Tips To Measure Horse Rugs Accurately

By Cornelia White


For people who own an equestrian animal, it is only appropriate to pick the best horse rugs that they can use in the stable. Remember that these animals live outdoors. While they may have a natural coat that can the weather, it is still appropriate to get them a rug to provide extra protection. This should help keep them safe.

Since a person is concerned about the animal, it is only appropriate to have the rug fitted properly. This is the most important factor to an animal's comfort and safety, after all. The person should not worry since the task of measuring the rug is easy nowadays. As long as the person has a soft measuring tape and knowledge about the proper way to do it, everything should be fine.

First of all, the owner should prepare a soft measuring tape for this task. One will need to hold the said measuring tape correctly to get the measurement of the equestrian animal. When measuring, make sure that this animal is relaxed and standing naturally. The best time to get the measurement of this beast is when it is eating in the stall or in the cross-ties.

The person should then stand near the animal's front shoulder. Take out the measuring tape and place it properly in one's left hand. After that, place the end of the measuring tape right at the middle of the animal's chest, right around the underneath of one's neck. Be careful not to startle the said animal to avoid problems.

Once the measuring tape has been properly positioned, the next thing that the person should do is to extend it across the animal's side until one cannot reach any further. Take note of this measurement which one can get on the tape. After that, one should then reposition the end of the measuring tape at the said point.

From this point, the person should then extend the said measuring tape. It should be extended along the animal's side, just before the measuring tape reaches the tail. The person should then note the measurement at approximately ten to 12 inches right below the point when the top of the animal's tail begins.

Remember to add the two measurements together. This is so that a person can obtain the right sizing for the animal's blanket. The blanket sizes usually come in two-inch increments, they can range from 64 inches for ponies to 84 inches for draft horses. If the measurement of one's animal falls between a 75, then pick the size 76 for the rug.

There are also tips or warnings that one has to pay attention to when it comes to this. For example, picking a rug that is too big for the animal will slip off and pose danger when the animal's legs get caught in it. More than that, an ill-fitting rug can easily cause rubs and sores on the animal's body.

It should also be helpful to have another person who can grasp the other end of this soft measuring tape, especially at the front of this animal. This is the best way to take accurate measurements for the horse rugs. There should be less trouble since the measuring tape is easier to flex compared to the other of its alternative.




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