Sizing & Fit
Getting the right fit makes all the difference. Yvette offers free fittings in the Swan Valley, at events where Canterpants® has a stall, and by arrangement in other areas around Perth. Don't hesitate to reach out if you'd like to organise a fitting or just need some guidance on sizing.
How do I choose the right size for my horse or pony?
How do I choose the right size for my horse or pony?
There are currently three sizes available, designed to fit horses and ponies between 11hh and 17hh. The straps on the pant legs are adjustable to allow for different heights, and the placement of your rug's attachment points will also affect how Canterpants® fit. If needed, the elasticised hem can be turned up to shorten the pant further.
Canterpants® are designed to be worn baggy - but not so long that your horse can step on the pant legs. If your horse or pony spans the recommened size, or if you have a stocky breed, you are likely to need the larger size, not the smaller size.
We recommend taking your horse's measurements while wearing the rug they'll normally use. Fit can vary significantly depending on the rug, so measuring with the actual rug in place will give you the most accurate result.
Sizing of the components in sets is customisable, allowing the selection of a different size in the front pants, the hind pants and the belly band.
Yvette offers free fittings in the Swan Valley, at events where Canterpants® has a stall, and by arrangement in other areas around Perth. Get in touch if you'd like to organise a fitting.
→ Review our Size Guide to find the best fit for your horse or pony.
Does rug fit affect how Canterpants fit?
Yes. Fit can vary considerably depending on the placement of attachment points on your rug. We recommend reviewing our Rug Requirements before purchasing to confirm compatibility.
Your rug will determine what product/s are suitable as well as how they will fit.
→ Review our Rug Requirements to ensure rug compatability
How adjustable are Canterpants®?
Canterpants® have been designed with adjustability in mind. The straps on each pant leg are adjustable to accommodate different horse heights, and the elasticised hem can be turned up to shorten the pant if needed. The velcro cuff at the pastern is also adjustable to ensure a snug, comfortable fit around the lower leg.
For Sets (complete set, and front set), sizing of each component is customisable. You can select a different size for the front pants, hind pants, and belly band to suit your horse's individual proportions.
What if I order the wrong size?
Don't worry - we want you to find the perfect fit for your horse. If you're unsure between two sizes, we recommend trying the larger size first.
When trying Canterpants® on your horse for the first time, please ensure they are fitted carefully and kept clean so that they remain in original condition. This means they can be exchanged if needed.
Sometimes the size is right but the placement of your rug's attachment points (particularly if they sit unusually high or low), can cause the pants to sit too high or too low, or be baggy in some areas. If this happens, contact Yvette before exchanging. There are often simple adjustments that will get the fit right.
If you do need to exchange, please contact us before returning - we'll guide you through the process and make it as straightforward as possible.
→ Review our Returns & Exchanges Policy
Fitting & Attachment
Canterpants® have been designed to attach simply and securely to your horse's rug. If you have any questions about compatibility or fitting, Yvette is happy to help.
How are Canterpants® attached?
Each pant leg has two clips for attachment, on at the front of the leg and one at the back of the leg. The front leg attaches to D rings on the Belly Band and Chest Buckle (included in the Complete Set or Front Set); and the hind leg attaches to the existing leg strap D rings on your horse's rug.
We've put together short videos showing exactly how to fit Canterpants®.
→ Watch our Fitting Instructions
Does rug fit affect how Canterpants fit?
Canterpants® are designed to fit most standard rugs. If your rug doesn't have the required fittings, you will need D-rings (or similar) sewn into your rug and/or a chest bib (front only) to provide the necessary attchment points.
Refer to our Rug Requirements to understand what is required, and know whether you'll need to add fixtures.
→ Review our Rug Requirements
Can I use front Canterpants® without a Chest Buckle and Belly Band?
Yes, absolutely! You just need attachment points at the front and at the elbow for the front legs.
You can sew D-rings onto a chest bib or your rug for the front and back connection points, in lieu of the Chest Buckle and Belly Band that comes with the Complete Set and the Front Set if you prefer.
Ready to sew D-ring assemblies are available in accessories if needed.
Can I use Canterpants® without a rug?
In short - no. Canterpants® are designed to be used with a rug, as horses affected by fly sensitivity or contact dermatitis typically need full body protection. Adding extra material to attach the pants without a rug would create unnecessary heat for your horse.
