The Different Types Of Horse Rugs: A Comprehensive Guide
When it comes to horse rugs, there are rugs for all types of needs and weather conditions. In this comprehensive guide, we explore the different types of horse rugs, their features, and the benefits they offer. It will equip you with the information you need to choose the right rugs for your horse.
Make sure you also check out our step by step guide on How to put a rug on a horse.
What Are The Different Types Of Horse Rugs?
The following are the main types of horse rugs you’ll find available at most retail outlets in Australia. There may be other types of specialist rugs, but we’re focussing on the most common types in this post.
- Turnout / Paddock Rugs
- Stable Rugs
- Fly Rugs, Fly Sheets Or ‘Cottons’
- Cooler Rugs
- Paddock Sheets
Types Of Horse Rugs: Turnout / Paddock Rugs
Turnout, or paddock rugs as we call them in Australia, are one of the most common types of rugs available. Indeed, if you’re going to rug your horse, you’ll definitely need at least one in your rug collection.
What are turnout or paddock rugs?
Paddock rugs are heavy-duty rugs for outdoor use. Their function is to provide protection against the elements. They are typically waterproof or water-resistant, making them ideal for rainy or snowy conditions.
What are the benefits of paddock rugs?
Paddock rugs keep horses dry and warm, protecting them from rain, wind, and snow if you live in Tassie or the Victorian Alps. Made from tough, breathable fabrics like canvas or membrane-lined synthetic fabric, they’re durable and hard-wearing.
Types Of Horse Rugs: Stable Rugs
Stable rugs are also popular, especially with owners whose horses are… well… stabled. Made from a range of nice warm fabrics, they’re cosy but not water proof.
What are stable rugs?
Made from fabrics like wool or polar fleece, or even quilted fabric, stable rugs are a good rugging option for horses that spend time indoors. They are also good for adding warmth under lighter paddock rugs or even paddock sheets during cold snaps.
What are the benefits of stable rugs?
Stable rugs offer extra warmth during chilly nights or when horses are indoors for long periods. They are a good (and cheaper) alternative to buying a second paddock rug in a heavier fill for colder weather. Simply use a stable rug underneath your normal paddock rug instead.
Types Of Horse Rugs: Fly Rugs, Fly Sheets Or ‘Cottons’
Fly rugs have many uses, and almost every horse owner has at least one, or two, floating around their tack room. They may go by the names ‘fly sheet’ or simply ‘cotton’.
What are fly rugs?
Fly rugs, or cottons, are lightweight breathable, unlined cotton canvas (or similar) rugs or combos, often in white or similar cool colours. Modern ones may have features like built-in UV protection and mesh side panels for added breathability.
What are the benefits of fly rugs?
Fly rugs are almost a necessity in some parts of Australia where flies, midges, mosquitos, and other biting insects abound. They reduce the risk of bites, irritation, and potential diseases but are also useful for protecting coats from sun bleaching. Some brands come with longer drops than other types of rugs to help protect more of the horse’s legs.
Fly rugs / fly sheets / cottons are also available in what we call ‘show sets’. These consist of a combo and often a matching tail bag in colourful cotton fabrics. They’re great for keeping horses clean for shows, and for the trendy owner who likes to colour co-ordinate their horse’s show wardrobe! Pop it under a heavier rug in winter, or use on its own in summer.
Additionally, many horse owners also use a cotton, or fly rug, underneath paddock rugs to help keep the heavier rug clean. The reason being that cottons are easy to throw in the washing machine…
Types Of Horse Rugs: Cooler Rugs
Cooler rugs are common in working stables where horses work intensively i.e. racehorses, eventers, endurance etc.
What are cooler rugs?
Cooler rugs help cool down horses after exercise or when they are sweaty. Made from moisture-wicking fabrics, they help regulate body temperature as the horse cools down.
What are the benefits of cooler rugs?
Cooler rugs help prevent chill and muscle stiffness by wicking away moisture and allowing horses to dry off and cool down gradually.
Types Of Horse Rugs: Paddock Sheets
Paddock sheets or unlined paddock rugs are ideal for conditions where your horse needs a bit of protection but it isn’t cold enough for a rug with fill.
What are paddock sheets?
Paddock sheets are essentially paddock rugs without fill. Made from the same types of unlined, lightweight canvas or membrane-lined synthetic fabric rugs, they should be shower proof at a minimum.
Common uses for paddock sheets include protection against light rain or wind and in mild weather conditions when horses need minimal coverage. More expensive brands may also be waterproof, and suitable for use over the top of stable rugs to provide similar protection to paddock rugs.
What are the benefits of paddock sheets?
Paddock sheets help protect the horse from light rain and wind. They are breathable and having no fill, are ideal for transitional weather or when horses just require light protection.
A note about paddock sheets – they provide protection, not additional warmth! if your horse requires warmth as well as protection, use a rug with fill or put a stable rug underneath the sheet. Leaving a horse in an unlined paddock sheet in cold weather will restrict its ability to ‘fluff’ up its coat to trap body heat, meaning it could get colder than it would without the rug on.
Key Takeaways About The Different Types Of Horse Rugs
Selecting the right type of rug for your horse is important because rugs can make, or break, a horse’s comfort and well being. And, in order to select the right type of rug, you first need to understand the different types of horse rugs available and their uses. You don’t, for instance, use heavy fill paddock rugs to keep flies off in summer. Similarly, you can’t use a flysheet or stable rug as a paddock rug in the middle of winter, or at least not on cold, wet, windy days!
