The Importance of Horse Rugs: Why Your Horse Needs One

Horses require protection from harsh
environmental conditions such as rain, snow,
wind, sun, and insects. While shelter provides
some relief from inclement weather, horse rugs
greatly increase horses' comfort, especially on
extremely cold days. All horses will benefit
from a rug at least on certain days regardless
of their age or the climate in which they live.

Fortunately, rugs come in a wide range of
weights and styles. All of them should be easy
to take on and off the horse, stay securely
fastened, and allow the horse to move freely.
They are made from durable materials that are
often waterproof or water resistant and can last
for several years with proper care. Horse rugs
are also generally machine washable. Most rugs
have straps that run across the horse's chest
and underneath the horse's body to hold the rug
in place as well as looser straps placed around
the horse's hind legs to prevent the rug from
slipping.

Some horse rugs are designed for bitterly cold
temperatures while others simply keep a horse
dry on a rainy day. The lightest rugs provide
protection against the sun and flies while
keeping the horse cool. Some rugs cover the
horse's neck and head in addition to the body
for added warmth or fly protection. Horse owners
can choose from many different sizes to ensure
that the rug fits the horse properly. All rugs
should fit well for the horse's safety and
comfort. A rug that is too tight can rub against
the horse and cause pain or sores, while a rug
that is too loose may not stay securely on the
horse and could pose a safety risk. Horse owners
will find a very wide selection of colours and
patterns. Dark colours are best for cold days,
while light colours that reflect heat work well
for the summer months.

Horse rugs can help keep horses healthy and
their immune systems strong. They provide warmth
on cold, windy, and wet days and prevent the
horse from getting stressed and being
susceptible to illness. They also protect
against sunburn, which can be quite painful.
Lightweight, breathable nylon or synthetic rugs
decrease the number of insect bites a horse
receives and therefore improve the horse's
comfort while decreasing its likelihood of
developing an insect-borne disease.

Using a horse rug is an affordable way to
greatly increase a horse's comfort, protect it
from illness, and even keep it clean. Owners
often find it useful to purchase several rugs in
different weights and materials to use in
different weather. For example, a horse can wear
a thin sheet during the warm summer months, a
light rug in the autumn and spring, and a thick
rug for the winter. With all of the options
available, the ideal rug exists for every horse
and climate.

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For horse rugs, please visit:
http://www.equestrianclearance.com/products/horse_wear/

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