Selecting The Proper Horse Rugs

By Katrina Wheeler


Protecting the ones we love is very important. When the ones we love are horses we must consider the best options for protection. They often need assistance to stay dry, warm up and cool down. Horse rugs provide additional assistance when weather conditions become extreme.

You might wonder how you would keep a rug or blanket on an animal that is so large and active. Most blankets have straps and clips to attach around the chest, under the belly and additional straps that go around and between the hind legs for additional security. They come in several different sizes, colors and weights. The heavier weighted covers, are for use during the winter months when the weather is very cold. Lighter weight sheets are for the spring and summer months, many times to protect them from irritating insects.

In order to keep your equestrian friend warm on harsh winter days, use a thick and heavy weighted fleece blanket. Many blankets have the added benefit of being water resistant or water proof. If you need even more protection, you may choose to add a neck cover.

Fabric choices will affect the weight of the cover. There are water proof, anti-sweat, cooling, fly and turnout blankets. Each type serves a different purpose and their weights will vary based on that purpose.

Stable cloaks can be provided to keep your equestrian friend warm when he is in his stall. Turnout coverings are best used when your animal is out in the pasture on a sunny winter day. Fly sheets are used to protect your animal from being bothered by flies during the summer months. Cooling rugs can be used to cool your animal's core temperature after a vigorous workout. There are many different types of coverlets to choose from depending on the need of your horse.

If your animal is damp, it would be important to use an anti-sweat sheet, which is usually made of cotton, to absorb excess moisture from his coat. This should be removed before blanketing. He should receive a good rub down with dry towels before placing the blanket on him. Your animal should be dry before blanketing, otherwise, it could hold the moisture in, and he could become ill.

Allow your animals natural coat to grow. During the fall months as the weather changes, allow him to be exposed to the cooler fall air. This will encourage his winter coat to begin to grow. If you place blankets on him too early in the season, it will prevent his coat from growing. If his coat is short and think, he will need to wear his jacket until the warmer season begins.

During extreme weather, you will need the correct equestrian provisions. The safety of your hoofed friends takes precedence. Horse rugs provide exceptional protection from the harshest of environments. They provide warmth in the winter, cool in the summer, protection from irritating insects, fleece for additional comfort and warmth and water-proofing for rain and snow. No matter what season, there is a perfect rug and the horses will look so cute wearing them too.




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