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Measuring your horse!
European sizes are measured from the top of the horse Withers to Tail
Key to rug comfort is getting the correct size. Measure from the centre of your horse’s chest to the buttocks where you would expect the rug to finish. This gives you the bottom measurement in inches or centimetres. Or you may have taken the back measurement, either way, use the chart below to check it against Shires sizes.
UK/USA/Australian sizes are measured at the bottom of the horse from the centre of the chest to the rear Rugs
Bottom measurement (feet)
3'9"
4'0"
4'3"
4'6"
4'9"
5'0"
5'3"
5'6"
5'9"
6'0"
6'3"
6'6"
6'9"
7'0"
7'3"
Bottom measurement (inches)
45"
48"
51"
54"
57"
60"
63"
66"
69"
72"
75"
78"
81"
84"
87"
Back measurement (cm)
90
95
100
105
110
115
120
125
130
135
145
150
155
165
170
Turnout Rug Neck Size Guide
Foal Rug Back measurement (cm)
65cm 71cm 78cm 82cm 85cm
Bottom measurement (inches)
33"
36"
39"
42"
45"
Bottom measurement (feet)
2'9"
3'0"
3'3"
3'6"
3'9"
73cm
79cm
85cm
Neck Size
S
M
L
XL
Rug Size
4'6" - 5'0"
5'3" - 5'9"
6'0" - 6'3"
6'6" - 7'3"
Miniature Rugs Back measurement (cm)
65cm
68cm
Bottom measurement (inches)
33"
36"
39"
42"
45"
Bottom measurement (feet)
2'9"
3'0"
3'3"
3'6"
3'9"
Fitting a rug
• Fasten the breast straps so that the fabric overlaps underneath them. The straps should be tight enough to hold the rug in place, but not so tight that the rug’s shape distorts. This could cause pressure points around the chest and wither area.
• Cross surcingles when fastened should allow a hand’s width between them and the horse’s tummy to ensure legs cannot get caught should the horse lie down, but not so tight to make the horse uncomfortable.
• Leg straps should be fastened left strap around the left hind leg, fastening back to the left side. The right strap then passes around the right hind leg, looping through the left strap and fastening back to the right side. There should be about 4-5” between the strap and the horse’s legs to prevent the rug slipping but without causing the horse any discomfort.
• If the rug has a fillet string or strap instead of leg straps, loop this under the tail and attach so that it secures the back of the rug to help hold it in place.
• Ensure the rug fits well over the withers and shoulders. Too loose and it will slip back when the horse moves, too tight and it may rub your horse.
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