A well-fitting blanket is key to your horse’s comfort. Too tight, and it can rub the shoulders or withers. Too loose, and it will shift, twist, or let in drafts. Measuring your horse correctly takes just a few minutes but ensures your blanket offers the proper protection, freedom of movement, and durability.
This guide explains how to measure your horse for a blanket step-by-step, includes a size chart for horses, ponies, and minis, and helps you understand how to choose the perfect Schneiders fit for your horse’s build.
What You’ll Need
Before you begin, gather a few simple tools:
- A soft measuring tape - a flexible, fabric-style tape - works best for contouring along your horse’s body.
- A helper - measuring is easiest with one person holding the tape at the chest while the other extends it toward the tail.
- A level area - make sure your horse is standing square and relaxed on flat ground for the most accurate measurement.
Tip: If you don’t have a measuring tape, use a piece of string or baling twine. Mark your measurement, then lay it flat alongside a standard ruler or tape measure.
Step-by-Step: How to Measure Your Horse for a Blanket
Getting an accurate blanket measurement only takes a few steps — but precision matters. Follow these directions to make sure your blanket fits perfectly.
Step 1: Find the Starting Point
Stand at your horse’s shoulder and locate the center of the chest, just above where the front legs meet. This is your starting point.
Why this matters: Starting too high or too low can throw off your measurement by several inches, especially on larger horses. Always measure from the center of the chest, not the top of the withers.
Step 2: Measure to the Tail
While your helper holds the measuring tape in place at the chest, stretch it along the widest part of the shoulder, over the barrel, and stop at the point where the tail begins.
Keep the tape snug but not tight, following the horse’s natural contour around the body rather than cutting diagonally across.
Why this matters: This curved line represents how the blanket will sit on the horse. Measuring straight or diagonally across the side will make your blanket too short or too long.
Step 3: Round Up if Needed
If your horse’s measurement falls between sizes, round up to the next size for a comfortable fit.
Example: If your horse measures 75 inches, order a size 75 blanket. If the measurement lands between 75 and 76 inches, go with a 76.
Why this matters: Blankets that are slightly too small can pull across the shoulders and restrict movement, while a slightly larger size provides flexibility for layering or thicker winter coats.
Horse Blanket Size Chart
Once you’ve measured, use this chart to find your horse’s corresponding blanket size. Schneiders blankets are sized so that you can match your measurement to the nearest listed size.
| Horse Size | Blanket Size (in inches) |
|---|---|
| Miniature Pony (under 38 in.) | 36 - 48 |
| Pony (10hh to 14.2hh) | 52 - 64 |
| Cobb (14.3hh to 15.1hh) | 66 - 70 |
| Medium-Sized Horse (15.2hh to 16hh) | 72 - 78 |
| Large Horse (16.1hh to 17hh) | 78 - 82 |
| Draft / XL Horse (17hh+) | 84 - 86 |
Note: Every brand’s sizing can vary slightly, so even if you’ve owned other blankets before, it’s worth re-measuring for a Schneiders blanket.
Mini Horse & Pony Blanket Sizes
Ponies and mini horses may be smaller, but their proportions are unique, so they need blankets designed for their body shapes. Standard horse blankets often don’t fit correctly because ponies and minis have shorter backs, broader chests, and rounder barrels. This difference can cause gaps, slipping, or tightness if the wrong fit is used.
When measuring a pony or mini, use the same method: start at the center of the chest and measure along the side of the body to the point of the tail. The process is identical to measuring a full-sized horse, but the sizes will typically fall between 36 and 54 inches, depending on age, breed, and build.
Mini Horse Blankets:
Mini horses benefit from designs with shorter drops that don’t overwhelm their smaller frames. Look for blankets labeled specifically as Mini Horse Fit, which have a contoured shape to prevent shifting and rubbing. Schneiders’ Mini Horse Blankets offer waterproof, breathable protection in turnout and stable styles, ensuring year-round comfort for your most diminutive equines.
Pony Blankets:
Ponies tend to have deep barrels and broad shoulders, requiring a fit that offers extra room in the chest but a shorter back length. Schneiders’ Pony Blankets are cut proportionally smaller with the same durable materials, waterproofing, and warmth options as full-size horse blankets. They stay secure during turnout and provide comfortable coverage without extra bulk.
Pro Tip: Even if your pony or mini seems to fit into a smaller horse blanket size, always choose one designed specifically for their body type. Pony and mini blankets are shaped differently, offering a more balanced fit that prevents shifting and keeps them warm, dry, and comfortable.
Tips for a Perfect Blanket Fit
Even with the correct size, a horse’s conformation can affect how a blanket fits. Here’s how to check your blanket once it’s on your horse:
- The blanket should lie smoothly across the shoulders without pulling or wrinkling.
- It should cover the barrel completely, stopping just before the tail.
- The front closure should sit high enough on the chest to avoid shoulder restriction.
- When your horse walks or grazes, the blanket should stay centered and not twist.
If you notice rubbing, pressure points, or slipping, your horse may need a different fit style- not necessarily a different size.
Common Measurement Mistakes (and How to Avoid Them)
Even a small error in measuring can make a big difference in how your blanket fits. Here’s what to avoid:
- Measuring only one side instead of following the entire contour.
- Pulling the tape too tight, which leads to a blanket that’s too small.
- Measuring diagonally from the chest to the tail - always follow the barrel’s curve.
- Rounding down instead of up, which causes shoulder restriction and rubbing.
Pro Tip: If your horse is growing, gaining muscle, or wearing multiple layers, consider sizing up for a more flexible fit.
Why Measuring Matters
A properly fitted blanket does more than look neat - it affects your horse’s comfort, mobility, and even skin health.
A good fit ensures:
- Even warmth distribution without drafts or pressure spots.
- Freedom of movement at the shoulder and neck.
- Prevention of rubs or sores on the withers or chest.
- Longevity of the blanket, since poor fit causes uneven strain on seams and hardware.
Whether your horse is turned out in a waterproof blanket, stabled in a liner, or layered through winter, taking five minutes to measure correctly makes a huge difference all season long.
Measuring your horse for a blanket may be simple, but it’s the foundation of every great fit. By following this step-by-step guide and using Schneiders’ size chart, you can find a blanket that fits perfectly, keeping your horse warm, dry, and comfortable through every season.
