Choosing the right size horse cover is essential to keep your horse comfortable, dry, and protected—especially through the unpredictable New Zealand weather. Unlike many other countries that measure horse covers from the centre of the chest to the tail, in New Zealand we measure from the withers to the tail. This difference can make finding the right size confusing if you’re used to international sizing charts.

How to Measure Your Horse Correctly

1. Use a soft measuring tape and start at the highest point of your horse’s withers (the ridge between the shoulder blades).
2. Run the tape straight along your horse's spine to the point of the tail dock (where the tail begins).
3. Make sure your horse is standing square and relaxed for an accurate measurement.
4. Record the measurement in feet and inches—as this is the standard sizing used for covers in New Zealand.

This measurement will give you your horse’s NZ cover size. Most brands offer covers in 3-inch increments (e.g. 4’9, 5’0, 5’3, 5’6, etc.).

Converting International Sizes to New Zealand Fit

International horse cover sizes are usually measured from the centre of the chest to the end of the rump, which gives a longer measurement. To convert these to a New Zealand-style fit, the best rule of thumb is to deduct 1 foot 3 inches (15 inches) from the international size.

For example:
An international size 6’6” (measured chest to tail) will generally equate to a New Zealand size of 5’3” (measured wither to tail).

Why Correct Cover Fit Matters

A poorly fitting cover can cause rubbing at the shoulders or withers, restrict movement, or slip and shift—leading to discomfort, pressure points, and even injuries. A cover that fits correctly should sit neatly across your horse’s back without pulling or sagging, and allow freedom through the shoulders and hips.

Note on Horseware Covers:

When purchasing Horseware rugs, sizing can vary slightly between styles. The Amigo and Rhino ranges tend to run a little small, so we usually recommend going one size up from your horse’s regular NZ fit. The Rambo range is more true to size, so your horse’s usual measurement should be the correct one.

At Canterbury Saddlery, we stock a carefully selected range of covers from trusted brands like Horseware, Cavallino, and WeatherBeeta—offering options to suit a variety of builds, weather conditions, and budgets. From lightweight summer sheets to heavyweight winter combos, we’re here to help you get the right fit.

If you’re unsure about sizing or how a particular brand fits, feel free to reach out—our knowledgeable team is always happy to help.

Choosing the right weight of rug or cover for your horse can feel like guesswork - especially with New Zealand’s unpredictable weather. But getting it right is essential for your horse’s comfort, health, and coat condition. Factors like temperature, wind chill, rain, as well as whether your horse is clipped, aged, or turned out 24/7, all influence how much protection they need.

Here’s a practical guide to help you choose the right rug weight for your New Zealand sport horse - particularly those who live outdoors year-round.

Rug Weights Explained

• Horse rug weights are typically broken down into four main categories:
• No fill / Rain sheet (0g): Waterproof outer layer only; no insulation.
• Lightweight (50g–100g): Minimal fill; provides basic warmth plus waterproofing.
• Medium weight (200g–250g): Offers substantial warmth and insulation in colder weather.
• Heavyweight (300g–400g): Designed for extreme cold or vulnerable horses needing maximum warmth.

What to Consider When Choosing Rug Weight

1.  Temperature & Weather Conditions
As a general guide, here’s what many Kiwi riders use based on temperature alone (for a horse turned out 24/7):

• Over 16°C – No rug, or a light rain sheet (0g) if wet.
• 12–16°C – Rain sheet or 50–100g if clipped or weather is windy/damp.
• 8–12°C – 100g–200g for clipped horses or those with finer coats.
• 4–8°C – 200g–250g (medium weight) for most unclipped horses; heavier for clipped.
• Below 4°C – 300g+ for clipped or older horses, especially if wet and windy.

Wind chill and rain can dramatically increase the need for insulation, even when actual temperatures are mild. 

A damp, cold wind cuts through an unclipped coat just as it would through clothing.

2. Clipped vs Unclipped

Clipped horses lose their natural insulation and require heavier rugs, especially overnight and in wet or windy conditions. Full clips often need a medium or heavy rug even at moderate temperatures, while a trace or blanket-clip may need less.

Unclipped horses can regulate body temperature more naturally but still benefit from waterproof protection in persistent rain or if they're prone to losing weight in winter.

