What Are Horse Rugs?

Rugs are primarily used to shield horses from varying weather conditions and climates. Providing your horse with the best fit, comfort and protection is vital for your peace of mind. The right rug choice will help to regulate your horse’s body temperature and maintain a healthy condition.

What are the different types of horse rugs?

Different types of horse rugs: coolers, fleeces and stable sheets.

What is a horse rug made of?

Generally made from lightweight materials like cotton, mild weather stable rugs are designed to be worn indoors, whilst travelling in a horse box, or at the horse show to keep your horse warm and clean. These rugs may be plain, quilted or padded, but are not water proof which makes them unsuitable for outdoor use.

What horse rugs do you need?

Temperature Guide to Rugging a Horse

Are horse rugs waterproof?

No horse rug is ever 100% Waterproof. This is because all rugs contain stitching, webbing & fastenings that can not always be tape seamed to prevent water penetration.

How do horse rugs work?

A horse rug, also known as a horse blanket, is a type of coat put on a horse to stop it from getting too cold, too wet, or to protect it from flies. A horse rug is designed to cover a horse’s body from the chest to the rump, including the tops of their legs. Some horse rugs have fixed or, detachable neck covers too.

Why do people rug their horses?

A horse naturally has a sleek coat which reflects the sun and a horse will seek shade when they are hot as a natural response. All large bodied animals, such as horses, take longer to cool down (and warm up) than smaller bodied animals. Rugs prevent any cooling breeze from cooling the body.

Is it better for a horse rug to be too big or too small?

If your horse is between sizes you are usually better to go down a size as a horse rug that is too big is actually more likely to cause rubs than one that is too small as it is move likely to move/slip around your horses back. How should leg straps and surcingles be adjusted?

How do you clean the inside of a horse rug?

Remove as much hair, dirt and mud as you can. Blast it with the hose, or a dandy brush and a bit of elbow grease works wonders, while a vacuum cleaner is good for removing the hair. Then put your rug in a mesh wash bag, such as the Horsewear washbag, to prevent the hooks and buckles from damaging your machine.

Is horse rug too big?

If the turnout or stable rug extends beyond the top of the tail (check when your horse has his head down too as often the rug will pull forward into the correct position when grazing, you can test this by asking the horse to lower using a treat), the rug is too big.

Is it OK not to rug a horse?

While it is true that wild and free-living horses survive without rugs, they move more than their domestic counterparts and can find their own shelter from bad weather. They also do not tend to live as long as domestic horses. Older domestic horses may therefore need extra warmth in cold, wet weather.

How long can you leave a rug on a horse?

If your horse wears a rug it is important to remove it daily so you can check for signs of rubbing or soreness and then refit or change as necessary. An ill-fitting rug or one left on for too long without checking may cause discomfort or even start to rub and cause injury as shown in the image below.

When Should horses have rugs on?

Unless clipped and living out 24/7, most horses will not need rugging until temperatures dip to 5-10°C. Rug older, younger, thinner or clipped horses sooner.

How often do horse rugs need Reproofing?

every 12 months
As a rule, a rug should normally be reproofed every 12 months once it gets to three years old. Ensuring a rug is completely clean before you start is key. Stick to one rug at a time and clean with a proprietary washing fluid, rather than the regular product you use for your own clothes.

What happens if you rug a wet horse?

If you apply a night rug to a wet horse and leave it, the rug will absorb the moister and hold it close to the horse’s body for many hours. Over-rugging can affect this natural thermoregulation and can also become a welfare issue is the horse over heats.

How thick should a rug be for a horse?

Mediumweight rugs are either 150g, 200g or 250g and will provide your horse with a nice level of warmth. Medium rugs contain a good amount of fill to keep your horse warm, while not being too heavy to cause any overheating. Heavyweight rugs are 300g + and are the best way of providing your horse with optimum warmth.

Where should a horse rug sit?

Place the rug over the lower part of the horse’s neck, in front of the shoulders. Slide the rug backwards until the neck seam of the rug lies along the line of the horse’s shoulder and forward of the wither. Rugs should sit comfortably around the shoulder but not put pressure on, or pull back on, the shoulders.

Should you travel a horse in a rug?

Travel your horse in suitable rugs (if required) in winter or colder days a breathable rug (such as a fleece or cooler) may be required. Turnout rugs should not be used. Over rugging a horse for travel can cause stress.

Why do cowboys spin their horses in circles?

The horse must stop when signaled and hesitate a moment before performing the next movement. Spins (Pivots): There is no direct correlation between the 360-degree spins in a reining pattern and the skills necessary for working cattle. However the spins thrill the crowds and show off the horse’s agility and cooperation.

Do horses like being petted?

Horses are like dogs in the respect that some want to be petted, and others aren’t so thrilled about the idea. Some like to be rubbed in some areas, but other areas of their body are off-limits. This article is about petting a horse safely and finding out the “awe that feels good” spot on your horse.

Do horses feel the cold like humans?

Horses are mammals and they will inevitably get cold just like the rest of us in harsh winter weather. But you don’t need to keep your horse inside all winter; horses are able to withstand colder temperatures thanks to their hardy natures.