How To Choose 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.

Each rug comes in a set size. They tend to come in three inch increments. Therefore you have to decide whether or not you want to add a little extra material in order to make them a bit more comfortable or not. Ultimately this depends on the animal as some may prefer more material and others may not.

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.

There are three types to choose from. The standard neck style is designed to cover the back, hind quarters and shoulders. This leaves the neck exposed and therefore is better suited to horses that do not have their necks trimmed or are not that sensitive to the cold.

Fill is also an issue. A lighter weighted rug is best suited to younger horses and those that are less sensitive to cold. A more sensitive or older animal is more likely to need a heavier weighted one. It may also be worth having one for the summer as well as the winter so you can always have something appropriate for your horse.

There are a wide array of places you can buy a rug for your horse. It is best to check online to get recommendations from other riders and owners as they can tell you the kind of products they use and what is appropriate for your particular animal. With the right approach you will be able to find the best rug to properly look after your horse.




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