Cooler Rug: Dry and Warm After Schooling and Washing Down

Cooler Rug: quickly dry after work

A sweaty horse loses a lot of heat through its wet coat, especially in cool weather or wind. A cooler rug absorbs the moisture and wicks it away, while your horse stays warm underneath. Most models are made of fleece, which is pleasantly light and lies softly on the coat. After a wash down or a sudden rain shower on the way home, the cooler is a faithful companion as well.

When to use a cooler rug

Traditionally you put the cooler on after schooling, once your horse has cooled off in walk. In autumn and spring it is also handy for clipped horses after riding. At a show it keeps the muscles warm between classes. Models with a neck cover warm the neck too, and cross surcingles stop the rug from slipping. A separate neck cover can also be used on its own if only the neck is damp.

Using and caring for it properly

Do not leave the cooler on your horse for hours once it is soaked through. As soon as it feels wet and the coat underneath is drying, swap it for a dry one or take it off. Fleece collects a lot of hair, so a laundry bag in the washing machine is worth it. Wash at a low temperature without fabric softener so the material stays absorbent.

Frequently asked questions

How long should the cooler stay on?
Until the coat underneath is dry. Depending on weather and coat, that can take between half an hour and a full hour. Feel under the rug now and then and change it if it is soaked through.

Can a cooler double as a stable rug overnight?
For a short while on a cool night that is fine, as long as your horse is dry. Without secure straps, though, fleece slips more easily and picks up bedding. For rugging in the stable over longer periods, a proper stable rug is the better choice.

Fleece or mesh, which dries better?
Fleece absorbs moisture well and keeps the horse warm at the same time, ideal for cool weather. A mesh cooler lets plenty of air through and is more pleasant on warm days. Many riders have both and choose according to the temperature.