How to Measure and Fit a Horse Compression Suit

Measure two things: the horse's height from the ground to the highest point of the wither, and its body length from the centre of the chest to the point of the buttock. Take both with the horse standing square on level ground, then order the suit that matches the height. A suit only applies the pressure it was engineered to apply when it fits, so a few minutes with a tape saves a wrong-size order.

How do you measure a horse for a compression suit?

Take height first. Run a straight line from the ground up to the highest point of the wither, without following the contour of the body. Hands (hh) or centimetres both work. A measuring stick is best; if you use a tape, hold it vertical and have a helper keep the horse's head level.

Then take body length. Start at the centre of the chest, follow the side of the body in a straight line, and finish at the point of the buttock, the furthest rear point of the hindquarter. This one is in centimetres or inches. The Hidez sizing guide sets out both measurements and is the reference to check against.

Which size should you order?

Order by height. The Hidez travel and recovery suit for horses is sold in half-hand height sizes, so you match the number you measured at the wither to the size in the product options. Body length is the cross-check: if your horse is notably long or short-coupled for its height, it is the measurement that tells you the standard cut may sit differently.

If you land between sizes, do not guess. Ask Hidez before ordering, because a suit that is too loose cannot deliver the gradient it is designed to apply, and one that is too tight will not be tolerated.

What does a correct fit look like?

Snug and even, with no slack and no strain. The fabric should lie smoothly against the coat from neck to hindquarter, without bunching behind the elbow or at the flank, and without pulling across the wither. The horse should be able to move its shoulders, walk and turn its head freely. If any area is wrinkled, check that the suit is straight and seated before you decide it is the wrong size.

Graduated compression means the pressure is greatest at the extremities and eases towards the heart, so do not expect the same feel everywhere. You are looking for firm, consistent contact, not tightness in one place.

How do you put a compression suit on a horse?

Calmly, and with the horse standing quietly and tied or held. Start with a clean, dry horse: dirt, sweat and loose hair under the fabric cause rubbing. Work slowly, give the horse a moment to look at and smell the suit first, and smooth the fabric into place as you go rather than pulling it on in one move. Hidez publishes a short how-to-fit video on the horse suit product page and on the sizing page, and watching it once before the first fitting is worth the few minutes.

For a horse that has never worn anything close-fitting, do the first fitting in the stable, not before travel or work. A short first session lets you see how the horse takes it.

What should you check once it is on?

Walk the horse a few steps and look at three things: whether the suit has shifted or twisted, whether any fabric is creasing under the girth area or behind the elbow, and whether the horse is relaxed. A horse that stands quietly and moves freely is a good sign. One that fidgets, rubs at the suit or swishes its tail hard is telling you something, and the suit should come off.

Each time you remove it, run a hand over the skin where it sat. Look for rubbed hair, heat or marks. Hidez gives four to twelve hours as the typical wear range, and our guide to how long an animal should wear a compression suit covers the detail, including when to shorten it.

Does the same measuring apply to socks and hoods?

The principle is the same, but the sizing key differs. Suits, horse socks and hoods are all ordered by the horse's height, with socks also bought as front or hind pairs. Measure the horse once and use the same height for each product, then read each product page for its own options. The wider horses collection shows the full range.

How should you look after the suit once it fits?

Wash it cold at 30°C with mild detergent, no softener, and air-dry it in the shade; heat damages the compression for good. The full method is in our guide to washing and caring for a compression suit.

When should you ask a vet instead?

When the horse has a wound, a skin problem, heat or swelling in a limb, lameness, or is unwell or distressed. A compression suit is a comfort and recovery aid for a sound horse; it is not a diagnosis, a treatment or a substitute for veterinary care. If a vet has told you what the horse may wear, follow that advice first.

The short version

Measure height at the wither and body length from chest to point of buttock, order by height, and ask if you fall between sizes. A correct fit is smooth, even and free to move in. Fit it first in a quiet stable, check the skin every time it comes off, and take any concern about the horse itself to your vet.