Understanding The Purpose Of Horse Rugs

By Katrina Wheeler


Protecting the ones we love is very important. When the ones we love are horses we must consider the best options for protection. They often need assistance to stay dry, warm up and cool down. Horse rugs provide additional assistance when weather conditions become extreme.

You might wonder how you would keep a rug or blanket on an animal that is so large and active. Most blankets have straps and clips to attach around the chest, under the belly and additional straps that go around and between the hind legs for additional security. They come in several different sizes, colors and weights. The heavier weighted covers, are for use during the winter months when the weather is very cold. Lighter weight sheets are for the spring and summer months, many times to protect them from irritating insects.

In order to keep your equestrian friend warm on harsh winter days, use a thick and heavy weighted fleece blanket. Many blankets have the added benefit of being water resistant or water proof. If you need even more protection, you may choose to add a neck cover.

There are many different types and styles of rugs and blankets to choose from. There can also be a difference in the weight of the fabrics used for this protection. There are stable, turnout, fly, water proof and cooling blankets as well as anti-sweat sheets. Each has a very distinctive use.

Stable cloaks can be provided to keep your equestrian friend warm when he is in his stall. Turnout coverings are best used when your animal is out in the pasture on a sunny winter day. Fly sheets are used to protect your animal from being bothered by flies during the summer months. Cooling rugs can be used to cool your animal's core temperature after a vigorous workout. There are many different types of coverlets to choose from depending on the need of your horse.

It is imperative that your animal be dry before placing a blanket on him. Blanketing him while he is wet can cause him to become ill. Dry him with an anti-sweat sheet before blanketing. It will remove any remaining water. Once he is dry, he may be blanketed. Remember that moisture can be held in by a blanket that is placed on a damp horse, which can cause serious health problems for him.

Blanketing an animal too soon can keep it from growing a winter coat. It is best to allow the winter coat to grow first. Use the blanket only when it is absolutely necessary. If you use a blanket too early in the season, your horse will have to wear it until warm weather returns.

During extreme weather, you will need the correct equestrian provisions. The safety of your hoofed friends takes precedence. Horse rugs provide exceptional protection from the harshest of environments. They provide warmth in the winter, cool in the summer, protection from irritating insects, fleece for additional comfort and warmth and water-proofing for rain and snow. No matter what season, there is a perfect rug and the horses will look so cute wearing them too.




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