Finding The Right Horse Rugs

Whether you are the happy owner of your first horse, or if you have a stable full, you may find this handy guide to horse rugs useful. What has really changed in recent years is that you can buy a wide assortment of top quality horse rugs online. The easy availability of rugs from all around the world makes picking and choosing what you need more interesting. You have many more alternatives now, so here are some points to consider.

The climate and the type of horse will make choosing a bit easier. You will need to have rugs in different weights, though. And know that even the highest quality rugs are made to tear off the horse should it become tangled or torn. The safety of your horse comes first, and worry over torn rugs, last.

Regardless of the season, rugs are designed to tear away from any horse when tangled or torn. This is a safety measure that does not reflect on the quality of the rug. In the wintertime, you should choose a heavyweight turnout rug. It is designed to protect a clipped or finer horse from severe cold. But, do keep in mind that some fabrics will make your horse sweat and become damp. Try to avoid those in favour of fabrics that breath a little. This will help to keep your horse safer, too.

In the spring time, you should plan to have a lightweight rug. If the horse you have is hardy with a heavier coat, you may even be able to use this same rug year round. Some owners do this regularly, but they have an extra fleece liner handy if extra warmth is needed. This plan can be used in the autumn as well.

You must have a stable rug for the times when your horse is stabled. Made of warm fleece, any horse must be kept warm in the stable when it is standing still. This is most important, because horses cannot exercise to keep themselves warm when they are inside.

Some owners stand by New Zealand rugs for year round use. These traditional canvas rugs are waxed to make them shower resistant. They have been made and used for generations because they are flexible.

If you have never measured a horse for a rug, you will find that online dealers offer measurement charts. You should be able to find measurements in Hands, British, or Continental versions. It is recommended that you measure your horse from the centre of the chest to centre rear, ending when you come in line with the top of its tail. If you have any concerns, contact the online rug dealer directly and double check.

Some specialty rugs include fly sheets to protect your horse from biting flies. Also available are rugs that will wick excess moisture away from the coat. These are referred to as show rugs. Some companies offer magnet filled rugs that are said to improve circulation and muscle tone. These specialty items may help any horse to feel better.

There are many top quality manufacturers of horse rugs. You may compare them online. Often you will find links to the various manufacturers at the better websites. Also offered are links to many other horse related interests. Regardless of your choices for rugs, you can be certain that there will be something offered that will suit your needs perfectly.

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