Article: Get the Perfect Fit: Measure Your Horse for Blankets and Sheets
Get the Perfect Fit: Measure Your Horse for Blankets and Sheets
How to Measure Your Horse for a Blanket
As temperatures drop, turnout and stable blankets come back into daily use. Whether you’re buying new or shopping consignment, correct sizing matters. A blanket that is too tight can rub or restrict movement; one that is too loose can slip, catch on fencing, or end up underfoot.
Why fit comes first
An ill-fitting blanket is uncomfortable for the horse and often ends up unused. Taking a few minutes to measure before you buy helps avoid returns, wasted spend, and unnecessary wear on the horse’s coat and skin.
How to measure
- Stand the horse square on level ground.
- Use a soft measuring tape (or a long string and a second person).
- Place the end of the tape at the center of the chest, where the base of the neck meets the chest.
- Run the tape along the side of the body, over the widest part of the shoulder, keeping it level and taut—not dug into the contours and not sagging.
- End at the point of the buttock, where the “cheek” meets the tail (not halfway down the tail itself).
- The number in inches is the blanket size.
- If the measurement falls between sizes, choose the larger size.
- Note that sizing can vary by brand—check the maker’s size chart when possible.
A few useful notes
- Body length (chest to buttock), not height in hands, determines the size. Hands are only a rough guide.
- A helper makes the measurement more accurate.
- Most U.S. blankets use this chest-to-buttock method. Some European brands size by back-seam length (withers to top of tail), so confirm the brand’s system before ordering.
Final check
After measuring, use a visual fitting guide to confirm the blanket sits correctly at the withers, chest, and hindquarters. A clear, step-by-step video from Your Horse Magazine (below) walks through the process and is a useful reference before purchase.
Proper measurement is the simplest way to get a blanket that stays in place, protects the horse, and lasts longer—whether you’re choosing a new turnout or a gently used one.