Horse Rugs Size Guide

Horse rugs are designed to ensure lasting comfort for your horse during all kinds of riding activities. They prevent rubbing, chafing and slipping, keeping you secure while you’re in the saddle and cushioning your horse’s back to provide them with the protection they need.

Ayr Equestrian wants to ensure that your time in the saddle is always enjoyable. This guide can help you choose the right size horse rug for your horse to keep you both safe and comfortable on all terrain. 

Measurement Instructions

To measure your horse for a rug, use a soft measuring tape and measure in a straight line from the middle of your horse’s chest, around their shoulder, and along the size of their abdomen to the furthest point at their rump. 

Take these measurements a few times to get the most accurate sizing possible.

Fit Guidance

Once you’ve chosen a horse rug that corresponds with your measurements, it should sit comfortably forward and in front of your horse’s width. The top chest buckle should be able to be fastened to the tightest or second-tightest hole.

The rug you choose also needs to sit snugly around the chest and neckline, and the leg straps must sit firmly in place while still being slack enough to prevent chafing. Your rug’s surcingles should allow you to fit a hand’s width between your horse’s belly and the rug straps. The tail flap seam of the rug should also sit on top of your horse’s tail and not below or in front of it.

Adjustments

Most horse rugs have a variety of adjustable straps and buckles that make it easier to find the best possible fit. These include chest buckles, leg straps, and surcingles, which keep the rug firmly in place around the horse’s chest, belly, and legs to prevent chafing and slippage. 

Many also have a fillet cord or tail string. This allows you to pull your horse’s tail through the rug so it's not left underneath, limiting your horse’s movements.

Safety Considerations

Horse rugs are an important aspect of equine safety, helping to keep you and your horse safe and comfortable. They can protect your horse in a number of ways, from keeping them clean and dry to ensuring that they are free of chafing and irritation. They also provide extra grip for your saddle, keeping you securely in place during all types of riding activities.

Safety Standards

Horse rugs are usually rated in denier (or ‘D’). The higher the denier count, the tighter its thread weave. This indicates strength and durability. Many horse rugs are also rated in °C for cold temperature protection.

Horse Rug Care Tips

Keep your horse rug in excellent condition by using a bristle brush to brush off dry dirt and then hose it down. Use a specialised horse rug wash and warm water and scrub the rug thoroughly with a brush, focusing on any particularly dirty areas. 

Once washed, rinse the rug with clean water and consider using a horse rug conditioner to maximise its durability. You should also treat your horse rug with a re-waterproofing agent every few months to maintain its waterproof finish. If drying your rug using a tumble dryer, put it into an old duvet cover before adding it to the machine to protect it from damage.

When not in use, you can either store your rug in its original bag or vacuum bag to keep it in top shape.

FAQs

What denier count should I choose when buying a horse rug?

Look for horse rugs with a high denier count (1,000D and above) for optimum durability. 

What different types of horse rugs are there?

There are many different types available at top retailers like Ayr Equestrian, including turnout rugs, stable rugs, fleece rugs, summer rugs, and exercise and walker sheets.

How many horse rugs does my horse need?

This will depend on the riding activities you favour and your horse’s unique needs. Most experts recommend having at least a heavyweight and lightweight turnout rug, a stable rug, a fleece for cold weather, and a stable sheet to provide your horse with ideal comfort and protection throughout the year.