Rugs: Horse Rugs for Every Season and Every Kind of Weather

Rugs: the right horse rug for any weather

After schooling, in a winter field or against flies in summer: rugs for horses do very different jobs. Some keep the horse warm, some keep the wind and rain off, others wick sweat away or protect against insects. Which horse rug your horse needs depends on its coat, how it is kept day to day, its workload and the weather. And not every horse needs one at all.

Choosing fill and material

The gram weight describes the fill and therefore how warm a rug is. Light rugs with no or little fill protect against rain and wind, while more heavily filled models keep clipped or older horses warm. Turnout rugs are waterproof and breathable, stable rugs stay indoors. Coolers made of fleece or mesh absorb moisture after work. Choose the fill according to clip, management and type of horse, and check regularly whether your horse is sweating under its rug.

Size and fit

The rug size matches the back length in centimetres, measured from the centre of the chest over the shoulder to the tail. The rug should not press on the shoulder or withers and should not pull tight over the tail at the back. Adjust the cross surcingles so there is a hand's width of space to the belly. Check the fit daily at first, especially at the shoulders and along the crest, where rugs tend to rub.

Frequently asked questions

At what temperature should I rug my horse?
There is no fixed temperature. Healthy, unclipped horses with a winter coat and access to shelter often manage without a rug. Clipped, older or lean horses feel the cold sooner, as do horses standing in wet, cold wind.

How can I tell if my horse is too warm under its rug?
Slide your flat hand under the rug at the shoulder and flank. If the coat feels damp or sticky, the rug is too warm. Switch to a lighter fill or leave the rug off.

How many rugs does a horse need?
For most horses a cooler and a rain sheet are enough. Clipped horses also need a warmer winter rug. A second turnout rug as a spare is handy when one is wet or in the wash.