How to Properly Measure Your Horse for a Rug

Keeping your horse comfortable and protected is essential, and a properly fitted rug can help achieve that. In this step-by-step guide, you will learn how to measure your horse to ensure the perfect fit for a rug, providing them with the necessary warmth and protection.

Gather the necessary tools.

Before you begin measuring your horse for a rug, make sure you have all the necessary tools. You will need a flexible measuring tape, a pen or marker, and a helper to assist you in holding the tape and keeping your horse still. Having these tools ready will make the measuring process much easier and more accurate.

Measure the length of your horse's back.

To measure the length of your horse's back, start at the base of the withers (the highest point of the shoulder blades) and extend the measuring tape all the way to the point of the buttocks. Make sure the tape is following the natural curve of your horse's back and is not pulled too tight or too loose. Have your helper hold the tape in place while you mark the measurement with a pen or marker. This measurement will give you the length of your horse's back, which is crucial for finding the right size rug.

Measure the width of your horse's chest.

To measure the width of your horse's chest, start at the point of the shoulder and extend the measuring tape straight across to the other side. Make sure the tape is snug against the horse's body but not too tight. Have your helper hold the tape in place while you mark the measurement. This measurement will give you the width of your horse's chest, which is important for determining the correct size rug.

Measure the length of your horse's neck.

To measure the length of your horse's neck, start at the base of the withers (the highest point of the shoulder blades) and extend the measuring tape along the top of the neck to the poll (the highest point of the head). Make sure the tape is snug against the horse's neck but not too tight. Have your helper hold the tape in place while you mark the measurement. This measurement will help you determine the correct size rug for your horse.

Measure the length of your horse's belly.

To measure the length of your horse's belly, start at the point where the neck meets the body and extend the measuring tape along the underside of the belly to the point just before the hind legs. Make sure the tape is snug against the horse's body but not too tight. Have your helper hold the tape in place while you mark the measurement. This measurement will help you determine the correct size rug for your horse and ensure a proper fit.