A Guide to Rugging Horses: Protection and Comfort

Rugging horses is an unavoidable aspect of owning our equine friends, particularly in climates where horses require additional protection from the elements, in both summer and winter. A well-fitted rug helps aid in your horse’s comfort, health, and overall well-being.

This guide covers the fundamentals of rugging, including choosing the right rug, when to rug, and best practices for ensuring your horse’s needs are met.

Photo by Amber Fabian on Unsplash

Why Rugging Matters

Rugging is something that can be done all year round due to the many different types of rugs. Common reasons for rugging include:

• Weather Protection: Rain, wind and snow.

• Temperature : Preventing overheating after exercise or getting cold, especially clipped horses.

• Cleanliness: Keeping horses clean, usually for competitions.

• Condition: Helping horses maintain weight and coat quality, especially older or thin horses.

Types of Horse Rugs

Choosing the right rug depends on multiple factors including; weather, the horse’s coat and its level of work. Here are the main types of rugs:

Stable Rugs Designed for indoor use, providing warmth without waterproofing.

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Turnout Rugs

Waterproof and durable for outdoor use, available in light, medium, and heavy weights.

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Coolers and Fleece Rugs

Ideal post-exercise for moisture-wicking and temperature regulation.

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Fly Sheets

Lightweight rugs that protect against insects and UV exposure.

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Exercise Sheets

Covering the hindquarters to keep muscles warm during exercise in colder weather.

Turnout Rug Weight Guide

Turnout rugs come in various weights, which are displayed in grams. This is the level of filling, they can differ from 0g up to 300+.

Please note! This table does not take in to account circumstances such as rain, wind, snow or things such as a horse’s age and body condition. Always consult a qualified professional or vet when you are undecided on your horse’s welfare as every animal is different.

Extreme Weather

In particularly harsh conditions, layering rugs can provide additional warmth and protection:

Base Layer

A fleece or cooler rug underneath adds warmth and wicks moisture.

Mid Layer

A stable rug or lighter turnout rug for extra insulation.

Top Layer

A heavyweight turnout rug to seal in warmth and provide weatherproofing.

It’s important to monitor your horse carefully to ensure they are not overheating or experiencing discomfort due to excessive layering.

When to Rug Your Horse

Photo by Thierry Biland on Unsplash

Deciding when to rug depends on multiple factors:

Temperature and Weather Conditions

Horses cope differently with cold, and native breeds that are used to living in colder and harsher environments often need less coverage than clipped lighter horses such as Thoroughbreds, Arabs and Warmbloods.

Coat and Clipping Status

Clipped horses require heavier rugs and to be rugged earlier in to the colder months due to the lack of their natural coat to shield their skin and keep them war,.

Health and Condition

Older or underweight horses need to be kept appropriately warm for two reasons. The first is that they have less fat and muscle to protect their organs from the cold. The second is that they will likely drop even more condition as their energy is going in to trying to keep themselves warm, rather than storing it and putting on weight.

Activity Levels

Stabled horses may require rugs sooner in to the colder months than horses that have more warmth from movement, such as those turned out 24/7.

A good rule of thumb is to monitor your horse’s comfort by checking beneath the rug for how hot the horses skin feels. Over-rugging can lead to overheating, while under-rugging can make a horse cold, possibly leading to it dropping condition.

Best Practices for Rugging

Correct Fitting

Ensure the rug fits correctly—too tight can cause rubbing on sensitive or bony areas such a the withers and shoulders. A rug that us too tight around the neck and shoulders can make it hard for a horse to bend down for grass and put pressure on the neck. A rug that is too loose can allow rain and wind to enter through the gaps and straps not tightened enough can cause a rug to flap or a horse to get its legs caught in them.

Check Regularly

Inspect for dampness, damage, and areas of rubbing or discomfort, especially in wet conditions.

Adjust for Changes

Be aware of the changes in weather and rug appropriately.

Keep Rugs Clean

There are many businesses now that offer rug cleaning services as well as fixing of damaged patches or straps. It's a good idea to have your turnout rugs checked and cleaned at the end of winter and keep them stored in a dry and safe place to keep them fresh for the next year.

Photo by Lumin Osity on Unsplash

Rugging horses is about balance—providing protection without compromising comfort. Every horse is different, and their needs will evolve depending on the season, activity level, and overall health. By understanding the principles of rugging, you can ensure your horse stays warm, dry, and comfortable all year round.