We are at that time of year when choosing the right rug to meet your horse’s temperature needs both during the night and the day is a challenge! When choosing a rug it is essential that it not only suits the weather, but your horse’s specific needs too. In this blog we will look at some of the essential factors to consider to ensure your horse is feeling comfortable and protected from the elements.
Different Types of Horse Rugs
Horse rugs fall into a few categories, each serving a different purpose. Let’s have a look at the most common types:
1. Turnout rugs
These are designed to keep your horse warm and dry while they are outdoors. They are waterproof, windproof and durable enough to withstand a good roll in the mud (or two!). Turnout rugs come in different weights: lightweight, medium weight and heavyweight depending on the level of insulation they provide.
2. Stable rugs
These are for indoor use, and aren’t waterproof so they won’t keep your horse dry. Stable rugs are warm and cosy, again offering varying levels of insulation for those cool nights when your horse is stabled.
3. Fly rugs
During the warmer months, flies and insects can annoy and irritate your horse - fly rugs are the perfect solution. They are made from lightweight, breathable materials designed to protect your horse from insects while keeping them nice and cool.
4. Cooler rugs
Cooler rugs are made from breathable materials such as fleece or mesh, and are perfect for popping on after exercise to help regulate your horse’s temperature. These rugs are great at wicking away moisture, ensuring your horse cools down without catching a chill.
Exercise rugs are also known as quarter sheets and cover the horse’s hindquarters. They are perfect for warming up recently clipped horses as they still allow them to move freely. Some exercise rugs are waterproof too, giving extra protection on rainy days.
6. Under rugs
These are liners that can be added underneath another rug (either stable or turnout) to provide additional warmth during the winter months. They are really versatile and reduce the need for multiple weights of rugs.
Choosing The Right Weight
Horse rugs come in various weights, with different fillings (measured in grams). Here are the three main weights:
- Lightweight rugs (0-150g): these provide minimal insulation and are therefore perfect for those in-between months during Spring and Autumn. They can provide protection from the rain but without adding too much extra warmth.
- Mediumweight rugs (150-300g): these are perfect for the chillier months, and for horses who have been clipped and need a bit more protection in cooler conditions.
- Heavyweight rugs (300g and above): these offer a lot more warmth, and are perfect for the winter months. If your horse has a thinner coat or is fully clipped, a heavyweight rug will keep them warm enough during the freezing temperatures.
It is worth remembering that every horse is unique and some may need more protection from the weather than others. Assess your horse’s individual needs and adjust their rug weight accordingly.
Key Features To Look For
Modern horse rugs have a lot of useful features to improve fit and ensure your horse is comfortable. Here are a few features to look out for:
- Shoulder gussets: these provide extra room for movement, which is really important for active horses that like to run around their field.
- Adjustable front closures: this allows for a more customised fit across the chest, reducing pressure points and ensuring the rug stays in place.
- Leg straps and surcingles: these both help to keep the rug secure in place and stop it from slipping, which are essential for horses that are turned out and running around.
- Detachable neck covers: these are great to add or remove neck protection for your horse as necessary. Particularly useful in between seasons as the weather is changing.
- Breathable fabrics: important for preventing overheating, look for rugs that have moisture-wicking properties which allow sweat and moisture to escape, keeping your horse dry.
Choosing the right rug for your horse takes some time and thought, but it is key to ensure your horse stays comfortable and happy all year round. Remember each horse is unique both in their shape and their temperature requirements. Have a browse through our rugs online today at Wormers-Direct.