If you’re looking to purchase a horse rug online for the first time, don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!
Below is a detailed guide to help you select just the right size.
Why Rug Sizing Matters
A good fit helps ensure your horse is comfortable, protected, and able to move freely. Incorrectly sized rugs can cause chafing, slipping, or even safety issues.
With our Love My Horse design, we aim to accommodate a variety of horse shapes, making our rugs both secure and easy to adjust.
Measuring Your Horse
Start at the center of the chest where the top buckle would sit.
Run the tape around the shoulder and along the belly.
Finish at the rump, roughly where you want the rug to end—don’t go all the way around the rump to the tail.
Repeat a couple of times to confirm your measurement.
A 6’0 rug is exactly 6’0 from chest to rump when the chest buckles are done up to the tightest holes.
Love My Horse rugs have a huge chest size adjustment and can easily reach one full size larger which is great for growing horses.
This helps if you have horses that are in between sizes, you can adjust for a larger fit.
With rugs increasing in 3-inch intervals, you can figure out easily whether you need to go up or down a size.
Measuring an Existing Rug That Fits Well
Test the existing rug for fit, fasten the top buckle on the tightest hole, this will give you the maximum chest overlap; if you need to use the last (longest ) holes, the rug might be too small and change to the next size up.
A bigger chest overlap ensures comfort and less drafts.
Avoid relying on the size label alone, as different brands measure there rugs differently.
Lay it flat with chest buckles done up, and measure from the front edge (between the chest straps) straight along the side to the rear edge.
Love My Horse summer and winter rugs are exactly the same size, so if you want to layer with winter rugs I recommend going one size larger.
Checking your Rug Fit
Chest & Neck: Fasten the top buckle on the tightest hole, this will give you the maximum chest overlap; if you need to use the last holes, the rug might be too small and change to the next size up.
Withers & Mane: The rug should rest just in front of the withers without pulling or shifting.
Surcingles & Leg Straps: Leave enough slack for a hand’s width. Too loose can lead to slipping and tangling; too tight can cause discomfort.
Tail Flap: Ideally sits on the top of the tail. If it hangs behind the tail, size down; if it’s ahead of the tail, size up.
Remember, a rug that’s too large can create rubbing or slip back over the withers. That extra fabric can lead to bunching at the rear and potential tripping hazards.
Love My Horse Rug Sizing
All Love My Horse rugs are the same cut and size, giving you the confidence to buy any style.
Our design has been refined over the past 10 years, increasing in the ability to fit all horse shapes, high withers, broad chest and everything in between.
Please note: summer mesh rugs and cottons will tend to have a slightly larger fit, this is due to the slightly higher stretch of fabric.
Winter filling also takes up some of the internal space, giving a tighter fit.
New Zealand Sizing:
New Zealand customers please note. The New Zealand sizing system is different to the International or Australian sizing system.
To convert from the Australian sizing to New Zealand sizing please subtract 1’3”. Example a 6’3” Australian rug is a 5’0” in New Zealand.
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Turnout Rugs
Allow an approx 4cm extra in length measuring for a Turnout Rugs. This allows for a bigger chest overlap and accommodates layering without under rugs escaping their coverage.
It is popular to go one size bigger for your winter styles.
This additional length boosts waterproofing and warmth in wet or cold conditions.
No Neck Join Design
Our waterproof combos feature a continuous cut, removing that restrictive seam at the neck. This no neck join design encourages better movement, reduces pressure points, and keeps out rain and drafts.
Love My Horse does not offer a Detachable Neck options as I believe these designs are not 100% waterproof. Love My Horse is designing a new neck attachment design in the near future which will be 100% leakproof. Stay tuned for these in the coming months.
Common Pitfalls & Reminder
Always measure, labels alone can be misleading.
Necklines vary significantly across brands; a deep-cut neck can make the rug seem bigger.
Allow for layers in colder seasons, winter rugs have padding that takes up extra space.
Young or narrow-chested horses might need a smaller size than the measurement until they fill out. See the high wither wug design, these fit the younger immature shaped horses including Arabs very well with a smaller neck line.
Final Thoughts
Our goal is to keep both you and your horse happy and safe, which is why Love My Horse focuses on quality, affordability, and user-friendly features like bigger chest overlap, and no neck join design for waterproof confidence. With the right measurements and a bit of patience, you can find a rug that truly lets you say, “I Love My Horse.”
If you have any further questions or need help, feel free to reach out. We are here to make your online rug buying experience smooth and stress free!