That said, a rugless version is something we may explore in the future. If this is important to you, let us know - we'd love to hear from you.
How do I know if the pants are fitted correctly?
These are the steps we recommend to ensure a good fit:
- With the pant leg zipped closed, clip the left front leg on to the D-ring at the chest and belly and adjust the straps so that the bottom of the pant leg sits on or just above the ground, before zipping it closed
- Repeat for the second front leg
- Take your horse for a short walk to familiarise them with the feel of the pants. In the walk, the pant leg should lose the bagginess at the fetlock, but not ride up over the fetlock
- Adjust the straps if necessary and retest at walk, in-hand
- Repeat this process for the hind pants
Canterpants® should be bloused at the fetlock to allow for movement, but not with so much fabric that it poses a trip hazard.
Please allow your horse time to become accustomed to the feel of wearing pants before leaving them unattended in their paddock or stable.
An Easy Fit Guide is provided with each purchase of Canterpants, which also contains Fitting Tips & Tricks.
→ Fitting Tips & Tricks | Contact Yvette
Will Canterpants® stay on during movement/rolling/turnout?
Canterpants® are designed to move with your horse and stay securely in place during normal activity including walking, trotting, and general paddock turnout - even canter.
The attachment system maintains a secure but flexible fit, staying put on your rug, belly band and chest buckle, but moving with your horse's legs and rug. The pants have been shaped to allow for freedom of movement and the elasticised cuff at the pastern also helps to keep the pants from riding up.
As with any new gear, we recommend allowing your horse time to become accustomed to wearing Canterpants® before leaving them unattended. Start with supervised wear and short periods in the paddock before progressing to full turnout.
Canterpants® have been extensively trialled on our three horses, through normal grazing and paddock movement; overnight yarding and rolling. We do not recommend overnight use of Canterpants unless your horse is completely comfortable wearing them in all day-time situations.
Product Design
Every design decision in Canterpants® was made with your horse's comfort and your convenience in mind. Here's the thinking behind some of the choices we made.
What material are Canterpants® made from?
Canterpants® are made from organic cotton - chosen for its cool, breathable, durable, yet lightweight feel.
They have a section of anti-rub taffeta lining at the top to provide protection where the pants may contact the legs near the connection points.
The fabric has been selected to be comfortable against your horse's legs during extended wear, while being robust enough to withstand the demands of daily paddock use in the Australian climate.
Why do Canterpants® have plastic clips and buckle parts?
Our primary objective was to ensure Canterpants® were lightweight and comfortable for the horse. Plastic clips are lightweight and don't heat up in the sun like metal clips, making them the right choice for a product worn outdoors in the Australian climate.
We tested many different clips before selecting the ones we use, and they've been thoroughly tested all three of our horses without any issues.
If you prefer different clips, they are easily changeable to replace with your preferred clips.
Why zips and not velcro?
We needed closures that would be effective against as many allergens as possible (insects, grass seeds, dust, and pollen). The zips we use provide a very tight closure that keeps all of these out.
We also had concerns about velcro trapping grass seeds and creating openings that could snag or allow allergens in, and the noise of the velcro was also a consideration for the nervous horse.
That said, we do use velcro at the pastern for the elasticised cuff, chosen specifically because it's much softer in a potentially sensitive area.
Can I use Canterpants® on my donkey, alpaca or other animal?
There's no reason why you can't! You would need to consider sizing and ensure your animal has a rug or covering with appropriate fittings for Canterpants® to attach to.
If you'd like to discuss whether Canterpants® would work for your animal, don't hesitate to contact Yvette.
→ Review our Size Guide and Rug Requirements
Are Canterpants® suitable for wet conditions?
Canterpants® are not waterproof (by design) since waterproofing would impact their breathability and comfort during extended wear. For this reason they are not designed for use in wet conditions.
However, we have used them wet in summer on our own horses to improve evaporative cooling on very hot days - a handy bonus in the Australian climate!
Should you need to waterproof them (for example to protect wound dressings) we recommend using a spray-on water repellent to achieve this.
Can Canterpants® be left on overnight or worn 24/7?
Canterpants® can be worn overnight and around the clock once your horse is completely comfortable wearing them in all daytime situations.
