How to Measure Your Horse for a Kensington Blanket
Kensington Protective Products has provided the following information on how to measure your horse for a properly fitting Kensington blanket:
Measure Twice, Buy Once
Fitting a Horse Blanket: Here’s how to get the perfect fit.
All you need is a cloth measuring tape
(or a string that can be placed on a rigid measuring tape).
1. Stand your horse up squarely on a level surface.
2. Take the end of the tape in your left hand and place it in the center of the chest.
Measuring for a blanket
3. With your right hand, draw the tape along the side, across the widest part of his shoulder, keeping the tape level and taut.
4. Bring the tape to the midpoint of
the buttock (about 10 to 12 inches below the place where the tail joins
the body).
5. Note the measurement. If you come out with an odd number, round up to the next even number for a Traditional or Standard-Cut blanket. If purchasing a European-Cut blanket,reduce the measurement by 2 inches.
Exact measurments are best for getting the perfect blanket fit; however, you can also approximate blanket size based on horse height using the following chart:
Horse Size (In Hands) |
Blanket Size |
11 1/2 | 58” – 60” |
12 -13 1/2 | 64” |
13 1/2 – 14 1/2 | 68” |
14 1/2 -15 1/2 | 72” |
15 12 – 16 | 74” |
16 – 16 1/2 | 76” |
16 1/2 – 17 1/2 | 78”- 80” |
18 | 82” – 84” |
Horse blankets are available in Traditional and European Cuts. Traditional Cuts are ideal for horses with broad chests (Quarter Horses) and high withers (Thoroughbreds). Kensington offers specialized cuts for Minatures, Shetland Ponies, Friesians and draft horses.
Comparing Blanket Cuts European Vs Traditional
European Cut Features | Traditional Cut Features |
Seamless Back | Contoured Back and Rear |
Loose Fit | Cut Back Neck |
Longer Drop | Single Belly Strap |
High Neck | |
Criss Cross Belly Strap |
Once you have your Kensington blanket, here is how to assess the blanket fit.
Check the Following Areas for Blanket Fit: