KNOW YOUR RUG WEIGHTS

Rugs are available in different weights according to how much filling they have. When deciding what weight rug your horse needs, consider his age, weight, whether he’s clipped and what type of clip, and his routine. Is he turned out 24/7, in overnight or turned out for only a few hours a day? All these factors will influence what weight of rug he needs. Here’s a rough guide to what the different weights are suitable for, but remember that all horses are individuals.

Turnout rugs

Lightweight turnout rugs have no filling or 50g at most. These protect your horse from the wind and rain and are a good option if your horse isn’t clipped but you want to keep him clean and dry so you can ride after work.

Mediumlite turnout rugs have 100g of filling. These can be good for changeable days as they provide some warmth but are still light enough if the weather warms up.

Mediumweight turnouts contain 150g to 220g of filling. If your horse is clipped and turned out during the day, he should be warm enough throughout the winter months in this weight of rug.

Heavyweight turnouts contain 300g of filling or more. If your horse is particularly sensitive to the cold, fully clipped and turned out 24/7, this rug may be the best option.

Stable rugs

Unclipped horses who are stabled overnight will normally be warm enough without wearing a stable rug as the shelter and hay he has will help to keep him toasty.

If your horse is clipped then a stable rug may be needed. Just like turnouts, they are available in different weights and offer varying degrees of warmth. Which one you opt for depends on each horse — so his weight, if he’s clipped and the temperature. Lightweight — up to 150g of filling.

Mediumweight — 150g to 300g of filling Heavyweight — over 300g of filling.