What you need to know about How to Choose the Right Horse Rug for Winter in Australia
In this article, we discuss how to choose the right horse rug for winter in Australia’s milder weather.
From insulation to waterproofing, what are the key factors to consider about rugging horses in an Australian winter?
Although Australian winters are mild in comparison to those in Europe and North America, you can still take steps to equip your horse with the right rug to keep it warm, comfortable, and protected.
It just doesn’t need to be as heavy as those used in the far north of the northern hemisphere!
How Does Weather Affect Rug Selection?
Understanding your local climate and typical winter conditions is crucial for choosing the right horse rug.
Rugging horses in a Tasmanian winter for example is quite different to rugging them in a Brisbane or Perth winter.
Factors to consider when deciding on a good winter rug for your horse include…
Temperature
Rain
Wind
Humidity
Access to shelter
Sites like Weather Zone provide 2 types of temperatures – the actual temperature, which is what the thermometers says it is, and the median temperature, which is what it feels like.
The median temperature is usually the one to consider when deciding which rug to put on for the day because it factors in things like wind chill and rain.
Insulation and Fill of your Horse Rug
Fill is made from materials like synthetic fibres or wool depending on the type of rug. Canvas rugs usually have either a woollen or a ‘bush’ blanket type lining, whilst synthetics have a quilted fill.
What is the significance of insulation in a horse rug?
Insulation, or fill, is what provides the warmth in a rug. Its role is to trap and retain the horse’s body heat to keep it warm.
The weight of the canvas and fill or lining you choose will be determined by your winter weather conditions.
In parts of Australia where winters are mild, you shouldn’t need much more than a good quality 100gm polyfill synthetic, or a medium-weight canvas.
You can then add a stable rug as required.
This is a better option for your horse than to be continually over rugging because you only have a 200 or 300gm polyfill, or a heavy canvas.
Know your horse rug fills
Canvas rugs
Both canvas and synthetic winter rugs have different ‘fill’ weights. In the case of canvas rugs, the blanket lining can be different thicknesses, or fabrics.
You can also get different combinations of blanket and canvas thickness i.e. a light blanket but a heavier canvas.
Canvas rugs are also weighed, or described, in ounces (because canvas itself is measured that way) and the bigger the number, the heavier the canvas.
Canvas rug weights for horse rugs typically range from 11oz (~312 grams) to 24 ounces (~680 grams).
However, thick canvas rugs can be very heavy, especially when wet, which is why so many people prefer the much lighter synthetics.
Synthetic rugs
Synthetic winter horse rugs are described by the weight of the fill.
The most common fill weights in Australia are 100, 200 and 300gms.
The lighter 100gm fill is good for mild winter conditions whilst the thicker 300gm fill suits colder places where it snows and temperatures regularly drop below 0oC. A 200gm is a good in-between weight and a popular choice in areas where winters are a bit colder than ‘mild’ but not as cold as places where it snows!
The shell on synthetic rugs is measured in deniers and, as with canvas, the bigger the number, the heavier the fabric. A 600-denier fabric is relatively lightweight and suitable for most mild winters.
However, if you get a lot of rain or your horse is hard on rugs, you probably want to look at a 1200-denier, which is a thicker, heavier, denser weave. A 1680-denier is heavier again.
Waterproof And Breathable Fabrics
Winter paddock rugs should always be waterproof for obvious reasons!
Canvas rugs are waterproofed on the outside (and can be retreated with canvas waterproofing products as required).
Synthetic rugs have an internal waterproof membrane lining that, whilst very effective when new, does break down over time.
“Officially” synthetics are not designed to be retreated with canvas waterproofing products but people have done so successfully.
Always check your rug after heavy rain to make sure the waterproofing / membrane is still doing its job.
Why is breathability of your horse rug important?
Breathable fabrics allow moisture and sweat to escape, preventing overheating and the build-up of condensation inside the rug.
This helps regulate body temperature and prevents discomfort. Canvas rugs are more breathable than synthetics.
However, the newer types of synthetics are promoted as being ‘breathable’ so…
Horse rug with neck / Combos
A combo is an all-in-one rug and neck rug, and ideal for winter.
It does away with the need for a separate neck rug or hood, and reduces the chances of paddock accidents due to the neck rug slipping or becoming partially detached from the rug. It also removes the gap problem between the neck rug and the rug when the horse puts its head down!
Should I consider a combo?
Combos provide additional protection from rain and wind, and help keep your horse’s neck and chest warm.
They’re also a good idea if your horse is clipped or has sensitive skin. However, if your horse has a tendency to get hot but still needs a rug on, a normal rug (and a lighter fill) will be a better option.
Adjustability and Fastenings for your horse rug – Are They Important?
Rugs should always have adjustable chest fastenings, belly straps, and leg straps. This allows you to adjust as required to fit your horse. The straps should also be good quality and heavy enough to last the lifetime of the rug. Avoid rugs that have flimsy straps and dodgy looking buckles because they
have a tendency to break. Apart from potentially destroying the rug as it slips sideways underneath the horse, there’s also the very real possibility of your horse taking fright and seriously injuring itself.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Have a question about how to choose the right horse rug for winter that we’ve not answered above?
You might find the answers here.
Should I choose a heavy weight, medium weight, or light weight rug?
The weight of the rug depends on the horse’s individual needs, the severity of your winters, and also how thick and fluffy they are.
Generally speaking though – very few places in Australia have bad enough winters for heavy weight rugs.
These rugs are often designed with northern hemisphere winters in mind – snow, sleet, ice, blizzards, snowstorms etc!
If you only want one paddock rug, get a good quality light weight rug (100 gm or light canvas) and a stable rug, then layer them as required.
Alternatively, if the budget allows, consider getting a light weight rug for milder days, and a medium weight for colder days, and nights.
How often should I check the rug fit during winter?
Always rug to the weather conditions.
If it’s necessary to leave a rug on 24/7 during winter, you must regularly check the rug for rips, broken straps, and waterproofing.
You should also take it off regularly to groom the horse, and check that it hasn’t developed rub marks or pressure sores. Adjust as necessary to maintain a proper fit and avoid discomfort or restrictions.
Can I layer rugs for added warmth?
Layering rugs is a very good idea.
It allows you to add and remove warmth as required. We’ve mentioned several layering options above that work well.
Always be mindful not to overheat the horse. Choose compatible rugs and ensure the combined weight and insulation are appropriate for the temperature, weather conditions, and the horse’s needs.
Should I buy a canvas or synthetic horse rug?
Each type of rug has its fans. Synthetics are a lot lighter and easier to handle when wet.
Canvas on the other hand can be retreated with water proofing products.
Canvas also breaths better than synthetic rugs so if your horse gets warm, a canvas rug may be a better choice. But… there are good canvas rugs and then there are ‘cheap’ canvas rugs…
Indeed, if you’re on a tight budget a cheap synthetic rug is a better option than a cheap canvas rug.
This is because even the cheapest synthetic rugs are usually better quality (and cheaper) in terms of waterproofing than most cheap canvas rugs.
Key Takeaways About How To Choose The Right Horse Rug For Winter Weather
Choosing the right horse rug for your winter weather conditions in Australia will keep your horse warm, comfortable, and protected from the elements.
Things to consider are insulation/fill, waterproofing, breathability, and whether you need a combo or just a rug. In general, aim to get the best quality rug you can afford.
