Pages

What To Look For When Buying Horse Rugs

By Sally Delacruz


Equestrians all over the country are always looking for quality products for their animals. This ranges from saddles and bridles to brushes and buckets. Many people continue to ride their horses throughout the year and in these cases they will need at least one rug to help keep the animal warm and clean. Keeping horses blanketed saves many hours of grooming time and helps to keep their coats in good condition.

During the cold winter months horses will need at least one thick, waterproof rug. Once the weather warms up they need thinner sheets, which are typically made of cotton. Horse rugs vary in size, color and style, but there is sure to be something to meet every need. Everyday barn wear must be durable and above all washable. The newer polyester cotton blends are perfect as they stand up to lots of wear and tear.

One of the best places to shop for a new rug is the local tack store. Most riders have a favorite store in their neighborhood, where they can buy all the supplies they need to meet the day to day needs of their horses and ponies. From show boots, to saddles and everything in between. It is great to build up a working relationship with the store owner and staff, so they can help with questions and finding all the right equipment.

The new generation of winter rugs are really outstanding. Innovative designers have gone back to the drawing board to create horse clothing that really works. The styles are now made to fit all the contoured to really fit the animals body. The shoulders are particularly sensitive to rubbing from a rug that is too tight. Specially vented leg arches give plenty of the room for even the most rambunctious of horses to stay busy and not be restricted.

The latest rugs also have the advantage of being very light. Traditionally the older blankets were very heavy and difficult to use. Once they got wet they were even heavier. Washing them at the end of the season was almost impossible and they were not very hygienic. A new winter rug can now be laundered and put away ready for another year of use.

After exercise horses are typically hot and sweaty. In warm weather the best option is to simply hose them down. This removes sweat and dirt from the skin and helps to keep the animal in the very best condition. However, after their bath most horses love to head to the nearest pile of dirt or shavings and roll vigorously. Covering them with a light sheet and leaving them tied up until they are dry will save a lot of mess.

Fly sheets are a fairly new product to hit the equestrian market, but they have proved very popular. Horses who are turned out in the field are bothered by flies, bugs and mosquitoes. A simple, lightweight mesh sheet can solve this problem once and for all.

Coolers are another useful item that every horse needs. After exercise a warm animal needs something to keep their back warm while they cool off. Most coolers are made from cotton or cotton blends and are also known as Irish mesh sheets.




About the Author:



Aucun commentaire:

Enregistrer un commentaire