug to keep them warm during the winter months. To prevent any discomfort or damage to your horse, you should make sure that enough time is taken to take a bespoke measurement for your horse.
How to measure the right size
To measure your horse for a rug, take the measurement from:
- The Wither to the top of the tail.
- The Wither to the middle of the chest.
- The middle of the chest to where you would require the rug to finish.
A rough measurement of how your measurements equate is:
| Rug Size | Measurement | Fits | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Inches | Cms | MM | Hands | |
| 4'3" | 51 | 130 | 1300 | 12.80 |
| 4'6" | 54 | 137 | 1370 | 13.5 |
| 4'9" | 57 | 145 | 1450 | 14.30 |
| 5'0" | 60 | 152 | 1520 | 14.95 |
| 5'3" | 63 | 160 | 1600 | 15.75 |
| 5'6" | 66 | 168 | 1680 | 16.55 |
| 5'9" | 69 | 175 | 1750 | 17.2 |
| 6'0" | 72 | 183 | 1830 | 18 |
| 6'3" | 75 | 191 | 1910 | 18.80 |
| 6'6" | 78 | 198 | 1980 | 19.50 |
| 6'9" | 81 | 206 | 2060 | 20.30 |
| 7'0" | 84 | 213 | 2130 | 21 |
If you find that your horse is in-between measurements, you should always look to get the next size up rather than getting a rug slightly too small.
What rug do you need?
There are a number of rugs which are available to horse owners, each with a slightly different purpose. If you are looking over the Throstlenest website you will notice that we stock a wide range, for the following purposes:
- Turnout Rugs - These are the most common rugs, used to keep horses warm and dry all year round in the changeable British weather. We stock these rugs in lite, medium and heavy weights, useful dependant on the level of warmth your horse requires and the time of year you are in.
- Stable Rugs - These rugs are generally not waterproof and are instead designed to keep your horse comfortable and warm within the stables. These are usually crafted from quilted but breathable materials which evaporate sweat and maintain comfort for your horse over a prolonged use.
- Coolers/Day Rugs - Ideal for use after exercise, Coolers or Day Rugs are made from materials which cool down a horse and disperse sweat - especially important during hot summer days when exercising or travelling.
- Fly Sheets - For protecting your horse from the suns UV rays (coat fade) and biting insects, fly sheets cover a larger portion of your horse than other rugs.
Problems with a poor fitting rug
One size does not fit all when it comes to a horse rug, and if you fail to pick one which properly fits your horse it can cause pain and discomfort. Some common problems which occur due to a poorly fitting horse rug are:
- Circulatory and/or structural damage to the neck area.
- Sores.
- Movement restriction.
How a rug should fit
Taking time to properly fit the horse rug to your horse lets you know whether or not the rug does fit properly and allows you to avoid the problems listed above.
A well-fitting rug will have the following characteristics:
- Well-fitting over the top of the neck - should not slip backwards down the horses spine. It should also not be too tight, as this could cause rubbing and discomfort.
- Ability to get a hand’s width between strap and thigh. Also getting the same width between the belly and underneath of. This will ensure that there will be no rubbing and discomfort for the horse.
- All fastenings secured fully.
It is important to keep checking the fit of your rug periodically to ensure it continues to fit well throughout its lifespan.
How to care for your rug
You should look to clean your rug before putting away for storage. It’s best to use cold water and a soft broom when cleaning, and make sure the rug is completely dry before putting it away.
Taking care to clean the equipment will prolong its lifespan and also make sure any build-up of dirt and sweat is removed, thus eliminating the potential for rubbing on your horse and causing sores.
Where should I start looking?
We are a large online saddlery run from our base in rural Yorkshire and stock a wide range of horse equipment including many rugs for you to look over. If we were to give you a pointer, we would suggest:
- Amigo Mio Turnout Lite - A popular horse rug due to its good quality build at a really affordable price. A perfect place to start if you are looking for a waterproof, breathable rug from a trusted brand.
- Rambo Due Turnout Rug - This is a more heavy duty rug which is perfect for keeping a horse warm and dry throughout the winter months. A well-made, high specification rug.