Choosing The Best Horse Rugs

By Essie Osborn


Equestrian equipment can be very expensive. Many owners are on a budget and need to be careful about what they buy. They are always looking for good quality items at reasonable prices. On of the most popular ways to shop today is to go on line. People can find just about anything they want and also do some comparison shopping to secure the very best deals.

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.

During the winter months horses grow long thick winter coats to protect themselves from the weather. It is quite amazing how effective these coats are at keeping them dry and warm. Horses can winter out in extremely low temperatures, as long as they are not sick or very old. However, horses that are being exercised or shown will need to have their winter coat removed.

When they no longer have a thick coat of their own the horse will need some warm and water proof blankets to keep them warm and comfortable. In addition, the animal will stay clean and this saves a lot of grooming time. Busy owners hate to have to spend hours brushing the mud off their horses before they can ride. It is very important as putting a saddle on a dirty back will cause painful sore spots and rubbing that may take weeks to heal.

Most summer sheets are fairly inexpensive and it is a good idea to have at least two sheets available. One for everyday where and one for shows. They are easy to machine wash and dry fast on the line or in the sun. If the owner is in a hurry they may be able to tumble dry the sheet, but they should check the washing instructions. Anything that is 100 percent cotton may well shrink.

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.

Rugs are now available in many different colors. Some people stick with the traditional green, navy blue or black. However, the fun and funky colors are now becoming very popular, especially with the younger riders. They love to see their horse or pony in a bright pink or purple rug.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment