Picking the right horse rug is an important decision for you and your pony. There are many different styles to choose from, with designs to suit every size and breed. Once you’ve decided upon the horseware rug for you, fitting this accessory properly is crucial. Here’s a look at how to fit a horse rug for the first time.
Firstly, begin by taking accurate measurements of your horse before buying a horse rug. To get the correct size you will need to measure from the middle of your horse’s chest until the rear of its quarters (the buttock), along the full length of her body. Standard horse rugs comes in sizes from 4ft to 7ft, typically in increments of 3inches.
After purchasing a horse rug it is recommended that you take a clean cotton sheet and fit the rug over this to begin with. This will allow you to see if you are happy with the fit whilst keeping it clean in case you need to return it to the retailer. A thin fleece may also be suitable for this process, but cotton will generally offer the most accurate representation of fit as it is not bulky.
As you fit the rug, place it forward on the horse’s back and gently slide it back towards the tail until the front seams rest naturally forward of her withers. This is easy to do with a standard neck rug as the seam can be found around the neck pipe detail. On combo rugs or high neck designs there will be no seam, so ensure the rug fits comfortably with the contours of your horse’s shoulders and neck, this will naturally guide the rug into the correct position.
Follow the line of her shoulder to leave enough room for ‘cupping’ of the material. This ensures the rug does not pull on the shoulder.
Take a look at the top of the rug tail flap next. This should sat directly at the top of your horse’s tail. If the seam found between the rug and tail flap falls beneath the top of the tail – then your rug is too large.
Next you should fasten the chest and leg straps. These should be easily adjustable so that you can fit both to the correct width for a secure to be unrestricted fit. You need to get the rug tight enough to stay securely without slipping, but make sure it will not rub uncomfortably. Take the left legstrap and pass between your horse’s hind legs. Secure to the left hand side D-ring. Then, thread the right legstrap through the left leg strap between both legs and secure to the right hand side D-ring.
Under your horse’s stomach you will then find cross surcingles which should also be fastened. There should be a hand’s width room between belly and straps, and the straps should be fastened diagonally. Again all cross surcingles should be fully adjustable for the most comfortable yet secure fit.
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