Description
What size blanket does my horse wear?
It is very important to purchase a blanket that properly fits your horse. If your blanket is too small or snug around key parts of your horse’s body, it can cause rubbing and sores when the blanket is worn for prolonged amounts of time. Sores usually occur around the shoulder and withers, but can also be found along the back or anywhere the blanket can be pulled tight. On the other hand, purchasing a blanket that is too large for your horse can be just as harmful as a blanket that is too small. Blankets that are too large will hang lower on the horse’s body and could cause the horse to be tangled up when he or she is getting up from the ground from rolling or sleeping, therefore knowing what size your horse is will be critical in your buying process. If you have never measured your horse, or it has been a while and they have gained or lost considerable amounts of weight, it might be a good idea to re-measure. Measuring your horse is extremely easy. What you will need is a friend, a soft tape measure or a long piece of string. A helpful tip to get the best measurement would be to tie your horse and have him / her stand square (with both front and back feet next to each other). Have your friend hold one end of the tape measure or string at the center of your horse’s chest and take the tape measure or string around the barrel of your horse’s body to end at the center of the tail. Make sure that the tape or string is lying flat and is pulled taut around your horse’s body. Once you have the tape measure at the center of your horse’s tail, you have your measurement! If you used a string, keep track of your end mark and take the string to a hard tape measure to find your measurement. It’s a good idea to note that many blanket companies size their blankets by increments of 3”, for example – sizes 69”, 72”, 75”, 78” etc. If your horse measured at 70”, we recommend going up to the closet size, a 72”, because the front closure and leg straps are fully adjustable and can make up the 2” in difference, plus you should factor in a winter weight gain or winter coat. So now you have your blanket measurement!