Which rug for spring?

Published: 2018-02-12 16:26:17 Categories: Guides , Products

Capricious weather in the winter and early spring may cause horse owners trouble when it comes to buying the right rug. Dynamic changes in the atmospheric conditions force us to have a whole range of different rugs ready at all times for our beloved pets.

The choice is easy if your horse hasn't been shaved. In this case, focus on a sweat rug after a training, when your horse's coat is wet. You can choose from many materials that drain moisture. The most common rugs, however, are fleece ones, as they are exceptionally effective in draining sweat to the outside, at the same time preventing too rapid cooling of the horse's body. The producers are competing against each other by designing more fancy and impressive collections. 


1. Widbinding Classic Sports fleece sweat rug 2. Eskadron Nici Printed sweat rug 3. Bicolor fleece sweat rug

Another necessary and indispensable rug is a paddock rug. For horses with winter coat, rug made of waterproof and durable fabric will be enough. It will protect your horse against ice-cold wind and rain. During nice weather, when thermometers show pretty high temperatures, an unshaved horse may be outside without a rug.

When it comes to shaved horses, choosing rugs is more problematic for the owners. For very low temperatures, you should equip your horse with winter rugs with 300g, or even 500g padding. When the temperature both in the stable and outside of it is between 5 and 10 degrees Celsius, it is definitely too warm for a thick winter rug. Then you should have a rug with 100-200g padding. However, capricious weather force you to always be on alert in January and February. Overheating your horse is just as dangerous as exposure and causes harm to the horse's physical shape and overall mood.

In a case when your thermometer shows you more than 10 degrees Celsius you should resign from rugs with padding and exchange them with autumn ones. They are usually made of cotton fabrics with no lining. Some owners decide to leave the horse with fleece rugs with fastening on the belly or using a rubber belt that prevents the horse from taking the rug off or the rug from shifting. It is a good solution. A fleece rug is breathable and will be perfect for stable use.


1. Sweat Rug Waffleweave Platinum 2. Stable rug with latex mesh  3. Classic summer stable rug

You should do the same on the paddock. If the temperature is very low, you should put a thick waterproof rug with solid padding on your horse. If there is a strong wind, it's good to have a rug that will also protect your horse's neck and has a tail flap. As the temperature outside rises, you should choose lighter rugs for your horse. You have to be very careful when it comes to letting your horse run rug-free on the paddock. Spring sun can set very early and then the temperature drops rapidly.

Horses with more delicate coat tend to chafe in the most sensitive parts: shoulder blades, chest, or withers. We have a solution for that. In equestrian shops you can buy special under rugs made of very sensuous fabrics that effectively nullify friction.


1. Edinburgh protective under rug 2. Kingsland Classic under blanket

The info might prove very useful for horse owners, but it won't work without constant observation and monitoring your horse's general sensations. It is crucial to cooperate with the stable crew that will have the possibility to change your horse's rug every day if necessary.