Tips Of Buying Horse Rugs

By Sally Delacruz


Equestrians all over the country are always looking for quality products for their animals. This ranges from saddles and bridles to brushes and buckets. Many people continue to ride their horses throughout the year and in these cases they will need at least one rug to help keep the animal warm and clean. Keeping horses blanketed saves many hours of grooming time and helps to keep their coats in good condition.

During the cold winter months horses will need at least one thick, waterproof rug. Once the weather warms up they need thinner sheets, which are typically made of cotton. Horse rugs vary in size, color and style, but there is sure to be something to meet every need. Everyday barn wear must be durable and above all washable. The newer polyester cotton blends are perfect as they stand up to lots of wear and tear.

As with any item pricing varies tremendously for horses clothing items. Some of the bargain brands are still great value for money. They provide a fully serviceable item that does the job without breaking the bank. Often when people have several horses and need a lot of blankets they opt for the more affordable brand.

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.

Summer sheets and blankets are also an important part of a show horses tack trunk. Horses that are used in competition must be keep spotlessly clean and in great condition. Having several changes of sheets for them makes life much easier. The natural oils for a horses coat are produced constantly and help to add a health shine.

Fly sheets are a fairly new product to hit the equestrian market, but they have proved very popular. Horses who are turned out in the field are bothered by flies, bugs and mosquitoes. A simple, lightweight mesh sheet can solve this problem once and for all.

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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