How To Measure A Horse For A Turnout Rug
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Time to read 2 min
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Time to read 2 min
When buying a new turnout rug for your horse, it’s important to ensure you choose the correct size as an ill-fitting rug can slip, restrict movement or cause rubs and sores.
. In this blog, you’ll be able to learn how to measure a horse for a turnout rug, choose the right size and check the fit.
How to measure for a turnout rug
One of the easiest ways to check which size turnout rug you need is to measure your horse with a soft measuring tape.
For rugs measured in UK, USA and Australian sizes, you’ll need to measure the length of the horse’s body from the centre of the chest to the rear and note the measurement in inches or feet. If the turnout rug has European sizes, which are measured in cm, you’ll need to measure from the top of the horse’s withers to the tail.
Top Tip: Remember to check if you need to measure in centimetres, inches or feet and how to measure for these size options.
How to check a horse turnout rug fits
Once you’ve measured your horse and chosen the size needed, you’ll need to check your new turnout rug fits correctly. To do this, place a clean bedsheet or clean summer sheet over your horse and then try the turnout rug on them.
When the turnout rug is on your horse, adjust and secure the fastenings and check they have a safe and comfortable fit.
Surcingle straps should cross underneath the horse’s belly and there should be a hands width gap between the horses’s belly and the straps. If the turnout rug has leg straps, these should be fastened correctly and there should be a hands width gap between the horse’s leg and each strap.
At the front, the turnout rug should fit correctly when the chest straps are fastened. You should be able to fit your hand down the front as otherwise it may be too tight or too loose.
Additionally, you’ll also need to check the turnout rug fits well over the withers and the shoulders. At the withers and shoulders, it shouldn’t be too tight or too loose as this could make the rug slip or cause rubs and sores.
Finally, if the rug has a fillet string, this should be secured under the horse’s tail and shouldn’t be too tight or too loose.
Top tip: When checking the fit of the turnout rug, remember to keep the tags attached and keep the rug clean and tidy. If the turnout rug doesn’t fit, you may be able to return the rug to the retail outlet you purchased it from as long as it is in a saleable condition.
