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WHICH RUG IS BEST FOR YOUR HORSE - HELPFULL TIPS
WHICH RUG IS BEST FOR YOUR HORSE - HELPFULL TIPS
Winter is just around the corner and many horse owners are once again faced with the question of all questions: which rug is best for my horse and is it even necessary to put one on? It is not just a question of style, but above all a matter of the health and well-being of our four-legged friends. A suitable rug protects against cold, rain and wind whilst ensuring that the horse feels comfortable on unpleasant and chilly days, whether in the stable or out in the field.
But how do you choose the right rug for your horse's needs and what do you need to bear in mind? We give valuable tips in this blog article to help you cover your horse without any problems and ensure that the animal is optimally protected. From choosing the right material to the right fit - with this information, you will no longer have to put off the annoying topic of rugs.
WHEN SHOULD YOU PUT ON A RUG?
First of all, it is important to know that it is not only the outside temperature that determines when the horse sheds its coat, but also the daylight hours. But why is that the case? Nerve impulses only travel from the retina of the eye to the pineal gland in the brain when it is dark. This is where the production of the hormone melatonin is stimulated by messenger substances. Melatonin promotes the growth of the coat and ensures a fluffy winter coat. Conversely, the longer the day, the less melatonin is produced, which leads to reduced hair growth. The development of the winter coat is therefore less dependent on the weather than on the hours of daylight. This is why some horse owners start covering their horses very early in order to keep the coat as short as possible, especially if they do not want to or cannot clip their horses.
The type of horse for which a rug makes sense depends on various factors. For example, the hair structure of the horse varies depending on the breed. In addition, there is the skin structure and possible fat pads. Robust breeds such as Icelanders, Haflingers or Fjord horses are naturally more resistant to bad and cold weather than thoroughbreds, for example. There are of course also differences within a breed, such as the age, health or use of the horse, which play an important role when it comes to the topic of rugs.
Older and sick horses require special attention when it comes to putting on the right rug. They often have a limited ability to regulate their body temperature and therefore protect themselves from the cold to a certain extent. This is mainly because the coat often does not grow back as thickly as it does with younger animals. However, health support also plays an important role in the event of a weakened immune system due to illness or health restrictions. It also minimizes the risk of injury and increases general well-being, as a rug can protect against external influences such as rain, wind and cold, which can lead to discomfort or other health problems.
A thick winter coat is both a curse and a blessing for many horse owners. Even though it serves as natural insulation against the cold, it is particularly detrimental when working with the horse on a daily basis, as the horse sweats a lot more and therefore takes much longer to dry. This is why many riders decide to clip their horses in winter. Clipped horses that are actively involved in the sport can cool down more quickly when the coat is removed and should therefore always be put on a rug when temperatures drop. It also helps after training to keep the muscles warm and prevent tension. To prevent chafe marks on clipped horses, it is particularly important to ensure that the rug fits well and has a high-quality inner lining. Special under rugs can help here, as can blankets with padded withers that protect the particularly sensitive areas.
THERMOREGULATION OF HORSES
Horses are natural adaptors when it comes to temperature fluctuations. The optimum feel-good temperature for horses is between -7 C° (dry cold) and +25 C° (19,4 °F to 25 °F). Their natural thermoregulation helps them to keep their body temperature constant even in the event of major external changes. Horses generally cope better with cold and wet weather than hot or humid weather. Thermoregulation is primarily the ability to cool down through the skin by sweating. They can also release heat by expanding their blood vessels.
Another part of thermoregulation is the seasonal shedding of the coat: in colder temperatures, the hair follicle muscles raise the coat, creating an insulating air cushion that protects the horse from the cold. The subcutaneous fat tissue also contributes to isolation against the cold. Horses with a good insulating capacity often show in winter that snow remains on their coat without melting. This is a sign that they are well protected against the cold.
Nice-to-know: Rain is drained from horses via the tips of their hair. However, the coat becomes soaked at some point during prolonged rain. If this happens, the horse begins to shiver warmly. This shivering is often misunderstood: it does not necessarily mean that the horse is cold. Rather, shivering is a method of warming the body.
RUG GUIDE - WHICH RUG DOES YOUR HORSE NEED?
The equestrian market offers a wide range of different types, sizes and fillings of rugs, so horse owners often can't see the wood for the trees. What are the differences and when does which rug make sense? Let's have a look at the different models and help you choose the right rug for your needs and, above all, those of your horse.
Choosing the right rug (filling, weight and fit) depends on individual factors. These include, for example, the type of horse management: is my horse mostly in its box or out on the field? How intensively and frequently do I train my horse? Is it unclipped or clipped? There are also factors such as the horse's age and state of health as well as external weather conditions.
This table provides a rough guide as to when which filling and type of rug makes sense:
Under rug
Under rugs are designed to provide additional warmth and comfort, especially when temperatures fluctuate. They are perfect for the “onion look” as they can be quickly and easily attached under an outdoor or rain rug. This type of rug does not offer a dirt or water-repellent function, as they are merely used as a practical extension with different fillings, e.g. outdoor rugs.
Stable rug
Stable rugs are particularly useful for clipped or older horses that need an additional layer for warmth. Again, there are different filling densities to choose from, so there is a suitable rug for every temperature range in winter. Compared to outdoor rugs, they only offer a low level of protection against rain and dirt, as they are not suitable for daily use outdoors or in the paddock. However, they do provide effective insulation to keep the horse warm during colder winter months.
Rain rug
Rain rugs are the ideal choice, especially on rainy and slightly colder days. Thanks to their dirt and water-repellent characteristics, they are the best way to protect the horse from wind and rain for a longer period of time. A high denier count and good impregnation are particularly important here to ensure that the rain rug remains waterproof for a long time. They are also available with different fillings and with or without a neck section. In most cases, they are also compatible with different underblankets for greater flexibility.
Outdoor rug (with and without filling)
Outdoor rugs are truly all-rounders and not only provide the horse with very good thermal insulation but also protect it from wind, weather and dirt thanks to their robust features. To ensure that the horse is well protected in all weathers, particular attention should be paid to the quality and manufacturing of the rug. However, the focus should not only be on protection, but also on the comfort offered by the rug. There are differences in the construction of the rug - normal or long neck section, gussets on the front legs, cross surcingles or other helpful details that contribute to a perfect fit. As with the rug types already described, outdoor rugs are also available with different fillings and also differ in terms of the outer material.
Note: In both rain and outdoor rugs, a high or low denier number (usually 600D or 1200D) is used for the outer material, which indicates how dense the fabric is and how tear-resistant or durable the rug is. Some horse rugs are made from so-called ripstop fabrics, which are woven using a special technique and are therefore particularly tear-resistant.
Discover the right rug for your horse
The author
The author
I discovered my love and fascination for horses at an early age, which has shaped me to this day. Thanks to my studies in Technical Management and Marketing, I found my creative vein in social media, where I was able to combine my enthusiasm for writing with my affection for horses. With my technical know-how and my passion for horses, I am able to write authentic and targeted content that is both technically sound and emotionally touching.
Joana Stepke
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