Horse rugs come in many different types, materials and thickness. The ideal situation would be to have a rug for each season but good quality rugs are rather expensive. Dependent on the horse’s wants such as breed, health, age, and coat thickness, a rug of appropriate insulating quality should be selected. The degree of heat insulation also is dependent upon the climatic conditions and the horse’s way of life. Other considerations are price, rug quality, frequency of use and whether the rug fits firmly on the animal without creating too much pressure and friction.

There are 5 common sorts of rugs: turnout, stable, summer, exercise, saddle and sweat rugs. There are fly sheets, exercise sheets and fleeces. Some come complete with a neck. Most have two straps to fit snugly and keep the rug in place. Some are waterproofed or chemically proofed for outside use. Others have linings with antistatic properties, insulation material like Thinsulate, or soft pads for the neck and chest areas. Others are tear-resistant and can be machine washable.

A stabled or exhibiting horse such as a Thoroughbred has a thinner coat and must be kept warm in winter. A horse with a naturally thicker coat and more fat will not need as much warmth and protection in winter. Horses that take part in exhibitions and competitions need exercise rugs, fleeces and sweat rugs or coolers.

The turnout rug is most generally used as it comes in different thickness or weight. It should be adequately heavy to protect and keep the horse warm although not too warm for comfort. These rugs used to be waterproofed cotton canvas for outside use but now there are several other materials to make a choice from like cotton canvas with polyester fibres and nylon.

Stable rugs are lined with insulation and used to keep the horse warm at night inside the stable. There are wicking, dust-repellent, strain resistant, antistatic and easy-clean rugs for stable use. Some have nylon linings with pads around the neck and chest areas. A fleece, blanket or quilted lining may also be used under a stable rug.

Consideration should be given to whether antiseptic properties are desirable. Type and thickness of insulation will change dependent on the horse’s needs. Breathable rugs allow sweat to dissipate and make the horse more comfy as well as keep it healthy. Sweat rugs are critical for exhibiting and competition horses to avoid over-heating. A rug’s anti-friction properties help to slide the rug easily onto the shoulder and chest areas not rubbing unduly the horse’s coat. Hooks, loops, buckles, straps and attachments should be powerful and easy to open and shut.

One can be overwhelmed with the enormous quantity of selection options for horse rugs. It is generally recommended that horse owners or their caretakers find the advice of experienced equestrian tack shops to find the most appropriate rug for their mount, with the best quality at an affordable price.

Anna Sola is an established article author publishing articles on a wide selection of subjects including travel sport and medical subjects. Townend Online is an equestrian clothing and tack shop for all competitive riders stocking a variety of Bucas rugs and other expert equestrian equipment.