I own approximately 5,000 blankets in sizes 72 - 81, but little 2-yo dude is really more of a 66-68. He looks like he’s wearing his older brother’s hand-me-down pyjamas, but at what point is a too-big blanket actually problematic? I did break down and buy him a suitably-sized rainsheet, but I’m cheap and was hoping to get by without a winter blanket purchase (that I’m HOPING he’ll outgrow this year). Thanks!!
If it rubs, or if it is so big in the shoulder that it lets rain get down his neck, it is too big. If it hangs off his butt but seems to be comfortable otherwise, it’s fine.
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My wallet and I both thank you! 
For me, if the back hangs too far down, edit - or prevents them lifting their tail that the blanket or straps are poop covered it’s unacceptable.
But that’s me
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Something to watch out for. He’s only been in it since yesterday, so I’ll check for that today 
If it’s moving back so far it starts binding the withers or shoulders, it’s too big.
If it’s so long that it’s easy for a hind foot to step on it while lying down such that it makes it difficult to impossible to get up, it’s too big.
Ditto the length causing trouble lifting the tail enough to poop
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Ill fitting rugs, sadly, can have longer term consequences. If the horse is unable to lift it’s tail because the rug is too long that can mess up it’s back. If the rug doesn’t fit on the shoulders/withers that can mess up their stride. I recall a story of a good dressage horse who lost any freedom in its shoulder after being cramped into a too small rug for many winter months.
Rugs, IMO, are largely for human comfort rather than that of the horse. OK, assume crash position NOW!!!
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While I do agree that way too many people over-blanket horses, and this includes even just putting one on just because the human is cold, there are so many situations where blankets are for the horse’s comfort, and to the detriment of the human who then has to put them on and take them off LOL
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Thanks, everyone. I checked in better light and sadly it’s a no go – poop on the back, and I can see where it could start to rub his shoulder. So, I’m soon to own 5,001 blankets (I guess I know what my birthday present this year will be…).
(I agree on the over-blanketing – I’ve left a 30+ yo mare unblanketed all winter because I was sure she was happier that way. But I think this little guy legitimately needs one.)
Thanks for the input – if anyone wants to take a stab at explaining how and why I have 5,000 blankets, that would be much appreciated as well. I swear they breed in storage.
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I moved house. I was stunned by how many pairs of riding boots I own.
And how many whips.
And how many pairs of riding gloves.
Nonetheless, they all moved with me.
They might be useful, one day.
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Find something used that fits him? Look on Ebay.
There is a reason they make blankets in sizes and if you have ever worn something that doesn’t fit you it is not comfortable or fun.
An ill fitting blanket can be a danger as well.
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Many riding schools, therapeutic riding centers or rescues are happy to take blankets that are still reasonably functional. Maybe 1 snap or buckle is missing, or it isn’t 100% waterproof, etc. Just a suggestion if you need to downsize your blanket collection, but some are in “too good to throw away” condition. 
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Great suggestion, and I swear I’ve done this several times already… and STILL have way too many. (I also lost two horses this year, so my needs are changing). But a great reminder!
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Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss. You obviously take good care of your herd having the right blankets for varying temps/health conditions.
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Ebay in Canada kind of sucks because most items are from the US and the shipping is insane. However, I may have tracked down something used that’s local to me.
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Thanks so much for your kind words! We all try our best. I often think that if I could ask any horse 3 questions, my first two would be about how they feel about blankets and fly masks!
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Another place to look is Facebook Marketplace.
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I heard about a young horse in a too big blanket that caught his hjnd leg in the strap and broke his femur, had to be euthanized.
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How horrifying!
Welp, I found something extremely cute on an extremely good sale, so Pete’s out of his saggy pjs tonight and will soon be rocking this:
(I’m going to play baby-dress-up for as long as I can!)
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And just as I was going to let you know about the 66(/68?)” I’ve had sitting in storage for 13 or 14 years that you were welcome to have 
Keep it mind as a back-up if necessary- it’s yours if you want it, but it’s just a plain burgundy, no special pattern 
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