How to Measure Hopples Properly (Step-by-Step)
✅ 1. Stand the horse up square
The horse should be:
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relaxed
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weight even on all four feet
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standing naturally
Point of buttock ➜ directly above the point of hock
They should sit in a straight vertical line when the horse is standing square.
This ensures:
• the horse isn’t standing under themselves
• they’re not stretched out behind
• you’re measuring from a true, natural stance
• hopple length matches their real stride, not a distorted one
This is one of the biggest mistakes people make, if the horse is camped under or stretched back, every measurement will be wrong.
✅ 2. First measurement: Girth line ➜ Point of hock
This gives you your baseline stride length.
📏 Girth line ➜ Hock = Base hopple length
✅ 3. Second measurement: Point of hip ➜ Back of fetlock
(Keep the tape straight, not curved.)
This is the measurement most experienced harness racing people use. It matches hopple length to the horse’s natural reach.
This helps ensure they’re not:
• over-reaching
• restricted
• losing balance
• shortening their stride at speed
📏Point of Hip ➜ Back of fetlock = Stride reach check
✅ 4. Compare BOTH measurements
Together they give you:
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Base stride (girth → hock)
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Natural reach (hip → fetlock)
Use both to find the correct starting hopple length.
✅ 5. Add your trainer adjustment
Based on gait + preference:
Pacers: add +1 inches either shorter or longer
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Long-action pacers may need slightly more
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Shorter-bodied horses may need slightly less
✅ 6. Measure both sides
Horses aren’t perfectly symmetrical.
Use the length that gives the best rhythm, not necessarily the longest or shortest.
✅ 7. Fit hopples + WALK first
Walk for 1–2 minutes to feel for natural swing and relaxation before trotting or jogging.
✅ 8. Jog slowly — the rhythm tells the truth
Correctly fitted hopples should give:
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even stride
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no pulling
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no rushing
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no “falling out of stride”
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a free, balanced motion
If it feels forced, short, choppy, or unbalanced, the length is wrong.
If your hopples were off and caused a little rubbing…
You can use Soothe It. Our thick, natural purple cream, to add a gentle touch of comfort to the area.
It’s great for dry, crusty, or weather-affected skin and helps keep things soft and supported.
