How to Fit Your Horse's Blanket

Fitting your horse blanket… Here’s How

With the winter weather on the way and new blankets lining the shelves blanket buying and fitting can be a stressful time. Why not spend a little time and measure up your horse and buy a decent blanket that will last you instead of an ill fitting one that rubs.

Not all blankets are made equally and often have different cut along the shoulders that may or may not suit your horse. Don’t rush and find one that’s comfortable.

Here’s what I do.

1. Check the sales flyers and online! Sometimes they have good sales. I bought, this year 3 blankets at a $ 69 each. Great brand name Weatherbeeta and they are great!

2. Determine the size you need. Measure from the middle of the horse’s chest around the length of its’ body to its tail. If it is a half size go to the next inch or centimeter. Often blankets are sold in even numbers (76,78, 80, 82, 84) so keep that in mind if you land on an odd number then just go up to the next even number size.

3. Determine the type of blanket you need. Turn-out, stable, rain sheet, cooler all have different purposes and builds. Turn-out blankets are durable and waterproof for those creatures that go out during the day or those that live outside. Stable are usually non water proof and are suitable for clipped stabled horses that are in work and need to have blankets to help keep them warm. Rain sheets and coolers are other blankets with special uses during the horses training cycle.

4. Fit it properly. Check the blanket fit and ensure there is not possible sites for rubbing. Most rubbing occurs at the shoulders where a poor fit of the shoulder gusset slips back. This can be prevented by providing a ‘slinky’ under the blanket to prevent rubs. Other straps should be secured such as the surcingles should be secured tightly enough to fit approximately 1 hand width underneath. And leg straps should be tight enough so that horses will not step or hurt themselves on them.

Prior to putting it on the horse I spray new blankets with a coating of “Scotch Guard” to help make them waterproof and help repel dirt and stains.

If you have any questions please feel free to contact me at thistleridge@hotmail.com