Posted
PE Know How / Horse rugs
A good rug fit starts with the horse.
Measure from the centre of the chest, around the shoulder and along the side to the furthest point of the hindquarters, close to the tail. Use that length to find a starting size. Then check how the rug sits at the chest, shoulders and withers as the horse moves.
How to measure your horse for a rug
Stand your horse square on level ground. Ask someone to hold the horse while you measure with a soft tape. Take the measurement on the horse, as rugs from different ranges can sit differently even when they carry the same size.
- Start at the centre of the chest. Hold the end of the tape where the two sides of the rug would meet.
- Follow the shoulder and body. Keep the tape against the horse’s side and follow its shape without pulling tight.
- Finish at the hindquarters. Read the length at the furthest point, close to the tail. Record it in centimeters or inches. Repeat if the horse moves.
From the Premier Equine archive. Use the length along the side to find the UK rug size. The back seam is measured along the topline.Premier Equine horse rug size chart
Start with the chest-to-hindquarters measurement in the first two columns. For example, 183 cm (72 in) corresponds to a UK 6′0″ rug with a 130 cm back seam in the original chart. Use the individual rug’s size guide to check your choice.
| Rug length | Back seam | Horse height | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| cm | in | UK size | cm | hands | cm |
| 114 | 45 | 3′9″ | 75 | 10.2 | 107 |
| 122 | 48 | 4′0″ | 80 | 11.0 | 114 |
| 130 | 51 | 4′3″ | 85 | 11.2 | 117 |
| 137 | 54 | 4′6″ | 90 | 11.2–12.0 | 117–122 |
| 145 | 57 | 4′9″ | 95 | 12.0–12.2 | 122–127 |
| 152 | 60 | 5′0″ | 100 | 12.2–13.2 | 127–137 |
| 160 | 63 | 5′3″ | 110 | 13.2–14.0 | 137–142 |
| 168 | 66 | 5′6″ | 115 | 14.0–14.2 | 142–147 |
| 175 | 69 | 5′9″ | 125 | 14.2–15.2 | 147–157 |
| 183 | 72 | 6′0″ | 130 | 15.2–16.0 | 157–162 |
| 191 | 75 | 6′3″ | 140 | 16.0–16.2 | 162–167 |
| 198 | 78 | 6′6″ | 145 | 16.2–17.0 | 167–173 |
| 206 | 81 | 6′9″ | 155 | 17.0–17.2 | 173–178 |
| 213 | 84 | 7′0″ | 160 | 17.2–18.0 | 178–183 |
| 221 | 87 | 7′3″ | 165 | 18.0 | 183 |
Horse height is an approximate reference from the original chart. Horses of the same height can have different body lengths and shoulder shapes.
Five checks before you turn out
Position the rug squarely and follow the fastening instructions for that model. Look at the horse from both sides. If it is safe to do so, watch a few steps and see how the neckline sits when the horse lowers its head.
How the cut changes the fit
If the back length looks right but the chest pulls or the rug moves at the shoulder, compare cuts before changing size. The neckline, gusset and front fastening affect where the rug sits and how freely the horse moves.
Buster 50g
The deep Buster cut has an extra-high elasticated shoulder gusset. Worth comparing for a broader horse that needs room through the front.
Akoni 0g
Uses the original Buster pattern and extra-high gusset with a 600D diamond-weave polyester outer. A similar cut with a different outer fabric.
Titan 40g
The mid-height elasticated shoulder gusset gives you another front shape to try when the length is right.
Stratus 600D 0g
Try the different shoulder profile when there is spare material through the front in a high-gusset rug.
Common rug fit questions
What if my horse measures between sizes?
Use the individual model’s guide and compare the two sizes against your horse’s shoulder, withers and body length. Buster and Akoni have roomier front cuts. If you are unsure, give us the measurement and tell us which rug you are considering.
How can I tell if the rug is too small?
Look for tightness at the chest or shoulders, pressure at the withers and a restricted stride. Rubbing or short coverage at the hindquarters are reasons to reassess.
How can I tell if the rug is too big?
Watch for a neckline that slips back, excess fabric or a rug that turns to one side as the horse moves. Check the fastenings and how the cut sits through the front.
Can I use the horse’s height or the rug’s fill weight?
Use the measurement around the side and the horse’s build for sizing. Height gives a rough reference. Fill weight tells you about insulation.
Continue with PE Know How
Compare rug weights, fabrics and turnout options in How to Choose the Right Turnout Rug.
See the Stratus and Akoni rugs in more detail in the PE Know How films.
