Choosing The Right Horse Rugs

By Jaclyn Hurley


Just like people horses need comfort too. They need somewhere to sit that makes them feel comfortable and something warm in their stable. This is why it is important to choose the right horse rugs to suit your horse.

The first thing to check is that what they wear fits. This may sound obvious but it is not necessarily something that is immediately obvious when you order something online and it arrives in your home. Therefore you need to check it against your horse so that you can gauge whether or not it is an appropriate fit.

When you are checking the size you should do so without removing the tags or packaging and carefully place it over the horse like you would a duvet over a bed. This may seem strange but there is an important reason for doing this. In simple terms it means that if it does not fit you can take the product back in its original condition and packaging without any problems. If you open it there is always the risk of it being stained when it is placed around the animal.

What complicates this is that the sizes of rugs on sale tend to be sold in three inch increments. Therefore you need to consider whether you want to go with something a bit smaller or a bit bigger. Generally speaking it tends to be better to go with something a bit bigger as it means the animal gets a bit more warmth around the neck area.

Each size comes in 3 inch increments. Therefore you need to think whether you want to give a couple of extra inches to provide a bit more warmth. It is not always easy to gauge but it is likely that it is better for the horse to give a bit more warmth for them than less.

Half necks stop rain getting under the rug and provide extra warmth. A full neck is best for horses who are particularly sensitive to cold or in the very cold winter months when additional cover is required. The additional benefit of the full neck is that it makes it easier to clean the horse as they do not get mud on their neck. It is also worth checking to see how breathable the material is so that any water evaporates. This is especially useful during the summer months when they could end up sweating more during a gallop.

Fill is also an issue. A lighter weighted rug is best suited to younger horses and those that are less sensitive to cold. A more sensitive or older animal is more likely to need a heavier weighted one. It may also be worth having one for the summer as well as the winter so you can always have something appropriate for your horse.

There are a wide array of places you can buy a rug for your horse. It is best to check online to get recommendations from other riders and owners as they can tell you the kind of products they use and what is appropriate for your particular animal. With the right approach you will be able to find the best rug to properly look after your horse.




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