Caribu - Comparing our Rug Sizes.

We are often asked if Caribu rug sizing's are considered to be a generous fit or a smaller fit. Unfortunately the answer to that depends on the sizing of the rug you currently use - as its all comparative!

Caribu rugs are always true to size and based on standard Australian sizing- so if a rug is advertised as a 6'3", it will measure 6'3" (190.5cm) along the lower section of the rug, measured from the binding in between the chest buckles, rearwards along the length of the rug, to the rear edge of the rug. We also use a standard neckline, not high cut like some brands or with deep curved necklines like others.

When it comes to comparing sizing, we used to see many brands made especially for the Australian market and sizing. However in recent years, many manufacturers (including more than a few big name brands) have switched to manufacturing one rug size for distribution in all markets - Europe, UK, US and Australia, usually based on European sizing. Each region measures their rugs differently. Europe measures their rugs along the top of the rug, from wither to tail and refers to sizes in centimetres ie: 155cm, 165cm etc.

The European method of sizing can vary a rug size significantly, depending if the neckline is high cut or low cut. Hence their sizing doesn't always slot in neatly with Australian sizing when a manufacture comes to label these designs for the Australian market. Its not unusual for such a rug to be out by half a sizing or more, depending on if the rug has been labelled up or down to find the closest equivalent sizing. ie: a rug can be labelled as a 6'0, but when you measure them as described below, they can be closer to 5'9 or even 6'3.

If you have another brand of rug that currently fits your horse - don't rely on its sizing tag. Measure the rug - that way you can never go wrong.

Caribu Rug Sizes

We use the same design cut across our entire range of 25+ rug designs. As an example, if you purchase a Ripstop Polycotton Combo, you can rest assured that if you purchase a similar size in a another style of our rugs, it will use the same design cut and sizing. The only exception to this is for our 1200 Denier Synthetic waterproof turnout rugs and combos.

Different sizing is used on waterproof synthetic turnout rugs. Turnout rugs follow a slightly different sizing rule. Most turnout combos don't have a defined neckline, for both waterproofing advantages and to avoid pressure points when layering rugs underneath in the cooler weather. Turnout rugs allow extra length in the chest area to allow the front edges of the rug to overlap behind the chest buckles, to provide extra insulation and waterproofing. As such our Turnouts, as do most leading brands, will generally measure approx 4cm longer, along the lower length of the rug to cater for chest overlap. This also makes the rugs a little more roomier in the chest if needed.

How to measure your horse and/or existing horse rug.

When you need to rug a horse for the first time or when changing brands, it can be a daunting task to get the correct sizing. We suggest you measure both your horse and an existing rug that fits - if possible. Having two measurements to compare helps confirm your sizing.

To measure your horse to get an approximate sizing, measure in a straight line from the center of the horses chest (where the top chest buckle would sit), around the shoulder, along the side of the barrel and belly and around the rear to the point just around the rump. (Or where you expect the rug to finish). Its a good idea to measure both sides more than once! This measurement can be used as a guide for your rug size.

An easy way to measure your horse, is to use a tape measure that has imperial measurements on it (ie: feet and inches) . Measure your horse in the same way as mentioned above. As you get to the horses rump you can get an idea of where each size horse rug size will finish. Using the tape as a guide, check where you would expect the horse rug to finish and see how it correlates to imperial sizing. For example a 6'0 rug will measure 6'0 etc - so considering the 3 inch intervals in sizing that horse rugs follow, you can get an idea where a 5'9 or even a 6'3 will finish. Some people find this an easier method for measuring because you can see on the horse where the rug will finish. (1 foot = 12inches)

Measure your existing rug.
If you have an existing rug that fits your horse - its always a good idea to measure your existing rug. Don't rely on the sizing label on your existing rug - you may find your old rug has stretched or shrunk and many manufacturers don't use true sizing. Also keep in mind that Turnout rugs follow a slightly different fit/sizing (see above). To measure an existing rug, measure from the front edge of the rug, between the two chest straps, along the length of the rug - with gusset closed - to the rear edge of the rug.

