How to Fit a Horse with a Rug Correctly

Putting horse rugs on horses is an essential
skill for any horse owner. It is important that
your safety and your horse's safety are ensured
throughout the procedure of fitting a horse rug.
Follow these simple tips to get it right.

Firstly ensure that the horse is tied up, using
a headcollar and leadrope, with a quick release
knot to a piece of breakable string. This allows
you to put the rug on in safety, without the
horse moving off, however if the horse was to
panic, the string would break and prevent
further panicking. Ask a helper to help you to
keep the horse still if he fidgets. It is always
advisable to ask someone to supervise if you are
unsure or new to putting horse rugs on.

Firstly take the rug and fold it in half, then
lay it carefully over the horse. Make sure that
you don't simply throw the rug over the horse as
this could frighten the horse and could result in
injury to yourself or the horse.

Unfold the rug, ensuring that each part of the
rug covers the correct area; the wither pad
should sit at the withers, the tail flap starts
at the point at which the tail starts and if the
rug features a neck cover this should cover the
neck. Always place the rug slightly further
forward than necessary and then pull the rug
back into position, this ensures that the coat
lies in the direction of growth which is more
comfortable for the horse.

Move to the front of the horse and stand to one
side - outside the reach of front hooves! From
here do up the chest straps on the rug. There
are usually two of these straps on horse rugs,
which are done up using clips or buckles. You
should be able to fit a hand's width between the
horse and the rug all round the chest and neck.
This prevents chafing and allows the horse to
move his neck freely, especially essential when
the horse is grazing or feeding from the floor.

Next move towards the horse's stomach and
attach the cross surcingles. To do this, ensure
that they are hanging freely on the right hand
side then bend down (never kneel) and grab one
from the left hand side. You could ask your
helper to pass the surcingles underneath the
horse's stomach to make this easier and safer.
The cross surcingle at the front of the rug
should attach to the rear clip and vice-versa.
You should be able to fit a hand's width between
the surcingles and the horse's stomach. This
prevents the straps from rubbing the horse, but
won't allow enough room for the horse's hoof or
leg to become caught if he lies down or kicks.

If the rug features leg straps, do these up
next. Take the left hand leg strap, pass it
through the two legs carefully, watching incase
the horse moves his legs, and attach it to the
d-ring on the same side. Next, pass the right
hand leg strap round the right hand leg and
thread it through the left hand leg strap. This
keeps the leg straps away from the horse's legs,
thus preventing them from rubbing the inside of
the horse's hindlegs.

Finally, if the rug features a filet string,
carefully lift the tail over the fillet string,
so that it lies beneath the tail to help keep
the rug in place. Ensure that you stand to one
side and not directly behind the horse whilst
you do this.

If you are using a rug with a neck cover then
these are usually done up with Velcro straps or
clips. Ensure that you can fit a hand's width
between the straps and the horse's neck to allow
for full freedom of movement.

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A great collection of horse rugs are available at
the best prices at
http://www.equestrianclearance.com/products/horse_wear/rugs/

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