How to measure horse for blanket

How to Measure a Horse for a Blanket: A Foolproof Guide (With Just Enough Sarcasm to Keep You Engaged)

Ah, measuring a horse for a blanket—a task that seems simple until you’re standing there with a flailing tape measure, a horse that suddenly has trust issues, and a growing sense of regret. But fear not! We’re here to break it down for you in a way that’s both informative and mildly entertaining (because, let’s be honest, the world of horse care could use more humor and fewer vet bills).

So, whether you’re a first-time horse owner or a seasoned equestrian who still manages to mess this up every year (no shame, we’ve all been there), this guide will ensure your horse ends up with a blanket that actually fits—rather than something that turns them into a medieval knight or an equine burrito.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools (and Your Sanity)

Before you even think about attempting this feat, you’re going to need a few key items:

A soft measuring tape (because rigid ones are about as useful as a chocolate teapot in this scenario)
A helper (preferably someone with quick reflexes and a good sense of humor)
A notepad or your phone (because you will forget the numbers five seconds after measuring)
A horse that isn’t in the mood to reenact a rodeo scene (good luck with this one)

Got all that? Great. Let’s move on.

Step 2: Position Your Horse (a.k.a. Bribery Time)

For best results, your horse should be:

Standing squarely (or as squarely as a creature with no interest in geometry can manage)
On level ground (because sloped ground is just asking for an inaccurate measurement and unnecessary drama)
Preferably calm (though we know this is asking a lot)

A little bit of bribery—aka treats—goes a long way in convincing your horse to participate in this nonsense.

Step 3: How to Measure Horse for Blanket – Find the Starting Point

The correct starting point for measuring a horse for a blanket is the center of their chest, right at the point where their neck meets their chest. Not the shoulder. Not somewhere near their chin because they moved mid-measurement. The exact middle of the chest.

Pro tip: If your horse thinks tape measures are terrifying, let them sniff it first so they can confirm it’s not a horse-eating snake.

Step 4: How to Measure Horse for Blanket – Stretch the Tape Along the Side

Now, here’s the fun part (if your definition of fun includes wrestling an inanimate object while your horse sighs dramatically). Take the measuring tape and stretch it in a straight line along the side of your horse’s body.

Keep it just above the shoulder and barrel—not too high or too low. Imagine where a blanket would naturally sit.
Try not to let the tape sag, or you’ll end up with a number fit for an elephant instead of your 15.2-hand Thoroughbred.
Keep the tape flat against their body but not too tight—we’re measuring for a blanket, not a corset.

Step 5: How to Measure Horse for Blanket – End at the Tail Base (Not the Buttcheeks!)

The tape measure should end at the point of the butt where the tail starts—not mid-rump, not at the dock, and definitely not halfway down the tail like your horse is shopping for an equine wedding gown.

This is the final number you’ll use to determine the blanket size.
Most horse blankets are sized in 2-inch increments (e.g., 72″, 74″, 76″). If your horse measures between sizes, go up to the next size—better a little roomy than too tight.

Step 6: Double-Check and Bribe Again

Measure twice because:

Your horse probably moved mid-measurement.
You probably second-guessed yourself.
The first attempt likely involved some form of chaos.

If both measurements match, congrats! You did it. If they don’t, well… take the average and call it a day. Your horse will be fine.

And don’t forget to reward your horse for their patience (or at least their tolerance). More treats, scratches, and promises that you’ll never make them do this again—until next winter.

Bonus Tips: Because Nothing Ever Goes According to Plan

If your horse is between sizes, size up. Too big is better than too small—because no one likes a restrictive wardrobe.
For growing horses, consider adjustable blankets. Or just accept that you’ll be buying a new one next season. (Welcome to horse ownership.)
If your horse is oddly shaped, expect trial and error. Draft horse with a barrel chest? High-withered Thoroughbred? Blanket shopping might feel like a quest for the Holy Grail, but persistence pays off.
Be prepared for different brands to fit differently. One company’s 78″ may fit like another’s 76″—because why make things easy?
Keep the return policy in mind. Because sometimes, despite all your efforts, the blanket still fits like a potato sack.

Final Thoughts (a.k.a. You Did It!)

Congratulations, you’ve successfully measured your horse for a blanket—hopefully without suffering a full existential crisis. Now you can confidently order that perfectly fitted winter wardrobe, ensuring your horse stays warm, dry, and (mostly) stylish.

Just remember: No matter how well you measure, your horse will find a way to destroy their blanket before the season is over. That’s just part of the contract you signed when you decided to have a horse.

Good luck, and may your blankets always be the right size (or at least not hilariously wrong).

This may help too: when to blanket a horse

Best

PS Please do leave a comment below if you’d like to add anything!