With winters at our doorsteps, it’s time to look out for yourself and your horse! A horse requires protection from harsh weather and unpredictable contact with external objects. There is one solution to all these problems: Horse Rugs!

With features like waterproof material, quilt, weight, and more, horse rugs act as an insulator and provide the perfect protection to keep your horse happy and running.

This will make the horse-riding experience equally fulfilling for you, and your equine!

Know how to pick the perfect horse rug:

Weight

This feature of the rug depends on how much cold the horse can suffice. Usually, the rugs are available in lightweight, medium, and heavy weights. 

The lightweight rugs are best fit for milder winter weather or stabled horses needing additional protection.

The medium-weight horse rugs are suitable for most winter conditions, offer a good balance of insulation and protection. 

And the heavy-weight rugs provide the most protection from cold, and harsh climates, and are for horses that are outside for extended periods in low temperatures.

Material

The material of a standard rug must have these two checkpoints.

The Outer Shell, is typically made of durable, waterproof materials like nylon or polyester. This helps to keep the horse dry in wet conditions.

And the inner lining, which aids insulation. Having materials like polyester fill or other synthetic fibers helps provide warmth to the horse. In addition to these, the rug should naturally be breathable, to avoid excessive sweating while horse-riding.

Closure Systems

There are three different types of closures on a horse rug. Most rugs will already have this feature but it is important to know the functionality of it as well.

The surcingles are straps that go around the horse's belly to help keep the rug in place.

The leg straps go between the horse's hind legs and help prevent the rug from shifting.

The front closure is how the rug fastens at the front. It can be a buckle, straps, or clips.

These fixtures also help with a well-fitted rug, which aids in providing maximum protection.

Neck Cover


Some turnout horse rugs come with an attached neck cover to provide extra protection for the horse's neck and upper body. This is optional and depends on the requirements of the horse. 

Keep in mind these features if you want to make it a comfortable winter season for your horse!

Still confused about where to begin? Find the best option for your horse from our collection on autumnn.co.uk.

Remember that proper fitting and regular checks are crucial to ensure your horse's well-being during the winter season. Consulting with a knowledgeable equine professional can help you select the right turnout horse rug for your specific horse and climate.