We recommend a gradual introduction, starting with supervised daytime wear, progressing to full daytime turnout, and only then moving to overnight use. This allows your horse to become fully accustomed to the feel of the pants before wearing them unsupervised for extended periods.
Yvette's horses now wear their Canterpants® overnight during fly season without any issues, but this was built up to gradually over time.
As with any horse gear left on overnight, we recommend checking the fit and condition of the pants each morning.
Can I make suggestions to improve Canterpants®?
We love hearing from people on how we could improve. If you have a suggestion, please get in touch. We're always ready to listen.
We can't action all suggestions, but we certainly consider them all in our product planning.
Care & Maintenance
Canterpants® are designed to be durable and easy to care for. Here's everything you need to keep them in great condition.
How do I care for Canterpants®?
Canterpants® are machine washable. We recommend closing all zips and fastening before washing to protect both the garment and your machine.
For maximum protection, a wash bag is ideal to protect clips and zips, or for washing Belly Band and Chest Buckle.
Fabric washed regularly avoids premature wearing from dirt or sweat.
→ See full instructions on Caring for Canterpants®
How long will Canterpants® last?
With proper care, Canterpants® are designed to be a long-lasting investment in your horse's comfort and protection. The organic cotton fabric is durable and holds up well to regular washing and daily paddock use.
Longevity will depend on how frequently they are worn and washed, and the conditions your horse is kept in. Washing regularly (rather than allowing dirt and sweat to build up) will actually extend the life of the fabric.
The plastic clips and zips are replaceable if needed, meaning the pants themselves don't need to be retired just because a fastening wears out.
And for the occasional mishap resulting in a tear, the pants are repairable. A fabric patch is provided with each purchase.
Unlike most horse products, because they're made and sourced locally, we hold a stock of accessories (fabric, zips, clips etc) available in our store.
Yvette's horses have been wearing their Canterpants® for two full seasons, saving hundreds of dollars on fly repellents and fly boots for each horse.
→ See our Caring for Canterpants® guide for washing and care tips
What should I do if a zip gets stuck?
Zips can occasionally jam if small particles such as sand or dirt lodge in the teeth. This is common in an outdoor environment. Before assuming the zip is damaged, try backing it up slightly and restarting. This often clears the blockage and allows the zip to run effortlessly again.
If the zip remains stuck, remove the pant leg over the hoof and wash it. This will usually clear any blockage.
Please avoid forcing a jammed zip - this can cause permanent damage that is difficult to repair. A little patience goes a long way!
Orders, Returns & Shipping
We want every experience with Canterpants® to be a positive one. If something isn't right, please get in touch - we're here to help.
How long will my order take to arrive
We aim to dispatch all orders within 2 business days, but because we know how important it is to get your order quickly, we typically dispatch same day, or next business day for orders received before 2pm AWST.
You'll receive a shipping confirmation email with tracking details as soon as your order is on its way.
Delivery times vary depending on your location. We use Australia Post standard parcel post, which typically takes 2–4 business days within Western Australia and 3–6 business days for interstate delivery.
Need it urgently? We also offer an Express Post option at checkout.
How much does shipping cost?
We offer free standard shipping on all orders of $200 or more. For orders under $200, standard shipping is a flat rate of $9.95.
Express Post is available at checkout for an additional $10.00.
All orders are shipped via Australia Post with full tracking provided.
→ See our Shipping Policy for full details
I don't live in Australia. Can I order Canterpants®?
We're sorry, we're not currently distributing outside of Australia.
Stay in touch by signing up to our emails or following us on Facebook and Instagram. That's where we'll announce any changes to our distribution.
→ Sign up to our emails using the form at the bottom of this page
How do I return or exchange?
We want you to love your purchase. If Canterpants® aren't the right fit or you're unsatisfied for any reason, we offer exchanges or full refunds within 30 days of receiving your order.
To qualify, items must be unworn, undamaged, in their original packaging, and free from soiling, marks or hair, so when trying Canterpants® on your horse for the first time, take care to keep them clean.
For whatever reason you need to return or exchange, please contact us so we can discuss the best way to manage your requirements.
Have a question? No problem - we're here to help! Contact Us
→ Review our Refund Policy
How do I make a complaint?
Sometimes things don't go as expected. If you have a complaint, we'd like the opportunity to make things right. Please get in touch to discuss your concerns.