Most will have fastenings at the chest and cross over sursingles under the belly. There are heavier duty outdoor equestrian rugs, these are called New Zealand rugs. The primary objective when choosing a turnout or New Zealand rug is warmth and comfort. These rugs are a popular choice for horses where weather is likely to be more severe, e. Their elasticated thin material fits over the horse’s shoulders, withers and chest, providing protection from friction allowing heavier top rugs to slide over them. They are made from a traditional canvas or waxed cotton material. Sheets are made of a single layer of thin material, travel rugs can be slightly more substantial in thickness although the weights of both can vary depending on the manufacturer. . It is better for a horse to be dry before having stable or turnout rugs put on.g. COOLERS These are breathable and moisture wicking rugs that aim to help keep horses warm, dry and ventilated.STABLE RUGS Stable rugs are designed for warmth when in the stable. The varying weights of stable rugs aim to cover all variety of needs, but stable rugs can be worn as a layer, with either thinner rugs underneath or layered in different thicknesses. Think carefully and decide what qualities your horse needs from their rug to ensure you get the right one. They are particularly beneficial after exercise when horses are sweaty or after wet weather to prevent them from getting a chill. Many are fleece lined or padded but this is still a common problem. Fly fringes LC Optical Fiber Patch Cord are also used to assist in the prevention of irritation around the horse’s eyes. ANTI-RUB VESTS, BIBS AND SHOULDER VESTS These are designed for use under other rugs where hair loss on the shoulders or other areas is a problem. They are great for preventing dust from sitting on a horses coat and are also excellent for use when travelling horses, helping to prevent nicks and give a layer of additional protection. These should be fitted in the same place as the girth sits and no buckles or fastenings should rest over the spine or other sensitive areas of the horse. There are many different weights of equine turnout rug providing varying degrees of warmth and padding. They are available in different weights / thicknesses and are usually either quilted or padded. The extra weight that unfortunately provides these rugs with their excellent durability can often cause the hair on the horse’s shoulders and other prominent features to be rubbed away. They help to keep horses dry, clean and warm. Vests or Bibs can be worn in conjunction with these to help stop hair loss. All outdoor rugs should be deep enough in length for warmth and protection, preferably with shoulder movement pleats for better freedom of movement and with a good overlap where the chest straps join. They are lightweight and usually made from a fine mesh material. SHEETS AND TRAVEL RUGS It is not only the winter months or cold evenings that horses will benefit from a light covering. Many people refer to this type of rug as a Thermatex rug. Fitted using chest straps, cross over sursingles under the belly and either fillet strings or rear leg straps. Stable rugs should be deep enough so as none of the horses belly is visible. FLY RUGS Fly rugs and fly sheets are designed for one purpose, offering protection to horses in the field from flies and other bugs and insects. If there are no underside sursingles on the rug, either an elastic sursingle or a roller should be used to secure the rug around the horse’s belly. TURNOUT / OUTDOOR RUGS Designed for horses’ to wear when out in the field. Some modern turnout rugs are prone to rips, tears or snagging to the fabric although many modern rugs are now made using ‘Ripstop’ material that aims to combat this problem. They are made using synthetic materials and because of this have the advantage of being lighter in weight, without compromising its ability to be waterproof or warm. snow, ice and sleet. They should be fitted using cross over belly sursingles, the chest straps and either a fillet string or rear leg straps. Thinner rugs can be worn underneath for additional warmth and comfort. Most stable rugs are made from synthetic materials. Some also have fillet strings at their rear for additional security.
