Guide for Rugging a Horse
Simply put, rugging a horse is like dressing them in a coat. This helps the horse stay warm and dry, especially during cold, wet weather and the winter months. It's crucial for keeping your pony or horse comfortable and protected from the weather.
What is a Horse Rug?
A horse rug, or a horse blanket as it is sometimes called, is a cover made for horses to offer protection and warmth. It helps keep them dry, comfortable and clean too. Many types of horse rugs are designed for specific weather conditions or needs, such as the following:
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Stable Rugs: These are put on when the horse is kept in a stable. They provide warmth and comfort inside. They tend to be thicker and have good insulation.
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Turnout Rugs: These are made for field use; they have water resistance and vital qualities to guard horses from rain, wind, and cold weather.
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Summer Sheets: These rugs are light in weight and let air pass through. They safeguard horses from flies and excessive sunlight, especially in hotter periods.
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Exercise rugs: They are placed on the horse while exercising or after it to assist in cooling down the horse and stopping muscle stiffness from occurring.
Knowing what a horse rug is and its different types can help you select the appropriate rug for your horse.
How to Put a Rug on a Horse
To put a rug on a horse, you must do it correctly for the comfort and well-being of the horse. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Confirming The Horse's Size
Firstly, it is crucial to ensure that the rug size you plan to use matches your horse. This can be done by measuring from the high point of the shoulder down towards the tail.
Step 2: Cleaning The Rug
Before putting a rug that has been stored away or used on your horse, ensure it's clean. If there is any dirt or stains present, it could distress their skin when placed.
Step 3: Checking For Damage
Ensure the rug does not have any damages like rips, tears, or loose thumbs, as this can lead to discomfort for your horse.
Step 4: Preparing Your Horse
Prepare your horses by putting them in an area where they can be approached easily, then tie them up using appropriate equipment.
Step 5: Put On The Rug
Lift the rug over your horse's head and gently bring it down along its back. Make sure that both sides are even before closing the buckles underneath the stomach area securely, but not too tight so as not to restrict movement around the chest region too much.
How to Clean Horse Rugs
Horse rugs are essential for protecting your horse from the weather, but they can also get dirty. Cleaning horse rugs is necessary to maintain hygiene and extend their life span. Here's how you should clean them:
Firstly, remove any excess dirt by shaking or brushing the rug outside. You may need to use a soft brush or broom for this task. Then, inspect the rug for any spots that require extra attention. Take note of where these areas are located. The next step is to wash your horse rug using a washing machine or manually in a tub with water and detergent suitable for cleaning rugs made of horses' materials (these usually come as liquid concentrates). For machine washing, follow the manufacturer's guidelines about loading capacity.
Hang up your cleaned horse rug outside but under shade, ensuring it's a well-ventilated area. Ensure that no direct sunlight reaches the top of the fabric material because UV rays can weaken fibrous structures, eventually tearing fabric layers apart.
After hanging up the rug outdoors, allow enough time until it is completely dry before storing it away. If needed, use a fan to help speed up the process.
How to Store Horse Rugs
How do you store rugs for horses in the right way? To keep horse rugs safe from harm and ready for use, it is essential to store them correctly. Here's how:
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Clean Before: It is essential to clean and dry the rug entirely before storing it. This helps avoid mildew and damage.
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Pick an Appropriate Place: Place the rug in a dry, chilly, and well-ventilated room. Do not keep it in a place with moisture or high humidity, as this may cause mildew to form on it.
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Use a Rug Bag: If possible, put the rug in a breathable bag. This will help prevent dust and dirt from getting on it and provide more safeguarding.
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Avoid Folding: If you have enough space, hang the rug instead of folding it. This will keep away creases and possible harm to the fabric.
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Regular Checks: Check stored rugs for damage or issues occasionally. This helps you handle problems before the rug is required.
Knowing how to keep horse rugs clean will help you keep your horse's gear in good condition and ready for use all year round.
Rugging a horse means you are aware of the kinds of rugs that can be used for them, knowledgeable in the correct method for putting on a rug, and know how to care for these items by cleaning them regularly and making sure they're stored properly. For more details and to see our range of top-grade horse rugs, please come to Mole Avon Country Stores or browse our selection of horse rugs and horse supplements online.
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Posted by Lauren Cook
9th September 2024
