News / Horse Rugs

Horses are sensitive animals, and their comfort is essential to their overall health and well-being. A horse rug provides protection from the elements, keeps them warm during cold weather, and helps regulate their body temperature in hot weather. Choosing the right horse rug is crucial to ensure your horse stays comfortable and protected at all times.

A poorly fitting or inappropriate horse rug can cause discomfort, rubs, and sores, leading to health issues that could have been avoided. Investing in a good quality horse rug is a long-term investment in your horse's health and happiness.

When choosing a horse rug, it's essential to consider the type of rug, the material used, the weight, fit, and features. Let's dive into each of these factors in more detail.

There are four main types of horse rugs: stable rugs, turnout rugs, fly rugs, and cooler rugs. Each type of rug is designed for a specific purpose and offers unique benefits.

### Stable rugs

Stable rugs are designed to be worn indoors and provide warmth during cold weather. They are made of heavy materials such as wool or polyester and have a high neck to keep the horse's neck and chest warm. Stable rugs come in different weights, from lightweight to heavyweight, and you can choose one based on your horse's needs.

### Turnout rugs

Turnout rugs are designed to be worn outdoors and protect your horse from the elements. They are made of waterproof and breathable materials, such as polyester or nylon, and come in different weights, from lightweight to heavyweight. The weight of the rug will depend on the climate and the horse's activity level. Turnout rugs are available in standard neck or high neck designs.

### Fly rugs

Fly rugs are designed to protect your horse from flies, mosquitoes, and other insects. They are made of lightweight materials and come in different designs, from standard neck to high neck. Fly rugs are also available with built-in UV protection to protect your horse's skin from the sun.

### Cooler rugs

Cooler rugs are designed to keep your horse's muscles warm after exercise and prevent them from cooling down too quickly. They are made of lightweight materials such as fleece and come in different designs, from standard neck to high neck.

Choosing the right horse rug can be overwhelming, but considering a few factors can help make the process easier. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a horse rug:

### Material

The material of the rug will depend on the purpose of the rug and the climate. For example, a stable rug made of wool or polyester is ideal for colder climates, while a turnout rug made of waterproof and breathable material is suitable for wet and windy weather. Fly rugs are made of lightweight materials such as mesh to provide protection from insects while keeping your horse cool.

### Weight

The weight of the rug will depend on the climate and your horse's activity level. A heavyweight rug is ideal for cold weather and less active horses, while a lightweight rug is suitable for warm weather and more active horses.

### Fit

A well-fitting horse rug is essential to ensure your horse stays comfortable and protected. A rug that is too tight can cause discomfort and rubs, while a rug that is too loose can slip and cause injuries. It's crucial to measure your horse correctly and choose a rug that fits snugly without being too tight or too loose.

### Features

Horse rugs come with different features, such as high necks, leg straps, and tail flaps. These features offer additional protection and comfort for your horse. For example, a high neck rug provides extra warmth and protection for your horse's neck and chest, while leg straps keep the rug in place and prevent it from slipping.

Measuring your horse correctly is essential to ensure you choose the right size rug. Here's how to measure your horse for a rug:

1. Stand your horse on a flat surface, such as a concrete floor or stable mat.

2. Use a soft measuring tape to measure from the centre of your horse's chest to the point of the buttock.

3. The measurement in inches is the size of the rug your horse needs.

It's important to note that different brands may have different sizing charts, so it's essential to check the sizing chart before making a purchase.

Proper maintenance and care of your horse rug will ensure it lasts longer and provides optimal protection for your horse. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for your horse rug:

1. Remove any dirt or debris from the rug before storing it.

2. Wash the rug regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions.

3. Repair any tears or rips as soon as possible to prevent further damage.

4. Store the rug in a dry and clean place away from direct sunlight.

Horse rug accessories

Horse rug accessories such as neck covers and liners offer additional protection and comfort for your horse. Here's a closer look at some of the popular horse rug accessories:

### Neck covers

Neck covers provide extra warmth and protection for your horse's neck and chest. They are available in different designs, from standard neck to high neck, and can be used with stable, turnout, or fly rugs.

### Liners

Liners are designed to be worn under horse rugs to provide extra warmth during cold weather. They come in different weights, from lightweight to heavyweight, and can be used with stable or turnout rugs.

Now that you have a better understanding of horse rugs, here's a buying guide to help you choose the right rug:

1. Determine the purpose of the rug - stable, turnout, fly, or cooler.

2. Consider the material, weight, fit, and features of the rug.

3. Measure your horse correctly to ensure you get the right size.

4. Choose a reputable and trusted brand.

5. Consider purchasing accessories such as neck covers and liners for additional protection and comfort.

A horse rug is an essential investment in your horse's health and happiness. Choosing the right horse rug can be overwhelming, but considering factors such as the type of rug, material, weight, fit, and features can make the process easier. Remember to measure your horse correctly and choose a reputable brand for optimal protection and comfort. With the right horse rug, your equine companion will stay comfortable and protected at all times.

Visit our Range of Horse Rugs HERE