How to measure your horse for a winter blanket: three horses wearing turnout blankets

How to Measure Your Horse for a Winter Blanket

A blanket that fits well stays put, keeps your horse warm and dry, and doesn't rub. One that doesn't fit can slip sideways, rub the shoulders raw, or press on the withers all winter. The good news is that measuring takes about five minutes and one soft tape measure.

What You'll Need

  • A soft fabric tape measure (or a piece of baling twine and a regular tape)
  • A helper to hold your horse, if you have one
  • A level spot where your horse can stand square

How to Measure, Step by Step

  1. Stand your horse square. Weight on all four feet, head in a natural position. If the head is up high or turned, your number will be off.
  2. Start at the center of the chest. Place the end of the tape in the middle of the chest, right where the neck meets the chest.
  3. Go across the widest part of the shoulder. Bring the tape back along the side, over the point of the shoulder.
  4. Keep it level along the barrel. Run the tape straight back along the side of the body, not up over the back.
  5. Finish at the tail. Stop at the point of the buttock, about where the blanket's tail flap would sit. Keep the tape snug but not tight.

That number in inches is your horse's blanket size. Most US blankets come in 3-inch steps, so you'll see sizes like 72, 75, 78 and 81.

If You Land Between Sizes

Measure twice. If you still land between sizes, look at your horse's build:

  • Broad shoulders or a big chest: go up a size so the blanket isn't pulling across the shoulders.
  • Narrow or fine-boned: the smaller size is usually better. A blanket that's too big slips and can twist under the belly.
  • Turnout blankets: leave a little room for movement. Your horse will be trotting, rolling and grazing in it.

Fit also varies from brand to brand, so check the size chart on the product page before you order.

Checking the Fit

Once the blanket is on, run through this quick check:

  • Withers: the blanket should sit just in front of the withers without pressing on them.
  • Shoulders: you should be able to slide your hand under the front at the shoulder without forcing it.
  • Chest: the front buckles should close without strain or a big gap.
  • Belly straps: about a hand's width between the straps and the belly. Too loose and a hoof can get caught.
  • Leg straps: loop them through each other between the hind legs so they don't rub.
  • Length: the tail flap should cover the top of the tail, and the sides should come down to around the elbow and stifle.

Watch your horse move and graze for a few minutes. If the blanket shifts to one side or bunches at the shoulder, it's likely the wrong size or shape.

Measuring Minis and Ponies

Use the same method. Miniature horses and small ponies usually measure somewhere between 36 and 66 inches. The Derby Originals Nordic-Tough Mini Turnout Blanket comes in 2-inch steps across that range, which makes it easier to get a close fit on a small horse.

Picking the Right Weight

Size is only half of it. You'll also want the right amount of fill for your horse and your weather:

The denier (600D, 1200D, 1680D) tells you how tough the outer shell is. A horse that's hard on blankets or lives out in a group is worth the higher number.

A Few Last Tips

  • Measure again each fall. Horses gain and lose muscle and weight, and last year's size may not be right.
  • Write the number down somewhere handy, like your phone or the barn whiteboard.
  • Try a new blanket on over a thin, clean sheet first and keep the tags on until you're sure it fits.

Ready to shop? Browse our Winter Barn Essentials collection for turnouts, stable blankets, coolers and more.

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