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.

There are three main types. The standard covers the back, hind quarters and shoulders. However it does not tend to cover much of the neck area itself. This means that it is better for horses that have not had their neck hair trimmed or if they are not particularly sensitive to cold.

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.

As well as dealing with the cold there is also the issue of what to wear in warmer conditions. Having a material that breathes can help as sweat drips away from the rug. It is often advisable to have options for both warmer and colder conditions so that you can be sure that your horse is properly looked after.

You can order rugs for your horse from specialist stores and websites. If your budget is tight then you may want to look for private sellers offering second hand items. It is recommended that you check and compare a number of sources in order to get the best products in your price range. You should also check online for feedback and advice from other riders and owners in order to get the right rug for your horse.




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