Posts Tagged ‘turnout rugs’

If you are new to horse ownership, or are looking to purchase new clothing or accessories for your horse, then you need not fear. There are many different accessories and horse wear to choose from, and many different types of each too, after reading about them you will definitely know what you need!

The most common horse clothing purchased is horse rugs, horse bridles, and horse saddles. Of course, there are a lot more to buy, but these are a few of the main pieces. There are different types of each of these, which means you should read about what each one is used for before getting them, because you may end up with the wrong one!

Horse rugs are named so because they are just like rugs, but they are for the horse to wear. Horse rugs, depending on which you use, can benefit either (or both) the horse, and the rider. There are 4 main types of Horse rugs, and some similar to these types, but they are anti-sweat rugs, fly rugs, stable rugs, and turnout rugs.

The anti-sweat rug is made of cotton mesh, and is used to help the process of the horse cooling down, after an event of some sort such as a competition. An anti-sweat rug is also sometimes used to protect he horse from insect irritation. The fly rug is made of fine mesh, and it is very light in weight. Fly rugs are often used for preventing fly irritation, as they are designed for, but also sometimes used to prevent sun burns, bleaching of the fur, and similar threats. The fly rug may also include a flap to protect the horses stomach area.

The stable rug is a non-outdoor rug, primarily used to keep the horse clean. Stable rugs are made with a padded synthetic material, thus meaning that they are not waterproof. This rug allows the horse to move around freely and is breathable. The last common rug mentioned, the turnout rug, is made with material which means that it is waterproof as long as you reproof it occasionally. The turnout rug is designed to keep the horse warm in the winter, and to also keep the horse clean. Although it is very lightweight, it is also very feeble, this means if the horse is in an environment with sharp objects, or a lot of branches etc., the rug may easily be ripped.

The horse bridle is a leather tack to keep the accessories on the horse, and to keep the rider in control. The two common bridles for horses are English bridles and Western bridles.

The English bridle is commonly a more stylish bridle used mostly for shows, competitions, etc. The Western bridle is usually used for training or general use. Which bridle used is up to the rider; however, the type of bridle you use should depend on what accessories you are going to use/attach.

When it comes to riding your horse, you are not going to want to sit on the horses bare back, unless you are a fool! This is why you need a saddle, or more than one saddle for that matter. Having the right saddle for your event will enable you the best assurance that you are secure sitting on the horse. Every saddle has a different purpose, which is why when you get a saddle, you may not want to use it for everything you do with the horse.

The Australian stock saddle is a saddle that specializes in comfort for both the rider and the horse. A reining saddle would be a light alternative if you do not want to put much pressure on you or your horse. For a wider-back horse you may want the treeless saddle, or if you want a deep saddle to be securely seated on the horse you may want the dressage saddle. If you have a racing bred horse then you may want a racing saddle, or if you are taking your horse for jumps, on a training session or competition, then you could need an all-purpose English saddle. However, if you just need a saddle for general purpose, or to bond the horse and rider with each other, etc., then you probably want a Western saddle.

After reading this entire article, you should have a general idea on what horse wear (rugs, saddles and bridles) you are going to want or require. Having the right gear can benefit both you and your horse, help keep your horse healthy or improve the horses performance in a race, or competition.

If you are involved with the equine world, chances are you’re familiar with most of the horse wear that is needed to make your horse look well-dressed. You can also find a wide variety of riding wear for yourself.

Author: Karlo Quiambao
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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There are many different types of horse rugs, with various characteristics and functions. Therefore, the first step to choosing a horse rug is to decide which type you require for your horse. To assist you in this decision, following is a list of the main types of rugs and an explanation of their function:

• Fly Rug. The purpose of this is to protect the horse from flies that bite or sting. They are more commonly and accurately referred to as ‘fly sheets’ rather than ‘fly rugs’, as they are typically a thin plastic sheet or mesh, rather than a fabric rug. One can also get ‘fly masks’, which are made out of the same material and are intended to protect the head (especially the eyes and ears) from flies. As they are a thin sheet they provide little warmth or insulation, although some can provide protection from wind and rain.

