How to choose the size of your horse harness
This page explains how to choose the right size of horse riding equipment (tack).
Our staff, who are knowledgeable about equestrian equipment, will provide clear explanations to customers who are unsure which size to choose when purchasing Rexia horse tack.
Horse harness size chart
The size notation for horse harness is unique, and basically
- Cob size
- Full size
It can be divided into:
The word "cob" originally meant a "strong" or "rounded" horse, and the name is said to have come from the fact that the breed was traditionally thought of as a smaller horse than a pony.
Source: Wikipedia
Full is used in the opposite sense and means a large horse.
In general, we recommend the hump size for domestic thoroughbreds and smaller horses, and the full size for foreign horses and larger horses.
size | Applicable horse breeds | Height (height from ground to horse's back) |
Cobb |
Domestic horses A horse larger than a pony but smaller than a large horse |
Approximately 147cm~155cm |
Full |
Foreign horses and large domestic horses Heavy horses such as Shire |
157cm or taller |
In addition, sizes S, M, and L may also be listed.
size | Applicable size | Target size |
S |
Pony |
Pony |
M |
Domestic horses A horse larger than a pony but smaller than a large horse |
Cobb |
L |
Foreign horses and large domestic horses Heavy horses such as Shire |
Full |
Bib number, protector, bridle, etc.
As mentioned above, horse tack is generally labeled as this hump/full size.
Most of the following Lexia horse tack falls under this description.
- Bibs
- Protectors
- Bridle/Bladder/Striped
- Earnet
Below are some representative size notations.
Obstacle Bibs/Race Bibs

Protectors

Bridle/Bladder/Striped

Earnet

Horse riding
Horse bladder sizes are often measured by body length rather than by hump/full size.
Basically,
- The length from the front of the horse's chest to the tip of its rump
Length from dorsum to base of tail
Measure yourself to find the size that fits you best.
The size of the bridle you choose should fit snugly, not too tight and not too loose.
This is because during cold seasons such as winter, the horse may be required to wear the horse blanket all day, and if the blanket shifts while the horse is sleeping, there is a risk that the horse's feet will get caught in it.
To avoid choosing the wrong size, always choose a riding blanket that is the same size as the horse you are currently using, or measure your horse's body size with a tape measure or similar.
Standard horse rug size chart
Source: Weatherbeeta
By the way, if you write "cob" in full, it will be roughly classified like this.
size | Length from chest to buttocks |
Cobb | 168cm~191cm |
Full | 183cm~206cm |
Source: caribu horse
At Lexia, we provide a size chart on each product page.
Please use this as a reference when choosing your size.
Abdominal band
There are two types of belly bands: one for the riding arena and one for obstacles, and the type varies depending on the saddle used.
If it's not the right size, the girth won't reach your horse or it may be too loose and the saddle won't be able to securely attach to your horse.
Here's how to measure your waistband size:
- Saddle a horse
- Measure the length from one end of the saddle to the other with a tape measure.
- Measured length = minimum required length of abdominal belt
Belly bands are usually sized according to their overall length from end to end.
Belly bands for dressage arenas are shorter because the saddle top of the dressage saddle is longer, while belly bands for hurdles are longer because the saddle top is shorter.
However, I don't think these measurements are done very often.
You may want to try using a belly band that you normally wear, or borrow one from a riding club and try it on to measure the size.
Size calculation service
"It's a pain to measure the size every time." "I'm a beginner and I don't really understand."
If you are in this situation, we recommend our size calculation service !
If you enter your height and weight on the product page, the recommended size will be automatically displayed.
Please use this as a reference when choosing your size.
Click here for size calculation service
lastly
On this page, the staff of Lexia will explain how to choose the right size for horse tack.
If you don't know your horse's size or haven't decided on a horse to ride regularly, it's a good idea to ask the instructor or staff at the riding club, or check the size of the horse tack you normally use.
Additionally, at Lexia, we can also advise you on the recommended sizes for the various horse tack we carry via message or inquiry form .
We usually reply to messages within 10 minutes, so please feel free to use it!
*Please note that it may take some time to respond outside of business hours.