- <\/ol><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
- Fill & Weight<\/strong>: blankets tend to be thicker and have an inner fill to them and sheets tend to be lighter weight and be just a single layer without filling<\/li>
- Location<\/strong>: stable blankets and stable sheets are for inside the barn, whereas a turnout blanket acts as a protective layer while your horse is in the field, paddock, or pasture)<\/li>
- Water resistance<\/strong>: stable blankets and sheets are not meant to be waterproof since they’re mostly used inside, but turnout blankets and sheets usually have some degree of water resistance<\/li>
- Fit & Cut<\/strong>: although it’s not always the case, stable blankets can have a tighter fit since the horse won’t be moving around as much, whereas turnout sheets & blankets will have a looser cut to allow for more movement<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
You will use the same measuring process whether you’re getting a blanket or a sheet, so I will use the two terms interchangeably in this article.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nThe Importance of a Good Fit<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
There are several reasons why you want to make sure you get the proper blanket size for your horse:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
1. You Want Your Horse to Be Comfortable<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
It\u2019s very important that your horse\u2019s blanket fits them well, as it can be uncomfortable for your horse if it doesn’t. Your horse isn\u2019t going to like having restricted movements or portions of the blanket rubbing against him or her because it’s too tight. (Too much rubbing could even result in hair loss<\/a> for your horse!)<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the blanket is too big, it could get caught on things or causes your horse to trip or stumble while out in the pasture\u2014not good!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The last thing you need is your horse trying to actively remove his or her blanket because they’re uncomfortable. I can tell you for a fact that this can damage the blanket, and your horse might end up injured.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"measuring](\"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/measuring-for-a-horse-blanket-1024x819.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n2. You Want the Blanket or Sheet To Do Its Job!<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
I can’t stress this enough: blanket size is important. If it doesn’t fit properly, it won\u2019t do the job that you bought it for. Blankets should create a protective barrier between your horse and everything else.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If it’s is too big, then mud, insects, and excess moisture can get trapped between the blanket and the horse. This can cause discomfort and irritation for your horse. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Conversely, if it’s too small, the blanket may not properly cover all the parts of your horse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"measuring](\"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/measuring-horse-for-blanket-1024x819.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\n3. You Want Your Horse to Be Safe<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
When sheets don\u2019t fit properly, they may also be a threat to your horse\u2019s safety, especially when your horse is turned out in the pasture and they have the freedom to move around a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If they are too tight and rub against certain portions of your horse for too long, they may cause irritation and sores that could then get infected.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If the blanket is too large, it could flap beneath your horse\u2019s belly. In addition to this being uncomfortable for your horse, it could also result in injury from your horse stumbling and tripping over it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
As we discussed earlier, a sheet that\u2019s too big could also get caught on things and prevent your horse from moving around and cause your horse to pull and jerk. Your horse trying to remove it from discomfort could also cause injury to your horse as the sheet could pull at their skin, or restrict jarring movements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nHow to Measure Your Horse for a Blanket Correctly (Step by Step)<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The only equipment you need to measure a horse for a blanket is a soft measuring tape<\/strong>! But I will say, ideally you should have two people to make the process easier. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
So go find a friend! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Got your friend? Okay, let’s get into it.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 1:<\/strong> Have your horse stand squarely in an area with some room around him or her. You want your horse in a neutral position and on level ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 2:<\/strong> Stand on the horse\u2019s left by their front leg and have your helper stand on the horse\u2019s left by their hind leg.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 3:<\/strong> Run the measuring tape from the middle of the horse\u2019s chest at the point where the bottom of your horse\u2019s neck meets his or her chest. Run the tape over the widest part of your horse\u2019s left shoulder and pass it to your helper.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 4:<\/strong> Make sure the measuring tape runs along the horse\u2019s side closely, and keep the tape pulled tight. Bring the end of the measuring tape to the point of your horse\u2019s rump where it meets the tail such that it runs parallel to the ground in a straight line.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"How](\"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/how-to-measure-a-horse-for-a-blanket.