Although some owners choose not to rug their horse, their benefits make them a popular choice in most scenarios, adding a layer of protection from the weather conditions. There are various styles of horse rugs which are designed to suit the lifestyle of the horse and the external conditions, keeping them comfortable by regulating the body temperature and providing you with peace of mind whilst your horse is enjoying the outdoors. To help you choose the best type of rug for your horse, we’ve pulled together the main types of horse rug available:

Turnout rugs

During the warmer months, horse turnout rugs are an essential for many horse owners as they provide a level of protection against the sun and rain without the worry of overheating. A lightweight turnout rug is ideal for the Spring, Summer and Autumn months, allowing the skin to breathe and keeping the direct sunlight off of their body whilst your horse spends its day outdoors. If any unexpected rain showers come around, the rug will keep their coat clean and protected so you don’t have to worry about rushing outdoors if the sky starts to turn grey!

Fly rugs and sheets

During the warm months, flies, mosquitos and other biting insects are an ongoing nuisance for both horse owners and horses alike. As well as being irritating, these insects cause uncomfortable bites which can also run the risk of harmful diseases being transmitted to your horse. Specialist fly rugs utilise advanced fabrics and deterring patterns such as zebra print which discourage insects from coming near, preventing them from biting through the fabric or deterring them from coming near your horse at all.

Cooler rugs

Cooler rugs are designed with a soft lining and wicking properties to provide comfort to the horse and allow the skin to breathe. They are ideal during both warm weather and post exercise for active lifestyles, helping the body to regulate to a normal temperature gradually in scenarios where your horse will have a high body temperature. The fabric helps regulate the temperature whilst preventing the body from cooling down too quickly following intense exercise.

Fleece rugs

As the colder months approach, keeping your horse warm is important. A fleece rug is designed to hold in the bodies warmth whilst allowing the skin to breathe, adding a layer of warmth to keep them protected against the cold weather. There are various uses for fleece rugs, with versatile properties that make them suitable for use under an existing rug, when in the stable or during travelling to add an additional layer of comfort.

Exercise rugs

Both during and after intense physical activity, exercise rugs are designed to help the body recover. They ensure that the warmed up muscles do not cool down too quickly, preventing the risk of injury and keeping your horse at a comfortable temperature. As well as this, they can be used when riding during colder weather to keep your horse comfortable during any strong rain or winds so you can do what you love all year round.