• Turnout rugs. These are intended to provide insulation (warmth), to protect horses when they are outside. The amount of warmth depends largely on the amount of insulation, which is typically measured in terms of weight rather than thickness. Consequently, rugs with a moderate amount of insulation are referred to as Lightweight Turnout Rugs, while those intended for maximum warmth are known as Heavy Turnout Rugs. Some turnout rugs are resistant or impervious to rain.

• Coolers. Although they may look like some turnout rugs, their purpose is quite different. They are intended to help the horse dry by ‘wicking’ moisture away from its coat, and at the same time protecting the horse from cooling while wet (a wet horse can quickly become chilled if it is exposed to cold and/or wind while it has a wet coat). They are typically used after exercise, when the weather is cool or windy, and removed once the horse has dried off. These are also known as ‘sweat rugs’.

• Rain sheets. These are typically a thin sheet, with little or no insulation. It is intended to keep the horse dry and can also provide protection from the wind.

• Stable rugs. Also known as ‘stable blankets’, these are similar to turnout rugs in that they provide warming insulation, but are intended to be used when the horse is stabled rather than when it is outside.

• Saddle rugs. A saddle rug (also known as a ‘saddle pad’) is placed under the saddle. It provides cushioning between the saddle and the horse, which protects the horse from the relatively hard saddle and at the same time protects the saddle from being rubbed down by the horse. As the horse tends to sweat under the saddle rug, due to the combination of exercise and the warming insulation provided by the saddle rug, some have built in ‘wicking’ materials to help remove the sweat from the coat.

• Show rugs. A show rug is placed between the saddle and the saddle rug. It is a relatively thin but colourful rug whose main function is look attractive. As it has little or no other practical purpose, it is typically used only during exhibitions or competitions.

• Summer rugs. More commonly known as ‘summer sheets’, these are thin sheets intended to keep dirt off of the horse’s coat (e.g. if it rolls or lies down).

• New Zealand rugs. A turnout rug which is made of waxed canvas. It provides limited warmth but protects well from wind and rain (provided that it is re-waxed as required) and is relatively resistant to damage due to the strong canvas material.

• Riding rugs. It provides protection from the weather but is designed to be worn by the horse when it is being ridden.

Of these various types of horse rugs, perhaps the most commonly used is the turnout rug. The most important factor when choosing this type of rug is to select a rug of the appropriate warmth. Keep in mind that a horse which is too hot can be as uncomfortable as one which is too cold. Furthermore, a rug will discourage the growth of the coat and if too warm will actually result in the horse shedding its coat. Consequently, it is important both that the rug is heavy enough to provide necessary warmth but as the same time is not too warm. The warmth which an individual horse requires will depend on various factors:

• Weather. On a cold winter day, one will need a warmer (heavier) turnout rug than on a cool autumn or spring day. If there is wind, additional protection is required due to the wind chill factor. Likewise, if there is heavy rain, the insulation provided by the horse’s coat and by the rug are both reduced, unless they have a rain resistant cover.

• Health and Age. Horses which are young, strong and healthy have less requirement for a warming rug than ones which are not. On a cold day, it may make sense to put a heavy turnout rug on a sick or old horse, when a younger horse in the same field may be fine with a light turnout rug or no rug at all.

• Thickness of coat. A horse with a thick coat will have less need for a rug than one which has a fine coat, or which has been clipped.

• Exhibiting. A horse with a thick coat generally does not look as attractive (in the eyes of most people) as one which has a thinner coat. Consequently, horses being exhibited usually have a rug which is warm enough to discourage growth of their winter coat. Such coats are relatively heavy for the horse’s circumstances, as they need to replace the insulation provided by the natural winter coat rather than merely supplement it. Likewise, summer sheets and show rugs are for the needs of the exhibitor rather than the horse.

