Caring for a horse is not only time consuming, but it can be a costly process. With a number of accessories as well as yard fees and insurances to pay for, it is a full-time commitment to care for these four-legged friends. But what rugs should you be using during different times of the year? In this article, we will be providing you with everything you need to know when looking to purchase a rug for your horse.
Turnout Rugs
Turning out your horse in harsh weather conditions can be difficult, particularly if the ground is to be saturated or it is raining heavily, but with the use of turnout rug, you can protect your horse from harsh weather conditions. When opting for such a rug, it is important to note that there are varying levels of protection and warmth that are available. This can be changed depending on the age, size and weight of the horse as well as the exercise level to ensure that your horse is comfortable.
Stable Rugs
Horses that are living indoors, in particular, those that have been clipped, will benefit from horse stable rugs as this will provide them with the warmth that they need. This is in part because of them not being able to generate heat of their own during the winter months. Whether you are opting for a light sheet or a heavyweight stable sheet this can help to keep the horse clean and make grooming significantly easier. Though this is not needed for every breed of horse, this can be used sparingly to ensure your horse is warm when the weather takes a turn for the worst.
Fly Rugs
Flies and midges in the summer months can be aggravating for the horse when relaxing outside and grazing. However, a fly rug can help to deter these pesky creatures and allow your horse to enjoy its time outside. Due to their lightweight nature, your horse will not be at risk of overheating, allowing them to be rugged a majority of the day completely risk-free.
Sheets
UV protection for a horse is a must and a sheet can help you to achieve this. IF your horse is turned out in warm weather often this rug is ideal as its high cotton content allows for a breathable material that also protects from harmful UV rays. In addition to this, the sheet also helps to prevent the coat of your horse fading in the summer sun helping them to look and feel their best at all times, regardless of their daily activities.
Coolers
Cooler rugs are the final rug that can be beneficial for your horse and can be used either after exercise or in the warm weather when the horse’s temperature increases. Though this will not cool the horse down instantly a cooler rug will regulate the horse’s temperature. This is great for working horses around this time of year as well as those competing in competitions as it can keep your horse at a comfortable temperature.
Whether you are looking to invest in a new rug ahead of the cooler winter weather or you are looking to prepare for the scorching summer heat, there are a number of rugs that can keep your horse happy and healthy all year round.
Suzanne Ashton, Founder of Everything Horse (Est, 2012), has a BA Hons in Marketing Management and a Diploma in Equine Science. Suzanne has ridden and owned horses all her life and has twelve years of experience in marketing, writing, design, SEO, and website creation.
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