Horse Rugs Are Excellent Protection Against Extreme Weather

By Katrina Wheeler


During extreme weather conditions, the safety of your animal should be a top priority. Horse rugs provide additional protection during those times. Many times horses require supplementary support for warming up, cooling down, staying warm and dry. These covers allow freedom of movement while protecting them from harsh, inclement weather.

You might wonder how you would keep a rug or blanket on an animal that is so large and active. Most blankets have straps and clips to attach around the chest, under the belly and additional straps that go around and between the hind legs for additional security. They come in several different sizes, colors and weights. The heavier weighted covers, are for use during the winter months when the weather is very cold. Lighter weight sheets are for the spring and summer months, many times to protect them from irritating insects.

During the winter months, your animals will be able to stay warm and dry using these coverlets. Most are warm and water proof in order to prevent your animal from becoming wet during snow or rain. Additional protection is also available by attaching a neck cover.

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.

Stable cloaks can be provided to keep your equestrian friend warm when he is in his stall. Turnout coverings are best used when your animal is out in the pasture on a sunny winter day. Fly sheets are used to protect your animal from being bothered by flies during the summer months. Cooling rugs can be used to cool your animal's core temperature after a vigorous workout. There are many different types of coverlets to choose from depending on the need of your horse.

It is imperative that your horse be dry before blanketing. Placing a blanket on a damp animal can cause him to become ill. If he is damp, use an anti-sweat sheet to absorb moisture before placing a turnout or stable blanket on him. Make sure you remove the anti-sweat sheet first, otherwise the exterior blanket would hold the cold, damp sheet against him which could cause severe problems.

As the weather changes and the temperatures begin to drop, allow your animal to adjust to the temperature changes naturally. This will allow him to grow a winter coat. His winter coat will provide him with a great deal of protection. Make certain that you only blanket your animals when it is necessary. Blanketing early in the season means less natural protection for you animal.

Horse rugs are the perfect accoutrement for extreme weather conditions. Providing exceptional care for your equestrian friend is a top priority. Determine what size, type and weight will best fit your animals needs. Regardless of whether it is summer, spring, winter or fall there is a rug for every occasion. There is one additional benefit as well. They will look adorable wearing their winter jackets.




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