Getting the Right Fit for Your Snuggy Hood and Rug

Right, let’s talk sizing. It’s not the most exciting part of buying new kit, but it’s one of the things you really want to get right.

Our recent customer survey showed that sizing and fitting still leave quite a few of you scratching your heads. Which size should you choose? How snug should it feel? And is the hood actually too small, or just sitting in the wrong place?

So, here’s a practical guide to help take some of the guesswork out of it.

Start with your horse, not just the label

“I usually buy this size” is a useful starting point, but check before ordering.

For hoods, use our size chart to compare your horse’s height, build, bridle size and usual rug size together. Height alone doesn’t tell the whole story — two horses standing at the same height can be rather different shapes.

You’ll find the full chart in our size guide. Treat it as a starting point, then check the fit on your horse.

Between sizes? Check the fabric first

There isn’t one sizing rule for every hood:

• Lycra hoods: choose the smaller size if between sizes.
• Fleece hoods: choose the larger size if between sizes.
• Turn Out and Sweet Itch hoods: choose the closest match in the chart.

Different fabrics stretch differently, so don’t automatically repeat a sizing choice across products.

Rugs need a fresh look too

Our stretch rugs fit closely, so your usual loose-fitting turnout rug size may not be the best match.

Measure from the centre of the chest, around the body, to the back of the hind leg, following the pictures below. Then check the advice for your particular rug — lightweight liners, for example, have different sizing guidance from stretch rugs.

A few minutes with a tape measure is time well spent. Especially compared with staring at two sizes in your basket and hoping one of them is right.

Check where the rug settles

Follow the fitting demonstration and pull the rug back into its settled position. The tail flap seam should sit just above the tail base, with the neck opening roughly five inches ahead of the withers.

If wearing a hood too, the rug should overlap it.

Before you decide the hood is too small

Check where it’s sitting first.

Try it on a clean horse in the stable. Secure the belly strap just behind the elbow; placing it further back effectively shortens the neck.

Check that the eye and ear openings line up, the nose fastening is comfortable, and the hood stays clear of the eyes and withers with the head lowered.

 

his is where seeing it done can be much more useful than another paragraph of instructions. Have the video handy while you try it on, and follow the instructions supplied with your hood.

Still unsure? Show us

You don’t need to work it out on your own.

Send us hood photos with your horse’s head up and down, or rug photos from the side and rear. Tell us the product and size you’re trying, so we can help check it.

If you’re uncertain about a hood covering the face, remove it and contact us before leaving your horse unattended or turning out.

A few minutes now saves a lot of faff later

Check the size before ordering, watch the fitting video before trying it on, and give yourself time to get everything sitting properly.

For the full product advice, head to our size guide and fitting guide.

And if you’re still looking at your horse thinking, “Does that look right?” — get in touch. We’re happy to help!