Horse Rugs: All-Weather Protection
Wednesday, March 31st, 2010For added warmth in the stable, while out in pasture, or to protect against insects and the hot sun, horse rugs keep horses comfortable. Horse Supplements No matter the size of the horse, horse rugs or horse blankets come in many varieties and materials. Running typically from rump to chest, they usually stay on via straps that fasten underneath. There are types, though, that are completely closed in the front and must slip over the horse's head. Depending on the size and shape of the horse, some are tailor made.
While outdoors, cold weather blankets are an added source of warmth for the horse. For use in the rain, some horse blankets are made of water resistant materials. turnout rug Others such as stable blankets are meant for indoor use only, and thus are made of wool and other non-waterproof materials. In the summertime, it is especially important to keep flies and other bothersome insects off of a horse. To do this, fly sheets or just sheets protect the horse. They also keep the horse cool by being made from breathable, synthetic fibers. Another use for sheets is to prevent bleaching or burning from the sun.
One blanket that a horse can wear while being ridden is called a quarter sheet. This type of blanket covers the rump of the horse, making it a source of added warmth. Other horse rugs include saddle blankets. Worn underneath the saddle, they are used when the horse is working. Saddle blankets add a moderate amount of warmth while mostly serving as a barrier between the rough saddle and their skin.
A different type of rug called a cooler or a mantle covers the entire body of the horse. fly rugs It covers the entire body of the horse while it is wet with sweat or water after a workout or a bath. The cooler keeps the horse warm while drying so it has no chance of catching hypothermia.
In all types of weather horse rugs or blankets of one kind or another are used to protect the animal from overexposure. Sheets and blankets for horses each serve a specific purpose, and all are designed with the horse's comfort in mind.