Picking a Horse Rug ? What are the Differences? | Articles Bright

Horse rugs come in numerous different types, materials and thickness. The perfect situation would be to have a rug for each season but high quality rugs are rather pricey. Dependent on the horse?s needs such as breed, health, age, and coat thickness, a rug of suitable warmth should be selected. The degree of heat insulation also is dependent upon the weather conditions and the horse?s way of life. Other issues are price, rug quality, frequency of use and whether the rug fits firmly on the animal without making too much pressure and friction.

There are 5 common sorts of rugs: turnout, stable, summer, exercise, saddle and sweat rugs. There also are fly sheets, exercise sheets and fleeces. Some come complete with a neck. Most have 2 straps to fit nicely and keep the rug in the right position. Some are waterproofed or chemically proofed for out of doors use. Others have linings with antistatic properties, insulation material like Thinsulate, or soft pads for the neck and chest areas. Others are tear-resistant and can be machine washable.

A stabled or exhibiting horse like a Thoroughbred has a thinner coat and should be kept warm in winter. A horse with a naturally thicker coat and more fat won?t need as much heat and protection in the winter. Horses that take part in exhibitions and competitions need exercise rugs, fleeces and sweat rugs or coolers.

The turnout rug is most widely used as it comes in different thickness or weight. It should be sufficiently heavy to protect and keep the horse warm although not too warm for comfort. These rugs used to be waterproofed cotton canvas for outdoor use but now there are several other materials to make a choice from like cotton canvas with polyester fibres and nylon.

Stable rugs are quilted and used to keep the horse warm at night within the stable. There are wicking, dust-repellent, strain resistant, antistatic and easy-clean rugs for this purpose. Some have nylon linings with pads around the neck and chest areas. A fleece, blanket or insulated lining may also be used under a stable rug.

Consideration should be given to whether antiseptic properties are required. Type and thickness of insulation will vary dependent on the horse?s necessities. Breathable rugs permit sweat to vaporize and make the animal more comfy as well as keep it healthy. Sweat rugs are essential for exhibiting and competition horses to avoid over-heating. A rug?s anti-friction properties help to slip the rug easily onto the shoulder and chest areas not rubbing unduly the horse?s coat. Hooks, loops, buckles, straps and attachments should be powerful and easy to open and close.

One can be overpowered with the wide quantity of options for horse rugs. It is recommended that horse owners or their caretakers seek the guidance of experienced horse equipment shops to find the most appropriate rug for their mount, with the highest quality at a good price.

Anna Sola is an established content author publishing articles on a wide selection of subjects including travel sport and medical subjects. Townend Online is an equestrian clothing store and tack shop for all competitive riders stocking a variety of turnout rugs and other expert equestrian equipment.

Source: http://articlesbright.com/recreation-sports/picking-a-horse-rug-what-are-the-differences

new world trade center west memphis three shaun white game of thrones season 2 trailer taxes sag award winners girl scout cookies