3. Age, Condition & Breed

Older horses, or those that struggle to hold weight, generally need more warmth and should be rugged more generously, particularly overnight. Fine-coated breeds (e.g. Thoroughbreds, Warmbloods) often need extra insulation compared to hardy types like ponies or cobs.

Horses in work may also benefit from lighter day rugs to avoid overheating and heavier rugs overnight for recovery and warmth.

New Zealand Conditions: What Works for Pasture-Based Sport Horses

In New Zealand, many performance horses are kept out in pasture year-round. A smart layering system using a well-fitted waterproof outer (like a rain sheet or lightweight combo) and a liner or stable rug underneath can help adapt to daily changes in temperature without needing multiple heavy rugs.

Using high-performance covers with breathable linings and reliable waterproofing ensures your horse stays dry, warm, and comfortable without sweating up or becoming chilled.

Final Tips

Always check under your horse’s rug feel behind the shoulder and along the back to ensure they’re warm/temperate but not hot.

Avoid over-rugging: sweating under a heavy rug in mild weather can cause coat issues and discomfort.

A good neck rug can help preserve warmth without overloading the body with fill.

Choose brands known for quality fit and insulation - Horseware, WeatherBeeta, and Cavallino are brands we trust and recommend.

Still unsure? Our team is always happy to help you select the right rug weight based on your horse’s coat, condition, and daily routine. A well-chosen rug helps your horse stay comfortable through every season and ultimately saves you money in the long run.

Finding a horse cover that fits well isn’t just about choosing the right size - it’s also about understanding how different brands are shaped, what features they offer, and how they suit different builds.

At Canterbury Saddlery, we stock three of the most popular and reliable rug brands in New Zealand: Horseware, WeatherBeeta, and Cavallino. While each brand has its strengths, they do fit a little differently - here’s what to look for when choosing the right one for your horse.

Horseware Rugs (Amigo, Rhino, Rambo)

Horseware rugs are known for their smart design and superior freedom of movement. While their Amigo and Rhino ranges typically don’t include traditional shoulder gussets, they’re cleverly shaped through the actual shoulder to allow full freedom without the need for extra panels. This makes them a great option for a wide range of builds from narrower, finer types through to more solid horses.

Most Horseware rugs feature three cross-over surcingles for extra stability and a fillet string under the tail in place of leg straps. This design keeps the rug secure while allowing your horse complete freedom behind. Many models in the Horseware range, also offer detach-a-neck options, giving you flexibility in changing conditions – These are referred to as ‘Plus’ while their standard non-detachables are called ‘Integrated’.

While Horseware sits at the higher end of the price spectrum, it’s very much a case of high performance matched with long-term value – well crafted, durable, and thoughtfully engineered for all-day comfort.

WeatherBeeta Rugs

WeatherBeeta offers a wide range of rug styles and fits, so it’s helpful to consider the individual model when selecting a cover:

The WeatherBeeta Essentials range is a more budget-friendly option and tends to be slightly less generous through the chest. For broader horses, many models within this range are also offered in a “wide” fit, which gives extra room where it’s needed.

The WeatherBeeta ComFiTec range tends to offer a roomier fit across the chest and is more accommodating of horses with a broader front or deeper girth. This range also includes detach-a-neck styles, giving you the ability to remove the neck cover when it’s not required.

With a range of fits and features across the collection, WeatherBeeta remains a popular choice for riders looking for versatility, value, and durability.

Cavallino Rugs

Cavallino rugs are a go-to favourite for many Kiwi horse owners thanks to their generous fit, especially through the chest and shoulder. They tend to suit a variety of builds but are especially well-liked for broader horses. Cavallino covers also feature a cotton lining, which is a standout for added breathability and comfort, especially during shoulder season or for horses prone to sweating.

With thoughtful design features and reliable performance, Cavallino rugs strike a balance
between comfort, fit, and affordability making them a strong contender for everyday use.

Which Rug is Right for Your Horse?

If your horse has a particularly wide or narrow build, or you’ve struggled with rubbing or shifting in the past, understanding these brand-specific differences can make all the difference. We’re always happy to help guide you through the options and find the right fit based on your horse’s shape and your riding routine.

At Canterbury Saddlery we stock a wide selection of Horseware, WeatherBeeta, and Cavallino covers, with knowledgeable support to help you choose the best style and size.

Whether you're looking for a premium, high-performance rug built to last or a practical everyday option, we’re here to help you find true value in the right fit.