With so much horse clothing available, it is understandable that knowing what rug is right for your horse can be difficult. So, here are the “need-to-know” basics to get you started:
Why would a horse wear a rug?
- Non-native and native ponies that don’t have a full winter coat may need an extra layer in winter.
- For keeping older horses comfortable.
- To wick away (remove) sweat, without giving the horse a chill.
- Keep flies off the horse.
- Keep the horse clean.
- Protect against the elements.
- During travelling.
What types of rug are out there?
- Indoor rugs- for use in the stable when the weather is cold. They are not normally waterproof. These can have neck attachments, which is good if the horse is clipped in harsh winter.
- Outdoor rugs- These are water-proof and wind-proof and are usually made form a synthetic material but can be padded for warmth. They are used in the field to protect the horse against the elements, especially when a shelter is not available.Some have a neck for added protection and some are very thin waterproof or showerproof sheets ideal for wet, summer weather.
- Cooler rugs-waffle, fleece or cotton and are used to wick away sweat without letting the horse catch a chill. they are great for travelling or using after exercise.
- Sweet-itch/ fly rugs- keeps away biting insects by offering the horse complete coverage. It is a mesh material that can be used in summer without the horse over-heating. They are lighter colours to reflect the sunlight, they also stop darker horse coats bleaching.
- Under rugs- a non-waterproof rug that is designed to go underneath an outdoor or indoor rug as an extra insulating layer. It is good for horses that dont like the heavy rugs as two lighter rugs will take a little pressure off the back in comparison, whilst keeping the horse just as warm.
How do I know what size to use?
Measure your horse or pony from the centre of its chest to the rear of the quarters. The rugs are measured in 3 inch intervals and some manufacturers would advise rounding up to the nearest 3 inch interval to make sure the rug wont pull on the chest or come up over the quarters.
How do I know what weight to use on my horse?
Even when the weather is very cold and we all have our jackets on, horses can cope surprisingly well without a rug. The best way to check is to observe your horse’s behaviour and check how warm/cold they feel when they come in.
Don’t rely on checking ears for temperature as it is an extremity of the horse that has thin skin and an exposed blood supply so will feel naturally cooler. If the horse seems tucked up, reluctant to rest a hind leg or keeps its rear to the elements, then it is likely it could do with a little added protection. With horses that have been unwell, older or have joint issues, it is often advised to make sure they are kept warm and rugged to keep comfortable or ease stiffness.
Start with a thinner rug and work up form there because over-rugging and over-heating the horse can be just as detrimental as the horse being cold.
There is such a variety out there, every colour imaginable and sizes for tiny minature ponies to big draft horses. They are a good investment as they keep horses comfortable and it’s a bonus that they keep horses cleaner and easier to groom, especially when the weather is miserable.
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