Tuesday, June 17, 2014

What To Look For When Buying Horse Rugs

By Sally Delacruz


Shopping for equestrian equipment is always fun. Riders need a lot of gear for their animals, especially is they are showing. A show animal will need more than one rug to get them through the season. Most owners like to have a set of show clothes not only for themselves but also for their horses. It is also nice to spend some time looking at all the options.

There is a rug for every occasion. These range from thick waterproof coverings for the very worst of winter weather, to light weight summer sheets that are used to keep the dust and flies off a show animal. Horse rugs are sold at practically all retail outlets, but it can be just as easy to buy one on line and have it shipped in a day or two.

Price and quality are the two main factors. Typically the cheaper rug will not last so long. This may be fine for an owner who just needs something quick to get them through the last few weeks of winter. However, if the animal is going to be wearing the rug for the whole winter it is worth investing in a really good quality product that will do the job. There is nothing worse than coming home in the dark to find a miserable and wet horse who has been standing around in a damp rug all day long. It can also lead to significant health problems.

How much the owner needs to spend really depends on the lifestyle of the animals. Horses that have to live outside all the time, even in the harsh winter weather, will need a top quality winter blanket that is fully waterproof. It may be a good idea to invest in one that has a built in neck cover for extra warmth and protection from the elements.

Summer sheets and rugs are light weight and easy to wash. Their primary purpose is to keep the horse clean and in show condition. They also save a lot of grooming time even when the horses are turned out in the field and love to roll in the dirt and dust. Busy riders will appreciate having a clean horse ready to ride.

The lining of a winter rug is typically made of light polyester. The latest models have an added feature of a coating that actually helps to polish the horses coat. The new line of equine clothing has been carefully designed to prevent rubbing, especially around the shoulders. In the old days horses had very little hair left on their shoulders as their blankets had rubbed them all winter long.

Many people now shop for their equine supplies on line. It is very easy to compare the different brands and find the best one for each individual situation. Many people wait for a sale so that they can snap up some great bargains. Free shipping can also add to the savings and most shipments arrive within a few days. If there is an emergency, overnight shipping can also be arranged for an extra charge.

To get the best from any rug it requires care and attention. When not in use the rug should be folded and hung on the stable door. During the off season the rug should be machine washed with mild detergent. Line drying is usually recommended and the clean rug should be carefully packed away. Most come with their own strong carrying bag that has a heavy duty zipper. These are perfect for storage as they prevent damage from insects and mice in the barn.




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