Buying your horse a rug is one of the best things you can do for the horse as its owner. The rug will keep the horse warm during winter, maintain the horse’s skin, and protect it from flies. This makes it a worthy investment.

Many kinds of horse rugs are available, so before you buy, it’s important to consider what your horse requires. Before, there weren’t many options available for rugging horses. Although you would think it’s as easy as choosing the proper size and color and moving on, there are several factors you need to consider. These include:

1. The coat of your horse

Your horse’s hair will naturally grow out and act as insulation against the cold by trapping heat. When the hair is windy or damp, this insulation won’t work.

In light of this, laying a lightweight horse rug on your hairy equine will result in less insulation as the hairs flatten. Even worse, this may make your pony cold. As a result, an inadequately insulated blanket used in warmer temperatures can reduce an animal’s natural ability to insulate itself. Use a rug to prevent hair growth if your horse has a thin winter coat or if you prefer its hair to be short.

2. Weather

When selecting a horse rug, you should consider the weather (rain, humidity, and wind). Rain, for instance, might lessen the insulating value of thick winter hair. Your mare can be entirely exposed to the cold as a result. Wind gusts could lift the garment, exposing the skin to frigid blasts. Therefore, even if your horse has a thick coat, a light, waterproof rug could protect it when the weather is bad.

3. Proper fit and coverage

The rug’s usefulness depends heavily on how well it fits. Ensure the rug covers the animal completely, from the neck to the tail, and the belly and chest are sufficiently shielded. It should be snug but not so tight that your horse can move freely. Surcingles, leg straps, and shoulder gussets are a few adjustable features that can help you get a better fit.

4. Material the rug is made of

To keep your horse cool and comfortable, use a rug made of lightweight, porous material. Fabrics with good airflow and fly resistance, like mesh or fine-weave polyester, are popular. To protect your horse from the damaging effects of the sun, look for rugs that offer UV protection. Some fly rugs also have a waterproof top-piece to keep your horse dry on warm but rainy days.

5. Age and health

A sick horse will need fly rugs for horses because it has a compromised immune system. Similar to middle-aged animals, elder stallions and foals might not be able to maintain a constant body temperature. As a result, they will need some sort of covering to keep them warm during the winter.

6. Durability

Like they say, “Buy cheap, buy twice.” An extremely durable rug and horse numnah is necessary for daily wear and tear, especially with more rowdy horses and ponies. Look for materials that can withstand your horse’s activities, reinforce stitching and strong closures. In the long term, a durable rug will cost less.