Choosing The Right Horse Rugs

By Jaclyn Hurley


Just like people horses need to be looked after. They need to be fed, cleaned out and sheltered. While they may have thick hair and manes this does not make them immune from the cold. Sometimes they need something additional to keep them clothed. This is why you need to choose the right horse rugs to suit your animal.

There are various places you can order a rug from. The problem is that whether you buy something from a high street store or a website it is not possible to bring your horse and exactly measure them up against an item. Therefore you need to order a product in advance and take an educated guess that it is right.

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.

As well as dealing with the cold there is also the issue of what to wear in warmer conditions. Having a material that breathes can help as sweat drips away from the rug. It is often advisable to have options for both warmer and colder conditions so that you can be sure that your horse is properly looked after.

You can order rugs for your horse from specialist stores and websites. If your budget is tight then you may want to look for private sellers offering second hand items. It is recommended that you check and compare a number of sources in order to get the best products in your price range. You should also check online for feedback and advice from other riders and owners in order to get the right rug for your horse.




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