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nStep 5:<\/strong> Write this horse measurement down.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Step 6 (For 1 person):<\/strong> If you do not have a helper, simply follow the same guidelines but reach as far as you can yourself and place your finger there. Note that measurement and then bring the beginning of the tape measure there and reach the middle of the tail. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Add up the measurements to get your total.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\n\n\nMatching To Horse Blanket Sizes<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now you need to take your measurements and make sure you match it to the right blanket or sheet size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blankets generally have two different types of sizing depending on whether they are American or European made\u2014much like human sizes! American sizes go by 2-inch increments whereas European sizes go up by 3.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Regardless of what make you get, unless your measurement falls precisely on a size, you want to go ONE UP<\/b> to the closest available size.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you are planning on layering the blanket with another blanket or draping it over a saddle (a dress sheet) for competition arenas, then you want to go a size higher.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Note that some companies will have sheets that run slightly big or small, just like people\u2019s clothing brands. But this measuring technique will get you very close to most of their measurements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some brands will have their very own measuring techniques from the manufacturer to reflect the specific blanket cut. Definitely read through those to double-check in case their methods are different, particularly if you are getting a specialty sheet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/how-to-measure-a-baby-horse-for-a-blanket-1024x819.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nRecommended Horse Blanket Brands<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Now, you might be wondering if there are any specific horse blankets or sheets I recommend over others. There sure are!<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Here are a few more guides that you might find helpful for your blanket shopping:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How to Find the Best Horse Blanket for Your Needs<\/a><\/li>
- How to Choose the Right Horse Blanket for Your Climate<\/a><\/li>
- Your Guide to Turnout Blankets<\/a><\/li>
- My Review of the WeatherBeeta Blanket<\/a> (one of the best blanket brands!)<\/li><\/ul>\n\n\n\n
![\"Check](\"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2016\/04\/check-that-your-horse-can-graze.jpg\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nSo, Does Your Horse Blanket Fit Properly?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Great\u2014you\u2019ve got your blanket! Here are some quick things you can do to make sure it fits properly before you leave your horse in it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Getting dressed<\/strong> – Are you able to easily fit the blanket on your horse without obvious tightness or looseness?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Grazing<\/strong>\u00a0– Is your\u00a0horse able to lower his or her head to the floor without difficulty? Place a treat on the ground and check if there is any pressure at the front of the blanket.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Bathroom<\/strong> – Can your horse \u2018have a bowel movement\u2019 without any issues?<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Shoulder room<\/strong> – Does the blanket fit well over the shoulders? Try slipping your hand between here – there should be just enough room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Withers room<\/strong> – Is there enough room between the sheet and the withers? Try slipping your hand between here – there should be just enough room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
I hope this guide saved your time and problems getting your horse a great blanket. Happy riding \ud83d\ude42<\/p>\n\n\n\n
- How to Choose the Right Horse Blanket for Your Climate<\/a><\/li>
- Location<\/strong>: stable blankets and stable sheets are for inside the barn, whereas a turnout blanket acts as a protective layer while your horse is in the field, paddock, or pasture)<\/li>
\n\n\n\n
What Are Horse Blankets Even For? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
It might seem like an obvious question for some horse owners, but new horse owners might wonder if a horse blanket is even necessary! <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Blankets are useful to protect your horse\u2019s coat and keep them healthy and warm. Without a blanket, they could be exposed to damaging conditions such as wind, rain, cold weather, snow, too much sun, or excessive heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
![\"how](\"https:\/\/equestrianbootsandbridles.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/04\/how-to-measure-for-a-horse-blanket-1024x819.png\")
<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n\nThere are plenty of different blankets to choose from depending on what you need based on where you live, your horse’s age, your budget, etc.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n You’ll also may need a few different blankets based on whether your horse will be staying in the barn or turned out in the pasture. There are stock blankets, turnout blankets, and there are even fancy blankets useful for competitive events<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Horse blankets generally the same purposes, but you may want a different kind depending on a few things:<\/p>\n\n\n\nTerminology: What’s the Difference Between a Stable Blanket, Turnout Blanket, and Stable Sheet?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n