When rugging your horse, the main aim is to ensure they are as warm and comfortable as possible. Choosing the best rug will depend on your horse’s lifestyle, living conditions and the weather, helping their body adapt to the external conditions. There are various types of horse rug on the market, each with different properties and styles, so we’ve pulled together an overarching guide to help you pick out the best type of rug for your horse.
Stable rugs
As the name suggests, a stable rug is designed for indoor use and provides your horse with warmth when they are tucked away in their stable for the night. You can buy stable rugs in a variety of different weights to suit the time of year, and they can be easily clipped into place under the tummy for an quick and easy solution when the weather gets chilly.
Turnout rugs
Being one of the more versatile styles of horse rug, a turnout rug offers a layer of protection as your horse enjoys the outdoors. The fabric offers shelter from any unexpected rain showers and keeps your horse clean from the dirt, all while letting the skin breathe underneath. Turnout rugs are available in different weights so can be used throughout the spring, summer and autumn months so you can rest assured that your horse is warm and dry when they are out and about.
Fly sheets
During the summer months, flies and other biting insects cause endless hassle for horse owners and their horse. As well as being an irritation, these insects pose a risk of infection, having the potential to transmit harmful diseases. A fly sheet is a lightweight addition which deters insects from coming near and being able to reach the skin, creating a welcome barrier so your horse can enjoy the outdoors without the threat of being bitten.
Cooler rugs
Designed to help regulate the body temperate, a cooler rug is ideal for using during the warmer weather and following a bout of intense exercise. The breathable fabric has wicking properties which gradually cool down the body back to its comfortable temperature, helping your horse cool down without doing so too quickly.
Fleece rugs
When the winter months arrive, ensuring that your horse is able to stay warm and comfortable is essential. A fleece rug is designed to add an extra layer of warmth against the chilly weather and cold winds, retaining body heat both indoors and outdoors. Many horse owners tend to use fleece rugs underneath other rugs as an added layer of protection which can be used in addition to their usual rug.
Exercise rugs
For more active horses, exercise rugs are effective for the recovery process, helping their body get back to its regular state quicker. It can be worn both during and after any activity to keep your horse protected from any winds and rain so they can maintain their comfortable temperature for maximum performance. Following exercise, the rug will help prevent the body from cooling down too quickly to prevent any injury to the muscles.
