Understanding The Purpose Of Horse Rugs

By Katrina Wheeler


Protection from severe weather is extremely important to animal lovers. Horses occasionally need assistance cooling down, warming up, staying dry and staying warm. The purpose of horse rugs is to provide that assistance without restricting the animal's ability to move around.

Coverlets come in many different weights, colors and sizes. Most cloaks have clips and straps for added security. There are attachments from under the belly, between and around the back legs and around the chest. Using sheets, which are light weight, are perfect for the summer months and are effective in protecting your equestrian friend from insects. Heavier blankets are used during the brutal winter months to provide additional protection from rain, sleet and snow.

Most blankets or rugs are used during the winter months to keep animals warm on exceptionally cold days. They provide extra warmth and often are water proof to prevent the animal from becoming damp from rain or snow. Many have additional snaps to attach a neck cover for even more protection.

Fabric choices will affect the weight of the cover. There are water proof, anti-sweat, cooling, fly and turnout blankets. Each type serves a different purpose and their weights will vary based on that purpose.

Turnout blankets are great to use when your equestrian friend is out to pasture. Stable wraps are excellent when he is locked up in the barn. Fly sheets are perfect for summer days when the flies are out. Cooling wraps are used to help a horse's temperature return to normal after exercise. When determining what type of blanket you want, remember the physical needs of your animal as well as the climate in which he will reside.

If your animal is damp, it would be important to use an anti-sweat sheet, which is usually made of cotton, to absorb excess moisture from his coat. This should be removed before blanketing. He should receive a good rub down with dry towels before placing the blanket on him. Your animal should be dry before blanketing, otherwise, it could hold the moisture in, and he could become ill.

Allow your animals natural coat to grow. During the fall months as the weather changes, allow him to be exposed to the cooler fall air. This will encourage his winter coat to begin to grow. If you place blankets on him too early in the season, it will prevent his coat from growing. If his coat is short and think, he will need to wear his jacket until the warmer season begins.

Protecting your horse from problems caused by different seasons has never been easier. Determine his needs. Consider the climate. Each different season will bring different needs. Be attentive. Take your time when deciding what type, weight and size of coverlet your animal will need. Although it serves a physical purpose, horses look adorable when wearing horse rugs.




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