• Number of rugs. The above factors will determine the number of rugs required. For example, a young and healthy horse in a mild climate may not require a rug at all and may be happier without one. In a colder climate, a healthy horse may need only a light rug to be used during the coldest days. An elderly or sick horse may need multiple rugs, depending on the situation (e.g. uninsulated waterproof coat for summer rain, lightweight turnout rug for autumn or spring, and a heavy turnout rug for winter).

Once one has decided on the type of rug plus (in the case of warming rugs) the required weight, one can then look at the materials, quality and features which you may require. Some common items and features to consider are:

• Antibacterial. Some rugs are treated to be antibacterial.

• Breathable. Breathable rugs allow sweat to evaporate and air to access the coat, features which make the rug more comfortable and healthier.

• Coverage. Rugs generally cover the body. Some also have neck covers, either as part of the rug or an a detachable extra.

• Friction points: Rugs can rub, especially if worn by active horses or when the horse is working. The main points affected are typically around the shoulders and chest. To prevent this, some rugs have anti-friction fabric at these points to allow the rug to easily slide and move without rubbing the coat.

• Hooks, loops, buckles, straps and attachments. These should be strong, easily opened and closed, and firmly attached.

• Insulation. The amount of insulation is typically expressed in grams per square meter. For example, a ’300g’ rug has 300 grams of insulation per square meter of rug. The actual rug will weigh more than this, as this is only the weight of the insulation itself and does not include the weight of fabric, straps or buckles. In general, the heavier the weight, the warmer the rug. However, this is not a precise measurement as there are different types of insulation, which vary in terms of quality and effectiveness.

• Rain. A rug may be unsuitable for rain, or be rain resistant, or rain proof.

• Tear Resistant or Rip Stop. Rugs may use fabrics or weaves which are resistant to tearing, and in the event of a tear resist the tear becoming larger.

• Washing. Machine washable rugs are more convenient.

• Wicking. Remove sweat and moisture from the coat.

Once you have decided on the above, your requirements should be well defined in terms of type of rug, amount of warmth required and the various features which you would like. At this point, it is mainly down to quality and price. As in most things, you get what you pay for, so the better quality rugs are correspondingly more expensive. If your budget is limited, or you will only use the rug infrequently, then an inexpensive rug may be appropriate. However, if your horse will be using the rug frequently, it is usually worth investing in a better quality rug which will last. In addition, if your horse is active or frequently rolls, it is important to choose a sturdy rug which can resist this use.

Dr. Doug Stewart is the owner of Horse Care and author of articles such as Horse Rugs.

Author: Doug M Stewart
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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Horse rugs are just one of a myriad of horse tack that is available to care for your horse. western saddles Horse rugs are sometimes referred to as horse sheets or horse blankets. Horse rugs have been used in the care of horses for a very long time and are still a practical purchase for horse owners.

Horse rugs are used for various reasons in the care of horses. Stirrup Accessories For horses that spend considerable time in the stable there are are horse rugs meant to keep them warm. Horse rugs are also utilized in keeping injured or sick horses warm. The types of horse rugs used for warmth are often called heavy weight turnout rugs.

Cooler horse rugs are the ones that are used to cool a horse off after exercise or too much heat from the sun. Cooler horse rugs assist in removing excess moisture from the horse.

The type of horse rugs used in the summer, or after a horse has been bathed, are called summer sheets. These types of horse rugs are to protect the horse from getting dirty again and to protect from flies and other insects. There is also the option of getting a horse rug specific to flies called fly rugs.

For decorative reasons, there are other types of horse rugs. These types are usually fleece and very colorful and are used for show horses.

Horse fugs can be found in a large variety of color, size and material. The horse will need to be measured for size to get a perfect fit. double bridles It’s important not to place a horse rug on your horse that is too big. Doing so will cause your horse to become tangled and perhaps even to fall.

There are some horse rugs called horse blankets and are placed under the saddle. It’s important that saddle blankets fit well under the saddle to prevent chaffing of the skin or moving of the saddle. These horse rugs are more luxury, not necessity.