How to Measure Your Horse or Pony for a Blanket
How to Measure Your Horse or Pony Correctly
For the most accurate fit, have your horse or pony stand square on a level surface. Use a soft measuring tape and keep it lying flat against the horse without pulling it too tight.
Start at the center of the chest, where the front of the blanket will sit. Run the measuring tape along the side of the horse, across the widest part of the shoulder and barrel, continuing to the center of the tail.
Keep the tape following the natural contour of the horse’s body rather than pulling it in a straight line through the air.
The measurement you get in inches is the starting point for choosing the correct blanket size.
For example, if your horse measures 60 inches from the center of the chest to the center of the tail, you would generally start with a 60" blanket.
A few important tips:
- Measure the horse rather than relying on the size of an old blanket.
- Measure without a blanket, sheet, or saddle pad on the horse.
- Make sure the tape passes over the fullest part of the shoulder.
- Don’t pull the measuring tape excessively tight.
- If your measurement falls between sizes, check the individual product’s sizing information before ordering, since fit can vary by blanket style and manufacturer.
For Miniature Horses and Ponies, taking an accurate measurement is especially important because a difference of only a few inches can make a noticeable difference in fit.