How to Measure Your Horse for a Winter Blanket

How to Measure a Horse for a Winter Blanket: A Complete Sizing Guide

Getting the right size horse blanket is essential for keeping your horse warm, comfortable, and protected during cold weather. A poorly fitting blanket can rub, shift, restrict movement, or leave your horse exposed to the elements. By learning how to measure your horse for a winter blanket, you can choose the correct size the first time and ensure proper coverage all season long.

This step-by-step horse blanket sizing guide, brought to you by the experienced team at Mary’s Tack & Feed, will walk you through exactly how to measure your horse and select the best blanket style for their body type.

Measuring the Length of Your Horse for a Blanket

The most important measurement when determining horse blanket size is your horse’s body length. This measurement corresponds directly to standard winter horse blanket sizes.

How to Measure a Horse for a Blanket

1. Make sure your horse is standing square on level ground.
2. Place one end of a soft measuring tape at the center of the chest. You can secure it with a martingale strap, a piece of non-sticky tape, or ask a barn friend to help.
3. Run the tape along the side of the horse, keeping it level and taut, over the widest part of the shoulder.
4. Stop where the tape first meets the tail—not the center of the tail.
5. Round up to the nearest full inch to determine your horse blanket size.

For example, if your horse measures 72 inches, you’ll want to look for a 72-inch horse blanket, or the closest available size based on the manufacturer’s sizing chart.

No Measuring Tape? No Problem

If you don’t have a long enough soft tape, use a piece of twine or string. Measure from chest to tail, mark the length, then measure the string with a ruler or tape measure. This method works just as well and is commonly used by experienced horse owners.

Choosing the Right Blanket Cut for Your Horse

While length determines blanket size, your horse’s build determines which horse blanket cut will fit best. Selecting the correct style helps prevent rubbing, slipping, and pressure points.

Taper Cut Horse Blankets

• Contoured fit through the body
• Wider opening at the neck
• Moderate drop below the belly
• Typically available in 2-inch size increments (68", 70", 72", etc.)

Taper cut blankets are ideal for horses with a more athletic or refined build.

Euro Cut Horse Blankets

• Boxier, roomier fit
• Smaller neck opening
• Deeper drop below the belly
• Usually sized in 3-inch increments (69", 72", 75", etc.)

Euro cut blankets work well for broader horses or those needing extra room through the shoulders and barrel.

Hybrid & Adjustable Fit Blankets

Some modern designs combine features of both cuts for a customizable fit. For example, the Terminator II Sure Fit Ultralight Blanket offers adjustability and thoughtful design for horses that fall between traditional sizing categories.

Always review the manufacturer’s sizing recommendations and closure systems when selecting a winter horse blanket.

Get Expert Help with Horse Blanket Sizing

Choosing the right winter blanket doesn’t have to be complicated. At Mary’s Tack & Feed, we stock trusted horse blanket brands, fitting accessories, and knowledgeable advice to help you find the best option for your horse.

Be sure to check out the Mary’s Tack & Feed Blanket Fit Guide for additional tips, compare sizing charts, and explore winter horse blanket options designed for comfort, warmth, and durability.

Our experienced team is always happy to help you get the perfect fit for your horse.