subject: A Rundown Of The Various Types And Uses Of Horse Rugs [print this page] There are so many different types of horse rugs on the market that it is difficult to know which to use and when. With horse ownership comes the requirement for many horse rugs, read on to find out which rugs your horse will need and when to use them.
Stable rugs are used in order to keep the horse warm whilst stabled. As the horse is required to stand still for long periods of time when stabled, they can grow cold in a way that a turned out horse would not, so a stable rug is essential for cold weather. Stable rugs are often padded or quilted and available in different weights, from lightweight - ideal for cool nights - to heavyweight stable rugs which are perfect for the coldest winter weather.
Turnout rugs are designed to keep the horse warm and dry when turned out. Turnout horse rugs are available in a variety of thicknesses to suit all weather conditions, from lightweight rugs to keep the horse dry during summer showers to heavyweight turnout rugs which will keep the horse comfortable and warm in the depths of winter.
Under rugs, also called liners, are designed to be used underneath stable or turnout rugs when the temperature really drops. These offer the horse extra warmth in the cold weather.
Use a cooler rug or sweat sheet after exercise in order to ensure that your horse cools down without catching a chill. They act to wick moisture away from the horse's skin, allowing the horse to cool down, whilst offering a covering to prevent the horse from cooling down too quickly.
Usually cotton, summer sheets are designed, as the name suggests, to be used during the summer months. They most commonly used to keep the horse clean and protected when stabled or when travelling.
Travel rugs are lightweight sheets designed to be used when the horse is in transit. These horse rugs keep the horse clean, protected and offer some warmth. Usually a summer sheet, fleece rug or cooler rug can be used as a travel rug instead of purchasing another rug specifically for this use.
Fleece rugs are incredibly versatile and useful. They can be used as a cooler after exercise, as a travel rug or sheet when stabled. They are also beneficial for use underneath a stable or turnout rug to provide extra warmth. Available in an array of colours and styles, fleece rugs can be a fashion accessory, and are often embroidered and used at shows.
A fly rug or fly sheet offers a turned out horse protection from flies and other biting insects during the summer 'fly season'. Made of a fine mesh, these rugs will protect your horse, whilst still allowing air to circulate, thus preventing the horse from overheating. Ideally fly rugs should offer as much coverage as possible to ensure full protection, therefore many fly rugs feature a belly wrap, full neck cover and sometimes also a matching face mask. Fly rugs can also be used to prevent bleaching of the skin caused by direct sunlight - for this reason, most fly rugs are white or another reflective colour - and help to keep your horse clean.
An exercise rug is designed, as the name indicates, to be used to keep the horse warm whilst being ridden - some exercise rugs are also waterproof in order to keep the horse dry. There are two main types of exercise sheet; some are placed underneath the saddle and held in place by the saddle, whilst others are wrapped around the saddle (or the rider) and attached with Velcro at the withers.
