Ensuring your horse’s blanket fits correctly is key to their comfort, protection, and overall well-being. A well-fitted blanket prevents rubbing, slipping, and discomfort, keeping your horse happy in any season. Follow this guide to determine the best size and fit for your horse.
How To Measure Your Horse
To find your horse’s correct blanket size, follow these steps:
- Stand Your Horse on flat, even ground
- Use a soft measuring tape
- Start at Point A - The center of your horse's chest
- Run the measuring tape across the widest part of the shoulder
- End at Point B - The center of your horse's rear, under the tail
- Keep the measuring tape level and taut - Having a second person help can make this easier
This measurement (in inches) is your horse’s "True Size," used for sizing the majority of blankets we carry. Most blankets are sized in 3-inch increments (e.g., 72", 75", 78"). If your horse falls between sizes, we recommend sizing up to ensure the best fit.
Find your blanket size
| If your horse measures | Your blanket size | Also written as | Roughly Suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 43–45" | 45" | 3'9" | 9–10 hh |
| 46–48" | 48" | 4'0" | 10–11 hh |
| 49–51" | 51" | 4'3" | 11–12 hh |
| 52–54" | 54" | 4'6" | 12–12.2 hh |
| 55–57" | 57" | 4'9" | 12.2–13 hh |
| 58–60" | 60" | 5'0" | 13–13.2 hh |
| 61–63" | 63" | 5'3" | 13.2–14 hh |
| 64–66" | 66" | 5'6" | 14–14.2 hh |
| 67–69" | 69" | 5'9" | 14.2–15 hh |
| 70–72" | 72" | 6'0" | 15–15.2 hh |
| 73–75" | 75" | 6'3" | 15.2–16 hh |
| 76–78" | 78" | 6'6" | 16–16.2 hh |
| 79–81" | 81" | 6'9" | 16.2–17 hh |
| 82–84" | 84" | 7'0" | 17–17.2 hh |
| 85–87" | 87" | 7'3" | 17.2–18 hh |
| 88–90" | 90" | 7'6" | 18 hh + |
Between two sizes? Go up, not down. A blanket that's fractionally long still sits correctly; one that's short rubs at the shoulder and slips.
66" and 6'6" are not the same size. They're nine inches apart. 66" is written as 6'6" only in the sense that six feet six inches equals 78" — so always check which system a listing is using before you order.
Fit Recommendation
While measuring your horse provides a crucial starting point, other factors can influence the final fit. A horse’s back length, shoulder width, and hindquarter size all play a role in determining the best blanket size. Some horses may need to size up or down depending on their unique build. Additionally, different blanket brands and styles may fit differently, even when labeled the same size.
We provide our Fit Recommendation to offer guidance on how specific products fit (true to size, small, large, broad shoulders, etc.) as well as our Guaranteed Fit policy (Returns & exchanges for 30 days).
Checking The Fit
Once your horse is wearing the blanket, check the following:
✔️ The front closure should allow for natural movement without gaping or pulling.
✔️ The blanket should lie flat across the back without shifting.
✔️ The surcingles should be snug but not tight - allow a hand’s width between the straps and your horse’s belly.
✔️ The tail flap should sit comfortably without restricting movement.
A properly fitted blanket will stay in place without rubbing or slipping, keeping your horse comfortable in any weather.
Blanket Experts Here To Help
Still unsure on sizing? Contact Us for personalized sizing advice!
Horse Blanket Sizing: Common Questions
How do I measure my horse for a blanket?
Stand your horse on flat, even ground and use a soft measuring tape. Start at the center of the chest, run the tape across the widest part of the shoulder, and end at the center of the rear under the tail. Keep the tape level and taut. That measurement in inches is your horse's true size. A second person makes this much easier.
What size blanket does a 16 hand horse need?
Most 16 hand horses take a 75" or 78" blanket. Height is only an approximation though. Always measure your horse from chest to tail for an accurate size, since build matters as much as height.
What size blanket does a 15 hand horse need?
Most 15 hand horses take a 69" or 72" blanket. Measure to confirm, as a stocky 15 hand horse may need a larger size than a fine-boned one.
What if my horse measures between blanket sizes?
Size up. Most blankets are sized in 3-inch increments, such as 72", 75", and 78". If your horse falls between two sizes, the larger one will fit more comfortably and is less likely to rub at the shoulders.
Do all blanket brands fit the same?
No. Back length, shoulder width, and hindquarter shape vary between brands and styles, so the same horse may need a different size in different brands. Your measured true size is the starting point, not the final answer.
How do I know if a horse blanket fits correctly?
A well-fitted blanket sits smoothly without pulling at the chest or shoulders, does not slip sideways when the horse moves, and does not rub at the withers or shoulders. You should be able to slide a flat hand between the blanket and the horse's shoulder.