Choosing The Best Horse Rugs

By Essie Osborn


Owning horses is a wonderful privilege. Many people save for years to realize their dream of ownership. Most horses are boarded at large barns where they receive excellent care. This involves being fed at regular intervals, having their stalls cleaned daily and being turned out in the field to get some exercise. When horses are turned out in the winter time they often need one or more blankets to keep them warm and dry.

Although shopping on line is a very common choice, some people still like to visit their local tack store. They may have built up a good working relationship with the owners and staff over many years. They can also ask question and really look at the products to see which they like best. This is very important, especially when buying big ticket items such as horse rugs and saddlery.

Most owners will purchase at least one or two rugs for each of their horses. There are many different types to choose from. During the summer it is handy to have a couple of light cotton summer sheets. These are usually in a traditional plaid design, with red or navy blue being the most popular colors. They are designed to keep the animals clean and dust free. They also help to prevent flies bothering the horses when they are turned out in the field.

When horses are being used in competition they need to be spotlessly clean. Most riders like to bath their horses the day before a show. They will then need a light sheet to prevent them getting dirty again. Horses instinct tells them to roll in the dirt when they are wet. This helps to get them dry and it also feels good. However, it is a disaster for a show horse to roll when they are still damp as all the dirt and dust will stick to their coat.

Horses that live out side all the time will also need at least one winter rug. This should be a high quality one that is both wind and water proof. There is a significant difference between water resistant and water proof. A water resistant rug is really just suitable for showers and cannot be expected to hold up to twenty four hour wear.

The lighter rug is perfect for a horse that comes into the stable at night. They do not need such a high level of protection. Once they come in they are changed into their stable rug, one that is light weight but warm and easy to wash. Throughout the course of the winter the rug will need to be laundered several times. Checking the washing directions prior to purchase is a good idea.

Many people save time by using a light cotton summer sheet under their horses thicker rug. This is much easier to wash and also helps to keep the coat in good condition. The sheet is then used on its own during the warmer months to keep of dust and flies.

A good quality rug will protect the animal in even the worst weather. They also come with detachable hoods that cover the entire neck and really help to keep a horse in show condition throughout the winter. Many riders still like to compete in the winter indoor circuit and need their animals to look good.




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