Horses do not naturally require blankets in the wild, but horse owners may decide to blanket their horses depending on harsh weather conditions, such as cold, wet weather, and intense sunlight. A horse blanket can protect a horse from insects, eczema, rain, cold, snow, wind, and other horses biting them.
Horse blankets are measured differently worldwide. We have created a horse blanket size chart to help you accurately measure your horse for the perfect fit before purchasing your new blanket.
The guide also converts horse blanket sizing when for different countries as some depending if the brand shoes the horse blanket sizes in cm, inches, or feet and inches. A well-fitting blanket should not rub your horse's shoulders or hang too loose and cause blanket slipping. Read our extensive guide below to ensure the proper fit for your horse.
Measure Horse for a Blanket (USA, Canada, Australia)
- Use a soft measuring tape, and it's a good idea to have your horse tied up securely to before you take your horse's measurement.
- Place the measuring tape at the center of the chest of your horse (as per the photo below). Go around the widest part of his shoulder.
- Place the other end of the measuring tape at the center of the tail.
- The horse blanket size is the total length across your horse's body in a straight line in inches (for US brands), centimeters (for European brands), or feet and inches (for Australian brands).
This size chart is valid for blanket companies such as Weatherbeeta, Horseware Ireland, Tough 1, Back on Track, Dover, Kensington, Schneiders, Equestrian Stockholm, Smartpak, Dura-tech, and more; Remember that a Weatherbeeta blanket is slightly oversized in its sizing, so size down if unsure.
Measure Horse for a Blanket (Europe, New Zealand)
- Use a soft tape measure. Tie your horse up securely before you take your horse's measurement.
- Place the measuring tape at the top of the horse's wither (where the neck meets the horse's back).
- Place the other end of the measuring tape at the top of the tail
- The blanket sizing will be the total length in cm for Europe and feet and inches for New Zealand.
Horse Blanket Size by Height
| HORSE HEIGHT | AUSTRALIA | USA/UK | EUROPE | NEW ZEALAND |
| hands | feet + inches | inches | cm | feet + inches |
| 9.2-10 | 4'3 | 53" | 85 | 3' |
| 10-11.2 | 4'6 | 56" | 90 | 3'3 |
| 11.2-12 | 4'9 | 59" | 95 | 3'6 |
| 12-13 | 5' | 60" | 105 | 3'9 |
| 13-14 | 5'3 | 63" | 115 | 4' |
| 14-14.2 | 5'6 | 66" | 120 | 4'3 |
| 14.2-15 | 5'9 | 69" | 125 | 4'6 |
| 15hh-15.3 | 6' | 72" | 135 | 4'9 |
| 15.3-16.1 | 6'3 | 75" | 145 | 5' |
| 16.1-16.3 | 6'6 | 78" | 150 | 5'3 |
| 16.3-17.1 | 6'9 | 81" | 155 | 5'6 |
| 17.1hh + | 7' | 84" | 160 | 5'9 |
Horse Blanket Types Explained
- Stable blankets
- Turnout blankets - The amount of insulation can be different for turnout blankets. A blanket with no fill is referred to as a rainsheet. While a thick turnout blanket for the winter months with polyfill is referred to as a winter blanket. All turnout blankets are usually waterproof regardless whether they have fill or not.
- Fly Sheets—lightweight sheets can be used in summer to protect against flies and other insects. Lightweight blankets are also great for protecting horses from direct sunlight in the hot summer months.
- Horse Coolers
- Lycra Sweats
Horse Blanket Terminology
Please note that horse blankets have different names in different countries.
- Denier
- Fill
- Surcingles
- Chest straps - the chest closure straps that secure the blanket in the front.
- Lining
- Tail straps - A piece of string that sits underneath the horse's tail and keeps the blanket more secure over the horse's back.
- Tail flap
- Leg straps
Our horse blanket size chart will help you find the right blanket for your horse. Feel free to reach out to us if you need any assistance!
