As we head into the winter months, it's important to ensure your horse stays happy and warm at all times, whether they're frolicking in the paddock or tucked up in the stables. The weather can turn quickly, and depending on your location, you could be faced with rain, hail, sleet, and snow. Heavy horse rugs can help protect your horse, keep them snug, and keep water off of them, which could prevent potential skin issues or other illnesses in the future. Here, we're taking a look at the top considerations you should think about before you buy a heavy horse rug for the changing weather.
Material
Ensuring your horse is comfortable and protected during the winter months is important. The material of a heavy horse rug can play a big part in the comfort of the blanket and how content your horse is during colder seasons, when out in the paddock, or in the stables. There are different types of materials that a heavy horse rug can be made from, including:
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Fleece
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Polycotton
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Polyester
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Nylon
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Wool blends
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Microfibre
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Jersey
You may find that your horse is irritated by certain materials, and some horses could even be allergic. Consult with your vet if your horse has any particular requirements before purchasing a heavy horse rug.
Feel
The feel of a horse rug can tell you a lot about its quality and how comfortable your horse is going to be wearing it. Heavy horse rugs may not be suitable for foals or smaller breeds and could cause pain if used incorrectly. When purchasing this rug, look closely at the materials stated in the product description and do a touch test yourself to see how soft and thick the material is to ensure it meets your requirements.
Durability
Winter can be tough on a lot of materials due to low temperatures, wet weather, and mud. Having a horse rug that is durable can ensure that it will last longer than one season, even when your horse is prone to acting out or rolling in it. Some considerations when assessing durability include:
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What material is the rug made from
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The expected lifetime of the rug
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Where the rug has been sourced
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The price of the rug—the lower the price, typically the lower the quality of materials.
A horse rug is one item that you should aim to have a reasonable budget for in order to get a product that truly lasts.
Water Resistance
This is another important factor for months when your horse may be exposed to wet weather and needs to keep warm. A rug that can soak through easily could lead to sickness and discomfort, impacting your horse's wellbeing. Check the water resistance of the product by closely viewing the product details. There should be a key for the level of water resistance the rug has. You could also do a test with a cup of water to see how the water lands on the rug and if it pools or soaks in before you place this on your horse.
Size
Having the correct size for your horse rug will keep your horse comfortable throughout colder months. Always aim to match the size of the horse as closely as possible, or if they're still growing, opt for a rug that is slightly too big to allow your horse to grow into it. A rug that is too small could rub and cause discomfort for your horse. Consult with your vet or with the horse rug company for more information on what size your horse should have.
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