How to Measure a Horse for a Rug

Horse Rugs & Horsewear · 6 min read

A rug that fits well keeps your horse warm and comfortable, stays where it should and does not rub. A rug that fits badly slips, gapes and chafes, and often ends up back in its bag waiting to be returned. The good news is that measuring your horse takes about a minute, and once you know the number, choosing the right size is easy.

How do you measure a horse for a rug?

Stand your horse square on level ground, and have a helper hold them if you can. You will need a soft tape measure, or a length of baler twine or string that you can measure against a tape afterwards.

Where to measure from and to

Measure in a straight line from the centre of the chest, along the side of the body, to the point of the buttock at the very back. Keep the tape level and following the shape of the horse rather than dipping down. That single measurement is your rug size.

A quick tip for an accurate reading

If your horse will not stand still for a tape, lay the string along the same line, mark it, and measure it afterwards. It is much easier than wrestling a metal tape around a wriggly horse.

How do you convert the measurement to a rug size?

In the UK, rug sizes are usually given in feet and inches, such as 6'0", while many brands also list centimetres. If you measured in centimetres and need the imperial size, divide by roughly 30.5 to get feet, or simply use the brand's own conversion chart, which is the most reliable option. A horse that measures around 165cm, for example, usually takes a 5'3" rug.

How should a horse rug fit?

Once the rug is on, it should sit comfortably at the chest without gaping open or pulling tight, cover the body to the top of the tail, and lie over the withers without pressing down on them. The neck should sit smoothly, not ride up or drag back. When everything looks right, the rug will stay put as your horse grazes, moves around and lies down.

What if your horse is between two sizes?

Plenty of horses fall between sizes, and the right choice depends on their build and the cut of the rug. A broad, deep-bodied horse is usually better in the larger size, while a finer, narrower horse often does better in the smaller one. Check the brand's own guidance, as some rugs are cut generously and others close. If you can, it is worth trying before committing, especially with a heavier, more expensive rug.

How do you check the fit once the rug is on?

A few simple checks tell you whether a rug fits. Slide a flat hand between the rug and the horse at the shoulder; it should slip in easily without being loose. Fasten the chest first, then the surcingles, then the leg straps, and make sure none is so tight it digs in or so loose it hangs low enough to catch a leg. Watch your horse move off in it for a minute to see that nothing slips or rubs.

How do you measure for a neck cover or combo rug?

If you are buying a combo rug or a separate neck cover, the body measurement still sets the main size, as neck pieces are usually matched to it. Where a neck cover is sold separately, check whether it is sized small, medium or large and match it to your horse's build and the rug it attaches to. A neck cover that is too long drags back and rubs the mane, while one that is too short gapes at the chest, so it is worth getting right. When in doubt, follow the brand's pairing guide rather than guessing.

Does your horse's shape affect the rug size?

Yes, often as much as the measurement itself. Two horses with the same back length can need different rugs, because a broad, round native type usually needs a more generous cut to go round the barrel, while a narrow, lean Thoroughbred type may swim in the same size and do better going down. Deep shoulders, high withers and a big, round belly all change how a rug sits. If your horse is an unusual shape, look for brands that offer different fits, or styles designed for natives or finer horses, rather than forcing a standard cut to work.

How often should you check a rug still fits?

A horse's shape changes through the year, so a rug that fitted in autumn may not fit by spring. Horses often lose a little condition over winter and gain it back on spring grass, and youngsters are still growing. Give the fit a quick check every few weeks, looking for new rubs at the shoulders or chest and making sure the straps are still adjusted correctly. It takes a moment and prevents the sore patches that come from a rug that has quietly stopped fitting.

Common rug-fitting problems and how to fix them

Most fit issues fall into a few familiar patterns, and many have simple answers.

• The rug slips to one side: the leg straps or surcingles may be too loose, or the rug may be too big. Adjust the fastenings first.
• Rubbing at the shoulders or chest: often a sign the rug is too small or the wrong shape. A shoulder gusset or a bib under the rug can help.
• Pressure on the withers: the rug may be too small or lack a shaped wither. Look for a higher wither or a neck cover to lift the pressure.

If a rug simply does not suit your horse's shape after adjusting, a different cut or brand may fit far better.

Choosing your rug

With the right size in hand, the next job is choosing the type and weight. Read horse rug types explained to pick between turnout, stable, fly and fleece, then browse the full horse rugs range. Keep your measurement noted somewhere handy so reordering is quick next time.

Frequently asked questions