Height In Hands	Imperial /Metric Size Guide
Under 9hh (Miniatures)	(3'3 / 99cm) to (3'6 /107cm) to (3'9 /115cm)
9.2hh to 10.2hh	(4'0 /123cm) to (4'3 /130cm)
10.2hh to 12.2hh	(4'6 / 137cm) to (4'9 /145cm)
12.2hh	(4'9 /145cm) to (5'0 /152cm)
13.0hh	(5'0 /152cm) to (5'3 /160cm)
13.2hh	(5'3 /160cm) to (5'6 /168cm)
14.0hh	(5'3 /160cm) to (5'6 /168cm)
14.2hh	(5'6 /168cm) to (5'9 /175cm)
15.0hh	(5'9 /175cm) to (6'0 / 183cm)
15.2hh	(6'0 /183cm) to (6'3 /191cm)
16.0hh	(6'0 /191cm) to (6'6 /198cm)
16.2hh	(6'3 /198cm) to (6'9 /206cm)
17.0hh	(6'9 /206cm) to (7'0 /213cm)

# The above table is to be used as a guide only - each horse is different and your horses weight, chest size, age and other characteristics need to be considered. Your horse maybe either side of the above sizing and it can be a difficult decision to go up a size or down a size if you don't have other rugs to compare. If you have any questions please feel free to ask us.

You will also often see sizing for items such as hoods, boots, bridles etc refereed to Pony / Cob or Full sizing. As a guide, the following is usually considered the industry standard:

Measuring - Common Sizing Issues

Common mistakes that effect sizing decisions:

• Don't rely on your existing brands size label - measure the rug to find its true size as many manufacturers rugs are not true to size.
  
• Some necklines on certain brands are often very deep cut (or poorly designed!) and this has the effect of making the rug a much bigger fit compared to better fitting brands in the same size.
  
• Winter or lined/padded rugs are often a tighter fit, when compared to normal summer rip stop rugs or sheets. This is due to the fact that the padding takes up additional space. Also keep in mind, that if you use a summer sheets, wool, fleece or similar rug under your winter rug to create layers - this adds more padding again and has the potential to create a tighter fit again. If your horse is normally borderline between sizes in a normal summer rug, this may mean the difference between going up/down a size.
  
• Young horses often have underdeveloped chests, which can make them a challenge to rug. Often a dart in the shoulder line can take up the slack and be taken out when the horse fills out.

How to avoid damage to your rug or horse:

While horse rug sizes are standard - horses aren't! They come in all shapes and sizes. Our rugs are designed to fit the major majority of horses, the majority of the time. Like people, there will always be horses that have shapes that don't confirm to the norm, and often a custom made rug is the best option.

A good match between your horse and your new rug will insure you have few problems. A poor fitting rug, due to incorrect sizing for your horse, will accelerate the likely damage to a horse rug. Horse rugs are usually damaged by:

• Having your horse in a rug a size to small, resulting in excessive pressure on chest buckles and the wither area and/or
• Having your horse in rug that is to large, resulting in a rug that slips easily on your horse and/or
• Having Leg straps fitted to loosely , and the horses rug slips, usually allowing the horse to either step thru the leg strap or catch their hoof on the strap - which results in the strap being pulled off.
• Loose Belly Surcingles, which allows the horse to get his legs caught in a strap when running or rolling.
• Any of the above issues are exaggerated when your horses rolls or canters.

Avoiding Rub Marks:

A good fit will reduce the likely hood of your horse developing rub marks from pressure points from a rug. We design our rugs in such away to insure that pressure on the chest and shoulders is kept to a minimum. We also incorporate anti-rub linings in our rugs. Keep in mind that some rugs are heavier than others (like Fly mesh or Turnout Rugs) and these will apply more weight to pressure points. Rub Marks are caused from a combination of :

• Incorrect sized rugs that are to loose or to tight for the horse in question,
• Late January to early March horses grow out there summer coat with a thicker winter coat, during this time a horse coat is more susceptible to rub.
• Wearing rugs for extended periods (ie: over winter) will eventually have an impact on pressure points and bibs are advisable
• Some horses have fine coats and are more susceptible to rubbing and may need a bib under heavier rugs to provide an extra layer of padding.
• Some horses have features which do make them more susceptible.
  

Caribu Sizing & Design

All our designs undergo extensive field testing before production, across a variety of studs and stables, they work in conjunction with us to evaluate and develop our product range. The current Caribu designs reflect many years of development and feedback from our customers from the tens of thousands of rugs we produce. You can rest assured, when purchasing a Caribu rug, that you are purchasing a rug design that has stood the test of time and been in use for many seasons. Rug technology keeps on changing with new fabrics, fittings and sewing techniques and our rugs keep pace with the needs of our customers and the benefits of new technology in the market place. We will always continue to fine tune our products.

While horse rug sizes are standard - horses aren't! They come in all shapes and sizes. Our rugs are designed to fit the major majority of horses, the majority of the time. Like people, there will always be horses that have shapes that don't confirm to the norm, and often a custom made rug is the best option.