A rug that fits stays put, doesn't rub and keeps your horse properly warm. One that doesn't will slip, pinch at the shoulders or leave their bum out in the rain. Two minutes with a tape measure saves the hassle of a return.

What you'll need

• A soft fabric tape measure, or a length of baler twine and a tape to measure it against
• A helper to hold your horse
• Your horse standing square on level ground

How to measure, step by step

1. Stand your horse square, with their head in a natural, relaxed position.
2. Place the end of the tape at the centre of the chest, where the neck meets the chest.
3. Run the tape along the side of the body, around the widest part of the shoulder and keeping it level.
4. Finish at the point of buttock, just to the side of the tail.
5. Read the measurement in inches or centimetres.

UK rugs are sized in feet and inches, going up in 3 inch steps. If your horse measures between sizes, go up one.

UK rug size chart

Rug size	Centimetres	Typical horse or pony
4'6"	137cm	Shetland
5'0"	152cm	Small pony
5'3"	160cm	12hh to 13hh pony
5'6"	168cm	13hh to 14hh pony
5'9"	175cm	14.2hh pony or small cob
6'0"	183cm	15hh horse or cob
6'3"	191cm	15.2hh to 16hh horse
6'6"	198cm	16hh to 16.2hh horse
6'9"	206cm	16.2hh to 17hh horse
7'0"	213cm	17hh+ horse

The height guide is a rough starting point only. Build matters more than height, so a stocky 15hh cob can need the same size as a lean 16hh thoroughbred. Always measure.

Check the fit

Once the rug is on, run through these checks before turning out.

• Withers: the rug sits just in front of the withers without pressing down on them.
• Shoulders: you can slide a flat hand under the rug at the shoulder. No tight spots.
• Chest: front buckles close without strain, with room for a hand.
• Length: the rug finishes at the top of the tail, and the tail flap covers the tail.
• Depth: the rug comes down to just below the elbow and stifle.
• Surcingles: cross-over straps sit a hand's width from the belly.
• Leg straps: a hand's width from the leg, and looped through each other to stop rubbing.

Different brands, different fits

Every brand cuts slightly differently. Some suit broad-shouldered cobs, others suit finer types. Check the size chart on each product page before you order, and keep the tags on until you're happy with the fit.

Worried about getting it wrong? Try the rug on over a clean summer sheet or stable rug indoors first, so it stays in perfect condition if you need to send it back.