A Rundown of the Various Types and Uses of Horse Rugs

There are so many different types of horse rugs
on the market that it is difficult to know which
to use and when. With horse ownership comes the
requirement for many horse rugs, read on to find
out which rugs your horse will need and when to
use them.

Stable rugs are used in order to keep the horse
warm whilst stabled. As the horse is required to
stand still for long periods of time when
stabled, they can grow cold in a way that a
turned out horse would not, so a stable rug is
essential for cold weather. Stable rugs are
often padded or quilted and available in
different weights, from lightweight - ideal for
cool nights - to heavyweight stable rugs which
are perfect for the coldest winter weather.

Turnout rugs are designed to keep the horse
warm and dry when turned out. Turnout horse rugs
are available in a variety of thicknesses to suit
all weather conditions, from lightweight rugs to
keep the horse dry during summer showers to
heavyweight turnout rugs which will keep the
horse comfortable and warm in the depths of
winter.

Under rugs, also called liners, are designed to
be used underneath stable or turnout rugs when
the temperature really drops. These offer the
horse extra warmth in the cold weather.

Use a cooler rug or sweat sheet after exercise
in order to ensure that your horse cools down
without catching a chill. They act to wick
moisture away from the horse's skin, allowing
the horse to cool down, whilst offering a
covering to prevent the horse from cooling down
too quickly.

Usually cotton, summer sheets are designed, as
the name suggests, to be used during the summer
months. They most commonly used to keep the
horse clean and protected when stabled or when
travelling.

Travel rugs are lightweight sheets designed to
be used when the horse is in transit. These
horse rugs keep the horse clean, protected and
offer some warmth. Usually a summer sheet,
fleece rug or cooler rug can be used as a travel
rug instead of purchasing another rug
specifically for this use.

Fleece rugs are incredibly versatile and
useful. They can be used as a cooler after
exercise, as a travel rug or sheet when stabled.
They are also beneficial for use underneath a
stable or turnout rug to provide extra warmth.
Available in an array of colours and styles,
fleece rugs can be a fashion accessory, and are
often embroidered and used at shows.

A fly rug or fly sheet offers a turned out
horse protection from flies and other biting
insects during the summer 'fly season'. Made of
a fine mesh, these rugs will protect your horse,
whilst still allowing air to circulate, thus
preventing the horse from overheating. Ideally
fly rugs should offer as much coverage as
possible to ensure full protection, therefore
many fly rugs feature a belly wrap, full neck
cover and sometimes also a matching face mask.
Fly rugs can also be used to prevent bleaching
of the skin caused by direct sunlight - for this
reason, most fly rugs are white or another
reflective colour - and help to keep your horse
clean.

An exercise rug is designed, as the name
indicates, to be used to keep the horse warm
whilst being ridden - some exercise rugs are
also waterproof in order to keep the horse dry.
There are two main types of exercise sheet; some
are placed underneath the saddle and held in
place by the saddle, whilst others are wrapped
around the saddle (or the rider) and attached
with Velcro at the withers.

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A huge variety of horse rugs are available at
great prices at
http://www.equestrianclearance.com/products/horse_wear/rugs/

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