Selecting Turnout Rugs for Horses

Choosing the right horse turnout rug is crucial for your horse's comfort and well-being during changeable weather.  Selecting the right rug can help your horse to live out and cope during varying weather conditions.

There are various weights and styles available, each suited to different climates and breeds of horses. These will offer your horse the best possible protection from wet, windy, and cold weather while keeping him clean and warm. Turnout rugs are waterproof and are designed to be tougher than stable rugs to withstand daily wear and changeable weather conditions.

They are available in a variety of weights and neck designs, from standard neck lightweight turnout rugs for warm, showery days, up to heavyweight turnout rugs for protection from the coldest and wettest of winter weather. Made from breathable materials and technical fabrics to withstand the weather; many horse owners will choose to keep their horse in a turnout rug in the stable.

Weights of Turnout Rugs

0g Turnout Rug: Ideal for mild weather or as a horse rain sheet, a 0g turnout rug offers minimal insulation but protects your horse from rain and wind. These rugs are perfect for wet conditions when the weather is mild, allowing your horse to stay dry without overheating. 0g fill rugs are also known as horse rain sheets and are perfect for Spring and Autumn when the weather is changeable.

50g Turnout Rug: A 50g turnout rug provides a light layer of insulation, making it suitable for cooler, wet days. Some horse owners prefer this to a horse rain sheet to prevent the "tent effect" where condensation can form beneath the rug.

100g Turnout Rug: Offering more warmth than the 50g, the 100g turnout rug is great for cooler autumn or spring days. 100g rugs are particularly useful for providing additional protection against wind and rain when the weather becomes cooler. Some hardy, unclipped horses will cope well with a 100g turnout rug through the winter whilst thinner-skinned horses or clipped horses may need something a little warmer.

150g Turnout Rug: As the weather gets colder, a 150g turnout rug provides a thicker layer of insulation, ensuring your horse stays warm without overheating. This weight is ideal for early winter days when the temperature starts to drop.

200g Turnout Rug & 300g Turnout Rug: For colder winter conditions, the 200g turnout rug offers substantial insulation. It’s a good middle ground for winter weather, keeping your horse warm on those chilly days. Heavyweight turnout rugs are designed for very cold winter conditions. These rugs provide maximum warmth and protection, ensuring your horse remains comfortable even in freezing temperatures. Some horse rug brands offer additional weight rugs up to 450g but we find that most horses do not require more than 300g fill to cope well in British winters.

Features of your Horse Turnout Rug

There are several features to consider to ensure maximum comfort and functionality for your horse:

Detachable Neck: Rugs with detachable neck covers offer versatility, allowing you to provide extra protection when needed or remove it during milder conditions. Not all rugs feature a detachable neck design so ensure your standard neck rug features D rings if you wish to add a neck rug at a later date.

Combo Neck: Rugs with a full fixed neck are known as combo necks. The neck cannot be taken off and remains fixed; some owners prefer combo neck design rugs for improved coverage.

Crossed Surcingles: These straps, often featuring rubber washers, sit beneath the belly and help keep the rug securely in place, preventing it from shifting as your horse moves around the field during turnout.

Shoulder Gussets: Gussets at the shoulders allow for greater freedom of movement, ensuring the rug does not restrict your horse's natural gait. Not all rugs feature shoulder gussets; we find shoulder gussets are ideal for broader-chested horses and natives who require a little more room. We tend to find finer horses usually cope well without shoulder gussets or darts.

Weather Resistance: Turnout rugs are made from waterproof and windproof fabric to protect your horse from the elements. Rugs will feature varying denier outers; as a rule the higher the denier, the more tightly woven the rug fabric is meaning it is more hardy. If your horse is prone to rug ripping, we would recommend a higher-denier rug for longevity.

Range of Lightweight Options: In the United Kingdom, we find our best-selling turnout rug is a lightweight turnout rug. For milder weather, lightweight turnout rugs are ideal and they are often worn all year round for most horses. They provide necessary protection without adding excessive warmth.

How to measure a horse for a rug: Proper fit of your horse rug is crucial to prevent rubbing, learn more about obtaining the perfect fit rug for your horse.

Selecting the right turnout rug involves considering the weight, features, and specific needs of your horse based on the weather conditions. From lightweight 50g rugs with detachable necks to heavyweight 300g options, there are a wide range of turnout rugs designed to keep your horse comfortable and protected. Pay attention to key features like detachable necks, shoulder gussets, and secure fastenings to enhance your horse's comfort and mobility. With the right turnout rug, you can ensure your horse stays warm, dry, and happy, no matter the weather.