Stable Rug: Warmth and Comfort for Your Horse in the Box

Stable Rug: warm through the night

A stable rug is made for the time your horse spends in the box. Unlike a turnout rug, it does not have to be waterproof and can therefore be softer, lighter and more breathable. It mainly keeps clipped horses, older horses and horses with a thin winter coat warm. It also keeps dust and bedding off the coat, so grooming in the morning is done more quickly.

Choosing the right fill

Stable rugs come unfilled or with fills of roughly 100 to 350 g. A light rug is often enough for unclipped horses on cool nights. Heavy fills are meant for clipped horses in cold stables. How warm your stable really is depends on its construction and ventilation, so match the rug to your stable. 2-in-1 models can also be used as a liner under a turnout rug and give you more flexibility.

Fit and checks

The stable rug should not press on the withers or shoulders and should not slip when your horse lies down. Cross surcingles under the belly keep it in position, and a fillet string stops it from twisting sideways. In the morning, feel under the rug to see whether your horse has sweated. If the coat is damp, choose a lighter rug. Take the rug off every day, groom your horse thoroughly and check the typical rub points at the shoulders, withers and chest as you do.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use a stable rug in the field too?
Only in dry weather and for a short time. Stable rugs are not waterproof and soak up rain. Your horse would then get chilled underneath rather than kept warm.

Does an unclipped horse need a rug in the stable?
Usually not, as long as it is healthy and in good condition. A thick winter coat insulates very well. For older horses or very draughty stables, a light rug can make sense.

How often should I wash the stable rug?
Once or twice a season is usually enough, along with regular brushing. At the end of winter, wash it thoroughly before storing it. That way the material and fill keep their shape for a long time. Store it somewhere dry and protected from mice and moths.