Fitting Information

Rugs

Please read this before ordering – our sizing’s different from regular rugs. Our rugs are true to the label length (when laid flat), but because they stretch and fit snugly, many people size down 1–2 sizes from their usual turnout or loose-fitting rugs.

Be picky about fit! Watch the fitting videos before trying it on. Not sure? Send us some side and back pics for help. When fitting, stand behind your horse and pull the rug firmly back. That shows where it’ll settle after wear. It shouldn’t hang past the top of the tail. The tail flap seam should sit just above the tail base. The neck should start around 5 inches in front of the withers. It’ll feel tight at first – the front will loosen and shape over time.

Lucky

Example:
Lucky, our Shire ambassador (17.3hh/180 cm), normally wears 7'0 but fits perfectly in our 6'6 (78").

Trying on the Rug

  1. Make sure your horse is clean.
  2. Undo the Velcro straps underneath.
  3. Slip the neck opening over the head.
  4. Pull the rug back into place and fasten the side Velcro (aim for the front edge of each patch).
  5. Pull the tail over the elastic strap and fasten the tail wrap if there is one. The fleece pad should sit just in front of the withers.
  6. Check the rug length – it should stop at the top of the tail. If using a hood, make sure the rug overlaps the top of the hood.


Click the video below to see a rug fitting in action.

Rug Fitting

Bug Body/Base Body Rugs

These are designed to fit tight and stretch. They must not cover the tail base – the tail flap seam should sit just above it. The neck starts 5 inches ahead of the withers and should feel tight. Some people go 1–2 sizes smaller to get the snug fit.

  1. Start with a clean horse.
  2. Remove the neck piece. Undo the belly Velcro.
  3. Pull the neck opening over the head.
  4. Pull the rug back, fasten both sides.
  5. Bring the tail over the strap, wrap and fasten. Fleece pad should sit in front of the withers.
  6. Check the length – it should end at the top of the tail.
  7. Slide the neck piece over the head and down the neck, adjust Velcro to fit.
  8. Secure the neck at the withers and chest so no gaps remain.

Let your horse lower its head – the neck should stay in place.
Watch the Bug Body fitting video below.

Bug Body/Base Body Fitting

Udder- / Sheath Covers

This product must be a close tight fit !! Straps must pull up between hind legs fastening high up either side the tail. If rug is either too long or straps are too long the sheath cover will collect droppings. Any concerns, check with us first, sending photos for us to check.

Udder Cover Fitting

Sheath Cover Fitting

Hoods

Before trying on any Snuggy product, make sure your horse or pony is clean and dust-free. Try the hood in the stable first, just in case your horse needs time to adjust.

Without zip? Hold the neck part with both hands, slip it gently over the nose, and pull it back over the face and neck. Make sure the eyes and ears fit properly in the holes.

With zip? Place the big opening over the head and zip it into position. Straighten the mane under the back of the hood.

Thread the belly strap through the elastic loop and fasten it just behind the elbow – not further back, or it’ll shorten the neck. Adjust the Velcro at the nose so it’s not too tight or too loose. Make sure the hood doesn’t press into the eyes or withers, even when your horse lowers its head. Only turn them out once you’re happy with the fit and they’re comfy.

Check the photo to the left for a good fit example.

Still unsure? Take two pics (head up and down) and email us – we’ll help you check the size. Click the videos below to watch our fitting demo.

Pull-On

Zip

Headless Hoods

Make sure your horse is clean before trying it on.

No zip? Undo the top Velcro, gather the neck fabric, and pull it over the nose and head.

With zip? Slip the big opening over the head and zip it into place.

Straighten the mane from the back. Thread the belly strap through the loop and secure it just behind the elbow (not further back). The chest might puff out a bit – that’s fine. Fasten the Velcro under the neck so it lines up right behind the cheekbone. Make sure the neck is long enough and stays behind the ears even when the horse lowers its head. Check for comfort before heading out. Click below for the Pull-On and Zip headless hood fitting videos.

Zip

Pull-On

Masks

No zip? Slip over the nose and ears. Tighten all elastic adjusters – it should fit snug, not baggy.

With zip? Open, place on the head, zip up, then tighten the elastic.

For best fit, tighten the adjusters while the horse has its head down.
IMPORTANT – Always sew the spare Velcro loop piece to the top of your rug neck. Attach the mask’s D-ring here to keep it in place. No sewing machine? Use plaiting thread – it’s strong and easy to find. Need extra Velcro loops for more rugs? Just ask us.
When the horse lowers its head, make sure the mask stays clear of the eyes and doesn’t slide forward.
Watch the mask fitting video below.

Zip & Pull-On

Waterproof Tailbag

Option 1 – Braided tail: Braid the tail from the bottom, tuck it in the bag, thread the Velcro through the top of the braid and fasten. Tighten the toggle.
Option 2 – Unbraided: Braid 2–3" below the tail base, tie it off. Open the Velcro on the tail bag, grab the tail, pull it into the bag, close it. Then thread the Velcro at the top through the braid and fasten. Tighten the toggle.
You can fold the tail guard in half by running the bottom toggle loop through
the top toggle.

Rug Liners

  1. Start with a clean horse.
  2. Slip the neck over the head.
  3. Pull the rug back and position the tail over the elastic. The neck should sit just in front of the withers – not on or behind them.
  4. Check length – should end at the top of the tail.

Using a hood? Thread the hood belly strap through the liner loops and fasten.
No hood? Use a string or elastic to connect the two loops if needed.

General Tips

You can use the hood with a full or combo rug, but if the rug already rubs, the
hood won’t fix that. Our hoods are water-resistant, not waterproof – they were designed this way over 30 years ago, before rugs had neck covers. Perfect to wear on their own.

In heavy, ongoing rain, the hood might feel wet, but your horse should still feel warm and dry underneath. Leave it on – it’ll dry just like their coat would, and it blocks wind.

If your horse comes in wet at night, keep the hood on – it’ll dry within the hour. We personally rotate two hoods and wash them weekly. Unless we’re riding, they stay on. If they get muddy, they’ll just get muddy again. Wash every two weeks with plenty of detergent and softener.

Want extra water resistance? Use Nikwax Polar Proof – it goes in the wash with
the rug.

Any concerns? Just reach out to us.