| When you're looking into buying a horse rug, the range | | | | allow the animal's body to breathe and can protect |
| available can seem quite daunting, especially if you | | | | your horse from insects, while other anti-sweat rugs |
| have not owned a horse for long. | | | | can offer protection from the sun. |
| The idea behind a horse rug or a horse blanket is to | | | | New Zealand rugs are usually heavy turnout rugs |
| keep your animal warm and cozy when the | | | | made from a waterproof, thick canvas material which |
| temperature starts to dip, and protect it from the wind | | | | is designed to keep the horse warm as well as dry |
| and rain. There are various designs of horse rug, but | | | | when it is outside in the winter months. These rugs are |
| the idea behind all of them is the same – keeping | | | | designed to be strong and durable and can be |
| your animal happy and in the best possible condition. | | | | re-treated to maintain performance. |
| Comfort is a big factor when it comes to choosing the | | | | Fleece rugs are very versatile and can be used in a |
| right horse rug and you need to make sure it fits the | | | | number of situations. On their own they can make a |
| animal properly. There are a huge range of colours | | | | great stable or travel rug, keeping your horse warm |
| and styles on the market making your choice even | | | | and comfortable at all times. Alternatively they can |
| more difficult, but the main thing to get right is the type | | | | make the perfect under blanket, for use underneath |
| of horse rug you need. A lightweight blanket will be of | | | | another rug in order to provide that extra bit of |
| no use to an animal in October when temperatures | | | | warmth. A soft fleece rug can also be used to |
| drop and the rain comes. | | | | prevent rubbing when a horse needs to wear a heavy |
| Below is a selection of the types of rugs available and | | | | coat in the winter months. |
| the uses they have. | | | | Equestrian clothing can be expensive, so before |
| Anti-sweat rugs can be made from a cotton or nylon | | | | spending your money on horse rugs make sure you |
| mesh and are used by horse owners to keep their | | | | do plenty of research and ask the advice of experts. |
| animal from cooling down too quickly and getting a chill | | | | It's also wise to check online as you can make some |
| after a period of exercise. They are light enough to | | | | considerable savings on the high street price. |