Horse Rug
Horse Rug
 |
 Weatherbeeta Taka Freestyle Heavy Blanket 72  US $220.00
|
 FLY SHEET Rug Lite Blue Trim 78 Horse Show Tack New US $39.00
|
 Rambo Duo Horse Blanket size 66 US $80.00
|
 NEW sz 69 87 Weatherbeeta Orican Freestyle standard neck horse blanket MEDIUM US $137.99
|
| The Horses Blog |
To Use Horse Rugs Properly Follow This Advice
Health, safety and comfort must be at the top of your mind if you are an enthusiastic horse lover. You have to protect them from the effects of the weather, which they can certainly feel like we can. Remember to look after them after you have taken time to exercise them, whether you store them in a pasture or in a stable. Choose horse rugs according to your situations and circumstances and adjust your choice of products depending on how much demand you put on your horse and its specific living conditions.
In the majority of cases, horse rugs are intended for use when the animal is at rest. The two primary types of equestrian rugs are stable rugs and turnout rugs. As the name suggests, the former is useful in keeping the horse warm and comfortable in the stable and versions are available in a variety of different weights and thicknesses according to your location. You should establish your preference here. You can either select one stable rug in an appropriate weight or thickness, or, as may be preferable if you live in a climate that is quite variable, you could layer your equestrian rugs in an assortment of different thicknesses according to conditions.
When you are fitting your rugs, make sure that they cover the animal substantially and can be secured using surcingles and fillet strings. Make sure that the horse is comfortable and that no fastenings encroach on the most sensitive parts of its body.
Turnout rugs are designed for horses that are kept out in the field. It is even more critical to ensure warmth and protection when outdoors and you need to be very careful selecting the right products here. Turnout rugs are also designed to keep the beast dry and clean. Modern examples are created from a material that has not only waterproof properties, but is also relatively lightweight and has the ability to maintain the animal's temperature. Pay particular attention to fitment with good crossover underbelly connections and straps to the chest or rear legs.
If you live in an area prone to particularly inclement weather, you should consider a heavier duty equestrian rug, such as the New Zealand rug, which has been designed to guard against wintry conditions. Remember that you can also layer lighter weight rugs beneath to reach the desired level of comfort.
Try and avoid leaving any particularly wet rugs on a horse where at all possible and make sure that you groom the horse to get rid of any lasting dampness, especially in cooler weather conditions. The horse can lose a lot of body heat when its coat is wet and matted as opposed to when dry and much more energy will be required to stay warm.
When a horse rug is not being used, it should be placed over a rug holder to dry out. These holders can be elevated or moved into an "open" position to allow for quick drying, before being folded back out of the way, storing your bulky rugs until you need them next.
About the Author
Nick Morgan is a specialist as regards
horse rugs
. To learn about as much as possible in relation to
equestrian rugs
, see the online business at - http://www.derbyhouse.co.uk
What are summer sheets exactly for (horse rug)?
Can you turn horses out in them? What if it rains? Do you have to get it off quick, so it doesnt dry on them to make them cold?
What purpose do they serve?
thanks
A summer sheet is not for turnout. I use them to keep horses clean in their stables or at shows. A summer sheet is NOT the same as a fly sheet! You can waterproof sheets called rain sheets for turnout. And no, you shouldn't leave a wet rug on a horse.
ADD: I also use a summer sheet under my heavy winter rugs. It reduces the need for cleaning the big rugs as the grease and muck from the horse goes onto the summer sheet which can just be chucked in the washer; keeping the inside of the big rug cleaner for longer!
