Winter Rug: Reliable Warmth for Your Horse on Cold and Wet Days

Winter Rug: warmly wrapped through the cold season

Many horses cope very well with their own thick winter coat. But if your horse is clipped, older, has a thin coat or lives without enough shelter, it needs some help. A winter rug keeps the warmth close to the body and protects against wet weather and biting wind. For the field you choose a waterproof turnout rug with fill, for the box a padded stable rug.

The right fill weight

The fill is given in grams. Lightweight winter rugs with 100 to 150 g suit unclipped horses on wet, cold days or for the transitional seasons. Medium fills of around 200 g are a good all-rounder. Heavyweight rugs with 250 to 300 g are meant for clipped horses and severe cold. Which fill is right depends on clip, management, age and type of horse. A hardy native breed feels the cold differently from a fine-boned warmblood.

Material, fit and checks

A tough outer fabric with a high denier rating stands up to play in the field. Breathability allows moisture to escape. A high neck line or a neck cover protects the crest and neck. Check daily whether the rug rubs at the shoulder or withers, and feel underneath to see if your horse is sweating. Take the rug off regularly, groom your horse and check its body condition.

Frequently asked questions

Will a winter rug make my horse soft?
A rug affects coat growth if it is put on early in autumn. Once you have started, you should stay consistent. Unclipped, hardy horses with shelter often do not need a rug at all.

What fill weight do I need for a clipped horse?
That depends on the type of clip and the weather. With a partial clip, a medium fill is often enough, while a full clip and frost call for a heavyweight. Many owners combine a lighter rug with a liner to stay flexible.

How do I wash a winter rug properly?
Brush off loose dirt and hair first. Larger rugs often only fit into a large capacity machine, but there are also rug washing services. Wash without fabric softener so the waterproofing is preserved, and reproof it if needed.