Fixtures and fittings

Top tips for rugging

• Use a progressive rugging system (light, then medium, then heavy) instead of going straight for the heavy.
• If you are rugging for cleanliness, eg to keep the horse clean so you can ride, go for the lightest weight that is suitable if you want to maintain a thicker coat. Conversely, if your horse is working hard and you need to clip, ensure you rug well enough to stop the clip growing out too quickly.
• Buy as good a rug as you can afford, as the better ones are cut to allow more freedom of movement, prevent rubbing and keep your horse warmer with less weight, and will ultimately last much longer if well cared for.
• Keep spares, have at least two rugs in case of mishaps or very heavy rain that requires the usual rug to have extra drying time.
• Look after your rugs and ensure hair and grease deposits are removed from the interior regularly to help prolong their life and prevent rubbing.
• Follow the manufacturer’s care instructions to keep the rugs waterproof.

Bear in mind that when it comes to the fixtures and fittings of horse and pony rugs, different manufacturers do produce rugs of different qualities. The price you pay reflects this. You will see on more expensive horse rugs fittings and design features like quick release chest clips, lined wither pads, elasticated shoulder gussets, antibacterial linings and heavier-weight hardware. That is not to say however that cheaper rugs are not as good - they absolutely are, but you will just compromise somewhere if you buy a more cost effective rug, maybe in the depth of the rug at the horse or pony’s sides, or maybe in the durability of the hardware.