One of the best things you can do as a horse’s owner is get a rug. The horse’s skin will be warm throughout the winter, and the rug will shield it from flies. It is, therefore, a wise investment.
Many kinds of turnout rugs are available, so think about what your horse needs before you buy. Even while you might believe it’s as simple as picking the right color and size and moving on, you should consider a few things when choosing a rug for your horse. These consist of:
- Your horse’s coat.
The hair on your horse will grow naturally and retain heat to keep your horse warm in the winter. This insulation is ineffective when the hair is moist or windy.
Given this, your hairy horse will provide less insulation when you lay a lightweight horse rug on it since the hairs will flatten. Worse even, this could make your pony chilly. Therefore, using an improperly insulated blanket in warmer climates may diminish an animal’s innate ability to insulate itself. If you like your horse’s hair to be short or if it has a thin winter coat, use a rug to stop hair growth.
- Weather
When choosing fly rugs for horses, you should consider the weather (rain, humidity, and wind). For example, rain could reduce the insulating properties of thick winter hair. This may leave your stallion completely exposed to the cold. Wind gusts could raise the garment and reveal icy blasts to the skin. Consequently, in inclement weather, a lightweight, waterproof rug can shield your horse, even if it has a thick coat.
- Adequate covering and fitting
How well the rug fits will determine how beneficial it is. Ensure the horse is fully covered by the rug, with enough coverage for the belly and chest and from the neck to the tail. Your horse should be able to move freely, but it shouldn’t be too tight. Adjustable features such as shoulder gussets, leg straps, and surcingles can aid in achieving a more comfortable fit.
- The rug’s material
Use a lightweight, porous rug to ensure your horse is comfortable and calm. Mesh and fine-weave polyester fabrics, which provide excellent airflow and fly resistance, are popular choices. Look for rugs that provide UV protection to shield your horse from the sun’s harmful rays. Some fly rugs and horses saddle also feature a waterproof top layer on warm but wet days to keep your horse dry.
- Health and age
Fly rugs are necessary for sick horses because their immune systems are weakened. Older stallions and foals may have trouble keeping their body temperature steady. They will, therefore, require some covering to keep them warm over the winter.
- Durability
As the saying goes, “Buy cheap, buy twice.” An incredibly durable rug and horse numnah are essential for everyday wear and tear, especially with more high-spirited horses and ponies. Seek materials with sturdy closures, reinforced stitching, and the ability to endure your horse’s activities.