Rug Size Charts

What size rug do you need for your horse?

At MHS Equestrian, all rugs are listed based on bottom length. The video below explains exactly how you can best measure the bottom length of your horse.

Finally, there is a table showing the average rug size based on the height at the withers. These sizes are purely suggestive because this way of determining the rug size is not precise.

Instructional video

Size Chart Clarification
Size	Description
	This is the size at the top of the rug measured from slightly in front of the withers to the tail.
	This is the size at the bottom of the rug measured from the middle of the chest to the buttock.
	This is the size of the side of the rug measured from just behind the withers towards the stomach.

Rug sizes by brand

All sizes are shown in centimeters.

Rug size estimation based on the height at the withers

Height at the withers
Height at the withers	Bottom length
70	85 – 90
75	90 – 100
80	100 – 105
85	105 – 110
90	110 – 118
95	118 – 125
100	125 – 135
110	135 – 145
120	145 – 155
130	155 – 165
140	165 – 175
150	175 – 185
160	185 – 195
170	205 – 215
>180	215 – 225

Note:
The table above is purely suggestive. A rounder ribbed horse often needs a larger size than a slender built horse in the same height. For example: Shetland (round) - Mini horse (slender) or Welsh (round) - Hackney (slender). If you are not sure of the rug size, we recommend that you always measure the bottom length of your horse.

Water resistance

The waterproofness of a rug is expressed in millimeter pressure per m², from 3000 mm/m² a rug is guaranteed waterproof and also sufficiently waterproof for protection during downpours. Our rugs can be distinguished in three degrees in terms of water resistance:

Water resistance
Specification	Water resistance
Up to 1000 mm	Water repellent
1000 – 3000 mm	Waterproof
3000 – 5000 mm	Guaranteed waterproof

Water repellent rugs: These rugs protect against the occasional shower and light drizzle. If a horse with this rug is in the rain all day, the rug will let water through.
Waterproof rugs: The fabric of these rugs is waterproof, but the seams are stitched. This allows water to leak through these seams during a larger amount and/or prolonged rainfall.
Guaranteed waterproof rugs: These rugs are stitched in such a way that the risk of water leakage is minimal. In extreme weather conditions, due to the combination of wind and downpour, water can always penetrate under the rug, no matter how well made the rug is.

Breathability

Many rugs indicate that they have good breathability. But what exactly does that mean? There is an international standard for the degree to which a rug is breathable, which is expressed in g/m² 24 hours and can be classified as follows:

Breathability
Specification	Air and moisture regulating
Up to 2000 g/m2	Mediocre
2000 up to 4000 g/m2	Good
4000 up to 5000 g/m2	Very good

Up to 2000 g/m² – Mediocre: This rug is not made of special air- and moisture-regulating materials and will not be able to absorb and transport much body fluids in circumstances where your horse starts to sweat. Rugs with mediocre breathability can become clammy on the inside on days with high humidity, making it appear that the rug is not waterproof. Even when it is a bit warmer and your horse may be sweating a bit, the rug can become clammy on the inside. The rug cannot then dissipate the excess heat quickly enough, causing condensation to form on the inside of the blanket.
2000–4000 g/m² – Good: This rug is made of special air- and moisture-regulating materials. These rugs are able to absorb and drain body fluids to a certain extent. In case of high humidity or when it is warm outside, this rug removes the moisture itself. This prevents your horse from sweating and the rug getting clammy.
4000–5000 g/m² – Very good: This rug is made of special air and moisture regulating materials. These rugs are able to absorb and drain body fluids. In case of high humidity or when it is warm outside, this rug removes the moisture itself. This prevents your horse from sweating and the rug getting clammy. These rugs are therefore largely self-regulating and optimal in all weather conditions.