Rugging a horse — when to do that and what are the merits?

Rugging a horse is a more and more popular practice in our stables. A beginner rider or horse owner might wonder if such a solution could be helpful for his or her steed. This is why we advise — when to rug and what are the pluses of using rugs.

Some riders love completing the horse's equipment, searching through types and colors of rugs, wraps, and boots. However, if you consider buying a rug, you should think this through, and if needed — ask more experienced riders for advice. Equishop's staff is also here to help you — as your beloved horses' well-being is always our top priority.

1. When to rug a horse?

Some horses require wearing rugs, others don't need them, and using them might cause overheating or even illness. Even if we, humans, put on warm jackets and hats at the first fall wind, our steeds are usually perfectly adapted to low temperatures. They have a thick winter coat that protects them from cold, rain, and snow effectively.

However, today's maintenance and use of horses sometimes make rugs necessary — it all depends on your individual needs. We most often rug horses that regularly walk under a saddle, are shaved for comfort while training indoors or taking part in competitions (you will find more about shaving horses in this article). Other situations in which your horse may need a rug include illness, low body weight, low immunity, transporting a horse from a warmer climate zone, or advanced age. However, before you choose a rug for your horse, it is good to learn a bit about rug types that are available on the market.

2. Advantages of using horse rugs

1. Eskadron turnout rug Beta 1680DEN 150G Classic
2. Eskadron winter stable rug Ripstop 400G
3. Eskadron fleece show rug
4. Horze mesh combo rain and fly rug with hood Nevada

Depending on the chosen model, your rug may serve various functions:

• Protection from rain — is perfect for horses with low immunity or older ones.
  
• Protection from getting the coat dirty, when the horse might roll around in mud or lay down in a stall.
  
• Protection from insects — these rugs are usually made of mesh material that prevents insect bites. You may often find models with hoods or fly hats.
  
• Drainage after training — will be useful both for shaved and unshaved horses. Fleece rugs take the moisture away from the coat — you should then completely take it off or replace it with a dry rug. While speeding up the drying process, you minimize the horse's chance to catch a cold. You can put the sweat rug while trotting the horse out after a ride.
  
• Providing thermal comfort — is a priority for horses that are shaved for training indoors. Warm rugs are to be used both on the paddock and in the stable. Additional protection from cold is also helpful for thin and older horses that clearly get cold easily - e.g. because of some ailments, general weakness, or malnutrition.
  
• Presenting the stable's or sponsor's logo — for sportsmen and sportswomen, this is a very useful function of a rug that allows you to present your own stable or your sponsor during competition.
  

Remember to make your horse's well-being the priority while choosing a rug. Consider why your horse needs it and if he surely needs it, then carefully choose the model, padding grammage, size, and material.

Do you want to buy a rug for your horse? Check our offer  ---> Go

If you have any questions, get in touch.

Equestiran shop: +48 784 039 784

E-mail: contact@equishop.com

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