If this is your first winter as a horse owner, then the subject of rugs can be quite overwhelming. The truth is that finding the right rug for your horse doesn’t have to be as complicated as it might seem. Horses are naturally able to regulate their own temperatures so even when it’s chilly outside, your horse is probably much warmer than you think he or she is. This is especially true if you have a horse that is a hardy, native breed like a Welsh Cob. On the other hand, some horses like Thoroughbreds or Warmbloods will feel the cold more, so you’ll have to pay more attention to rugging. Keep reading to find out more about the different types of rugs for horses.
Before you choose the right rug for your horse, it’s a good idea to make sure that you have got the right horse rug size. Horse rug sizing charts can be easily found online based on your horse’s height. Bear in mind that sizing up might be necessary if you have a particularly stocky or overweight horse. Rugs have adjustable surcingles and straps, so adjusting the right size rug to fit your horse correctly is quite easy.
Perfect for when the weather starts to get wetter but you’ve not yet clipped your horse, a lightweight turnout rug works similarly to a raincoat. It will keep your horse dry and keep the chill off, but they’re unlikely to sweat in it. It’s great if you plan to ride in the evenings and don’t want to spend ages drying your horse off after they have been out in the rain.
For horses that get winter turnout or are out all year round but need rugging, a heavyweight turnout rug can be ideal. These have more padding inside so will keep your horse warm and snug even if they are in the field below freezing. This type of rug is likely to be necessary if your horse has a full clip or another clip that takes off a lot of its natural winter coat, to help them stay warm and regulate its body temperature.
Like turnout rugs, stable rugs come in different weights – the best one for your horse will depend on the weather, their breed, and whether or not they are clipped. A hardy pony that hasn’t been clipped will be fine in a lighter stable rug, or even none at all. On the other hand, if you have a thoroughbred with a full body clip you’ll want a rug that they will be warm and cosy in.
Fleece rugs can be used for various purposes. They are often used for travel to keep your horse warm, dry, and clean in the horse box or trailer. You can also get fleece cooler rugs that wick away moisture and can be ideal for putting on after a sweaty ride or a bath to help your horse cool down and dry off.
Ultimately, finding the perfect rug for your horse will depend on their breed, the weather right now, and several other factors.
