Types of Horse Rug
A rain rug keeps the wet off. It is waterproof, and it should also breathe, so the horse stays dry in rain or snow without overheating. Rain rugs come lined or unlined, and with or without a neck cover. A neck cover adds protection, but it can also raise the risk of overheating if the rug does not breathe well. From time to time you will need to reproof a rain rug to keep it waterproof. This applies once a rug has aged and started to let water through, or after you have washed it. Bear in mind too that an unlined rain rug flattens the coat and can make it harder for the horse to stay warm. The coat traps heat by lifting the hairs to create insulating air pockets, and a flat coat loses that.
The picture shows a horse in a rain rug with a half neck.
A winter rug gives maximum protection against cold, rain and snow through the coldest months. Winter rugs come in different weights, measured in grams per square metre, which set the level of warmth. A 100–200 gram fill suits milder winter days, while 300–400 gram adds warmth for genuinely cold, windy weather. On the very coldest days, or for a horse that feels the cold, you can choose an even higher fill. You can also layer another rug underneath, such as a liner or a wool rug. Winter rugs also come with a full neck or a half neck, where a half neck reaches a little way over the withers and stops wet from creeping in under the rug.
The picture shows a horse in a winter rug with a full neck.
A liner works like a loose lining for your other rugs. You put it under another rug, such as a rain rug or a winter rug, and then clip it to the rug on top. A liner gives you an extra layer that fits several rugs, so you do not always have to buy a whole range of different rugs. Liners come in various models and in different thicknesses.
The picture shows a horse in a liner, with no other rug over the top.
A cooler is designed to wick moisture and sweat away from a wet horse. You might use one after a hard schooling session or a wash down. It also works under transport. Coolers are made from fleece or wool, because the material draws the moisture to the outside of the rug. A wool rug doubles as a travel rug and a cooler, and it can also go underneath another rug as a warming layer.
A stable rug is made for use in the stable, for example through winter when it turns cold and draughty inside. The lining can be cotton, fleece or nylon. How much fill a stable rug needs depends on the temperature in the stable. A stable rug often has a smooth, non-waterproof outer to keep bedding from catching in the fabric.
The picture shows a horse in a stable rug.
An exercise sheet warms the horse and keeps the loins, lower back and hindquarters dry. It is most often used when warming up or cooling down in chilly weather. Some models fasten with Velcro at the front under the saddle, others with clips on the saddle straps, which makes the sheet easy to take on and off during a ride. Many exercise sheets also carry reflective strips, useful if you ride out in the dark.
The picture shows a horse in an exercise sheet.
A fly rug protects the horse from troublesome insects. Fly rugs are used mainly in summer, and different models offer more or less cover. They all share one aim: to shield the horse from flies, midges and horseflies, which can cause real irritation and discomfort.
The picture shows a horse in a fly rug for riding.
A sweet-itch rug is made for horses with sweet itch or sun eczema (sun-related skin reactions), and for horses that are oversensitive or allergic to bites from flies, midges and mosquitoes. A sweet-itch rug may include UV protection, which guards against the sun's rays and helps stop skin reactions developing. It also uses more, thicker fabric, which gives the horse that extra protection.
The picture shows a horse in a sweet-itch rug and fly mask.
Not sure which rug to put on? Take a look at the HayHay rug guide in table form, for both clipped and unclipped horses.
