Finding the Perfect Rug

SPONSORED CONTENT BY BUCAS AND ZEBRA PRODUCTS

With Winter well on the way, this month the team at Bucas offer expert advice on rugging up your horse by considering size, fill and how to rug.

Rugging Up for Winter

Whatever the season, the weather remains unpredictable, so it is important to have a variety of rugs covering light, medium and heavyweight, to ensure your horse is fully protected. Rugs tend to be available in increments of 50g, so 250g for example. The heavier the rug, the warmer the horse … of course!

The filling of the rug will be shown in grams, ranging from lightweight with no filling to heavyweight rugs with 400g of filling.

It is crucial your horse maintains the correct temperature; common signs that a horse is cold include if he looks uneasy, is shivering or has hair standing on end, with his tail clamped tightly down or has cold ears.  If he is too hot, your horse will be sweaty, have an increased pulse and respiration, or may seem anxious.

The breed, age, the fitness of the horse and clip needs to be taken into consideration. A competition thoroughbred will need a thicker rug for example than a hacking cob. However, the hacking hob in heavy work, with a clip, will need a heavier rug due to the additional workload and loss of winter coat (hair) from clipping.

Adding a neck cover is a great way to ensure your horse stays warm and comfortable. Neck covers are extremely versatile as they can be added or taken off depending on the temperature. Some rugs are available with a fixed kneck, while others have attachments to offer versatility – although these often have to be bought separately.

Finding the Perfect Rug

With the changeable British Winter weather, it is ideal to have a variety of rug weights so your horse is fully protected. Bucas provide a recommended temperature gauge for each of their rugs so you can ensure you are choosing the right weight for your horse’s needs.

Try not to simply follow size guides – always measure your horse first. Use the Bucas sizing tape to ensure you get the right size rug for your horse. The guides usually work from the height of the horse, but the weight of a horse will make a difference on the sizing, therefore a lightweight 16hh horse will need a different size rug to a 16hh heavyweight horse.

Try not to simply follow size guides – always measure your horse first. Use a Bucas sizing tape to ensure you get the right size rug for your horse.

When looking at turnout rugs it is important to consider the nature of the horse when in the field, so the aim should be to find a rug that lets the horse have the freedom it requires in the field, but remains slip-free.

It is crucial to ensure that the rug fits correctly at the withers as this will avoid excessive rubbing and pressure. Pressure marks tend to be visible over the wither, shoulder and quarters.

When ensuring a secure fit for a turnout rug, the front fastening must be secure with a good hold. Bucas rugs use the latest mechanism when it comes to fastening rugs and making them quick and easy for owners to put on and take off.

Bucas’ premium range

The Click ‘n’ Go system has a magnetic Snap-Lock closure on Bucas’ premium range continuing the technical thinking behind the collection.

A second fastening system is the T-bar with magnetic Snap-Lock closure which again ensures the rugs are securely fastened and helps prevent slip and movement.

Also look for rugs that have cross surcingles, as this will eliminate any pressure to the spine.

Neck covers are ideal to help keep extra warmth in during those cooler periods, as well as keeping mud off your horse’s neck.

Mary King said: “I love the quality and finish of all Bucas rugs. They look so classy and are extremely versatile. They provide superb comfort for my horses.”

For further information please visit the Zebra Products website.