How to measure your horse for a rug
UK horse rugs are sized by one measurement: from the centre of the chest, along the side, to the point of the buttock, in feet and inches. Rug sizes go up in 3-inch steps, so you only need a tape measure and about a minute. The size finder above does the maths for you.
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Measure in three steps
- Stand squareLevel ground, weight on all four feet, head straight.
- Start at the chestHold the end of the tape at the centre of the chest.
- Stop at the buttockKeep the tape level along the side to the point of the buttock, just in front of the tail.
Horse rug size chart
Find your measurement in the right-hand column. Between two sizes? Most owners go up one.
| Rug size | Measurement | Suits about |
|---|---|---|
| 4'0" | 122 cm | 118 to 126 cm |
| 4'3" | 130 cm | 126 to 133 cm |
| 4'6" | 137 cm | 133 to 141 cm |
| 4'9" | 145 cm | 141 to 149 cm |
| 5'0" | 152 cm | 149 to 156 cm |
| 5'3" | 160 cm | 156 to 164 cm |
| 5'6" | 168 cm | 164 to 171 cm |
| 5'9" | 175 cm | 171 to 179 cm |
| 6'0" | 183 cm | 179 to 187 cm |
| 6'3" | 190 cm | 187 to 194 cm |
| 6'6" | 198 cm | 194 to 202 cm |
| 6'9" | 206 cm | 202 to 210 cm |
| 7'0" | 213 cm | 210 to 217 cm |
| 7'3" | 221 cm | 217 to 225 cm |
Some European brands size rugs in centimetres measured a different way, so always check the size notes on the product page.
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Rug sizes: your questions
What if my horse is between two rug sizes?
Most owners go up to the larger size, especially for turnout rugs, which need room for movement. Brands cut slightly differently, so check the size notes on the rug you choose.
Do I measure in centimetres or inches?
Either works. UK rug sizes are given in feet and inches, so a 190 cm measurement is about 75 inches, which is a 6'3" rug. The size finder above converts it for you.
How should a horse rug fit?
The front should fasten without pulling, the rug should sit just in front of the withers without pressing on them, the shoulders should move freely, the belly straps should cross with about a hand's width to spare, and the rug should reach the top of the tail.
Are rug sizes the same in every brand?
The measurement method is the same for UK sizes, but the cut varies between brands and styles. Product pages show each brand's own size notes.
Rug fitting advice from the Just Horse Riders team, in line with the British Equestrian Trade Association (BETA) sizing guidance. Last reviewed 2026-10-09.