What rug size does my horse need?

You determine the rug size with a soft measuring tape, either as the back length from the withers to the top of the tail, or as the body length from the centre of the chest to the back edge of the hindquarters, depending on the manufacturer. Sizes that are common in Germany, such as 125, 145 or 155 cm, refer to the back seam for manufacturers like WeatherBeeta, while British sizes in feet, such as 6'3, refer to the body length.

WeatherBeeta advises choosing the larger size if your measurement falls between two sizes. It is best to measure with two people, on a calm horse standing square, and to compare your measurement with the size chart of the respective manufacturer.

By Julia Lühr, Ahrens Reitsport in Tangstedt · Updated 18 October 2026

How do I measure my horse’s rug size?

You measure the rug size with a soft measuring tape on a calm horse standing square. It is easiest with two people: one person holds the horse, the other uses the measuring tape. Which distance you measure depends on how the manufacturer gives its sizes.

Back length (back seam): from the withers along the topline to the top of the tail. The centimetre sizes commonly used in Germany are based on this distance, for example for WeatherBeeta.
Body length: from the centre of the chest to the back edge of the hindquarters. The British sizes in feet and inches are based on this distance, and Rutgers University also recommends measuring from the centre of the chest to the middle of the thigh.

How do centimetres and feet relate?

Centimetre and foot sizes measure two different distances, so they cannot simply be converted. The following table shows some values from the WeatherBeeta size chart. Other manufacturers differ from this: for example, Kentucky Horsewear assigns 80 cm to size 4'0 and 160 cm to size 7'0 for its cooler rug.

Size (back seam)	Size in feet	Body length
115 cm	5'3	160 cm
125 cm	5'9	175 cm
135 cm	6'0	185 cm
145 cm	6'5	195 cm
155 cm	6'9	205 cm
165 cm	7'3	225 cm

What do I do if my horse is between two sizes?

WeatherBeeta recommends choosing the larger size if your measurement is between two sizes. The increments there are 3 inches, which is roughly 7.5 cm of body length. Always check the chart of the manufacturer whose rug you want to buy, because the cut and size steps are different.

How can I tell if the rug fits well?

A well fitting rug lies on the withers and shoulders without pressing and covers the back and quarters to the top of the tail. Rutgers University warns that poorly fitting rugs can cause painful pressure points at the withers, rubs on the shoulders and general irritation. The University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna advises taking the rug off regularly and checking especially the withers for pressure points.

Nothing should dig in at the withers or in front of the shoulder.
The rug must not slip backwards when the horse is eating or moving.
Adjust belly straps and leg straps so that they do not rub but also do not hang loose.

In our shop in Tangstedt you can try rugs on and get advice on the fit.