Many different horse rugs are available to choose from, including stable rugs and durable horse turnout rugs. Regardless of the climate, type of horse, or budget, you can discover the best equine horse rugs for your needs.
Lightweight horse rugs are the ideal choice for milder weather conditions for horses who tend to do well all year around. Lightweight horse rugs keep your horse dry in the rain without overheating, providing waterproof protection without adding extra warmth.
Lightweight horse rugs are the ideal choice for spring and autumn when the weather is changeable but mild. They are also a great horse rug choice for hardy horses during a wet winter. A light turnout rug keeps horses and ponies dry and protected from rain while allowing them to move freely and comfortably. 50g horse rugs have become increasingly popular for horses who require more warmth than that provided by a no-fill lightweight horse rug as they help to prevent the tent effect which can happen in 0g rugs.
Types of Horse Rugs
Turnout rugs: These rugs are designed to keep your horse clean and dry in all weather. These turnout rugs for horses come in various weights, including the popular 50g turnout rug with neck cover, which provides warmth without being excessive making it an ideal choice for hardy horses. The breathable outer material on horse turnout rugs ensures your horse stays comfortable in different weather conditions. Turnout rugs are available in various options. Some are lightweight 0g rugs that do not provide extra warmth. Others are heavy 300g+ polyfill rugs designed for horses that feel cold easily.
Stable Rugs: These are designed for use in the stable, keeping your horse warm during colder months. Stable rugs feature a warm fill to keep your horse cosy when they are stood still in the stable. Stable rugs do not have waterproofing and are not intended for outdoor use.
Coolers & Fleece Rugs: Ideal for use after exercise, cooler rugs help in wicking away sweat and cooling down your horse gradually. Great for colder days, fleece rugs offer warmth and comfort while being lightweight.
Features to Look For
When selecting a horse rug, consider the following features to ensure you choose the best one for your horse's needs:
Neck Cover: A neck cover can provide additional warmth and protection, especially useful during colder months or in wet conditions. Neck covers can be removed and are often found on detachable neck rugs. If buying a standard neck rug, make sure it has neck D rings for optional neck rug attachment at a later date.
Rug Neck Design: Rugs are available with a standard neck which finishes just in front of the withers at the base of the neck; a high neck design that sits midway up the neck for extra protection or a full neck for full protection; these are commonly called combo horse rugs.
Cross Surcingles: These straps sit beneath the belly and help secure the rug in place, preventing it from slipping or moving, ensuring your horse’s comfort.
Tail Flap: A tail flap offers extra protection from the elements, keeping your horse’s hindquarters dry and protected from the wind.
Liner Systems: Some horse rugs are compatible with liner systems that allow you to adjust the warmth of the rug by adding or removing liners. This means one turnout rug can be changed in weight easily to make it more versatile all year round.
Breathable Outer: A breathable outer material helps in preventing overheating and keeps your horse dry and comfortable. All turnout rugs will feature a breathable outer but will differ in denier.
Denier: most rugs start at a 600D outer; the higher the denier of the rug, the more durable and tightly woven the fibres are usually indicating a high quality rug. As a general rule, a higher-denier rug is usually more durable so if you have a horse prone to tearing their rugs, we would advise you to buy a high-denier horse rug.
Measuring Your Horse
To ensure a perfect fit, it's crucial to measure your horse for its horse rug accurately. Use a tape measure to get the length from the center of the chest to the end of the hindquarters. This measurement will help you select the correct size, ensuring that the rug provides adequate coverage and freedom of movement. In the UK we use feet and inches when measuring for a rug. If measuring for an exercise sheet, take 20 inches off your normal rug size e.g. a horse taking a 6'6" rug would require a 4'9" exercise sheet.
Finding a horse rug sale can be a great way to purchase high-quality rugs at a fraction of the cost. Look for seasonal sales or clearance events where you can find cheap horse rugs that do not compromise on quality. In our sale, you will find Amigo horse rugs, Shires horse rugs and Weatherbeeta horse rugs, offering reliable and durable options that are available at discounted prices.
With so many horse rugs for sale, finding the right one involves considering your horse’s specific needs, the weather conditions, and the features that will provide the best protection and comfort. Whether you're looking for a lightweight turnout rug or a heavyweight stable rug, prioritise quality, fit, and functionality. By doing so, you ensure that your horse stays clean, dry, and comfortable, no matter the conditions.
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