(How to video and charts below)

Just like with all horse gear, the fit is vital for comfort and safety. If the blanket is too tight, your hose may be uncomfortable, and buckles may rub and chafe. If it’s too loose, you risk the blanket slipping, which could cause discomfort or an injury. Every horse is shaped a little differently, so it’s essential to measure them to ensure you purchase a right-sized blanket that will fit them well. Here are the steps to take to choose the right blanket for your horse:

• Consider where you want the blanket to end at the rear of your horse. Would you prefer the blanket or sheet stop just short of the tail, or do you want it to be long enough to cover the top of the horse’s tail in a “tent?” There are various alternatives for style, depending on your answer to this question.

• Stand your horse on hard, level ground, making sure they are standing squarely.

• Start measuring from the center of your horse’s chest, where the base of the neck meets the chest. Then, follow across the point of the shoulder and along the horse’s side to the center of the tail (or where you want the blanket to end).  

You’ll want to use a soft measuring tape for this process, though you can also use a piece of string. If you do use string, cut it to the length needed, then compare it to a measuring tape to determine the right length. When you’re measuring, make sure to pull the tape or string tightly. It’s also a good idea to measure twice, just to make sure you get the right fit.