Are older rugs less warm than when they were new?

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cazzr

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I'm sure this question has been asked before but can't find it.
I'm trying not to be seduced into buying yet another rug..

I have an old (when freestyle first came out) Orican hw combo but I'm wondering if it is more of a mediumweight now having been used heavily and professionally cleaned each year.. It's in good nick still I'm just curious as to how warm I should consider it now..
 
In theory yes, as the filling will flatten over time. But the best guide is to put it on your horse for a day and feel underneath to see if he feels warm. Not all horses need a heavyweight rug anyway. You can always use an extra layer if he feels cold.
 
I guess part of my reason for asking is that I'm resisting the urge to buy a middleweight combo and wondering if my old heavyweight is more or less equivalent anyway....

Horse is the type not to like being wet (hence combo) and doesn't grow much of a coat, even before digging out the heavyweights and feels the cold, this is despite being unclipped!
If she gets cold she turns into a very grumpy beast who will run around to keep warm instead!

I do have an old mw masta standard rug and a generic neck cover but it's not a great fit (the neck rug) and I'm unsure if the new 'zing' necks will fit right with the old mastas.... Anyone any experience of this...


My posts make it seem as if I only have old rugs, I don't, she also has another new shires heavyweight combo which she alternates with the orican. She virtually lives in her hw combos in the winter... Trying to resist urge to buy premier equine mw combo which is on sale..... *recovering rugaholic*
 
I think so. I bought a new Orican HW combo this year as it was so cheap in the sale on Equestrian Clearance. I've loved the old one, but after 4 years the lining is starting to get a little worse for wear.

I was surprised how thick and heavy it felt, compared to the old one. Definitely looks/feels warmer to me.
 
Box_of_Frogs: NAUGHTY!!! If I do tho, I know I'll end up getting the PE Stable wraps too.... Getting bored of fleece bandaging the mare at the mo (been in for a week now and gets filled legs) and think the wraps would be soooo much easier and quicker..

Patches: My Orican must be about 6 years old I think, only needed the little patch at the top of the shoulder dart re-sewn on as well, it's lasted really well. Never had it reproofed either and still doesn't let any water in!
Would you say your old one is more of a middleweight now?
 
Yes they do as said above the lining flattens and the rug doesn't quite work as well when old. Plus depending on how old it was the standards have changed - a 300g used to be a heavyweight and now it seems anywhere between 350 to 500g is a heavyweight

Also feeling under the rug is not a good method to test - base of the ears (i.e. how much blood they are sparing to extremities is much better!)

Also if you horse is not sweating, but you can see small wet patches lower down on the rug (top of shoulder darts), then they are too hot.
 
Thanks, I think I will wait a bit longer.. Unless there is a 'can't miss bargain' or course when I won't be able to help myself. Very nearly was seduced by the PE Trio last winter as they had it very cheap on sale.. but when I have as many rugs as I do it didn't make sense...


As for Masta neck covers, anyone know if the neck cover for Zing will fit the older masta's?
 
I think so too, some of my old Jasper quilts went into retirement as the filling had flattened down and they weren't as warm.

Any excuse.
 
Hi,

Think older rugs do become less warm. When I decided to cut my old rug up (for emergency patch repairs) I couldn't believe how much the filling had disintegrated after about two years use. Rug had been professionally washed and proofed twice in that time.
 
I guess the filling integrity is impacted when it compacts/separates etc.. and therefore its ablity to trap air is compromised

Certainly an old quilt on a bed gets thin and worn with time
 
I think the cheaper ones do - especially if they are washed each season. The more expensive ones (Fal, Horseware etc) seem to wear better.

I had a couple of WB orican combos for my horse when he was clipped (they were 360gms then) but when he was retired they were far too heavy for him so I sold them and now he is ok in a medium weight (anything from 200-300gm). They had been washed but I dont think there was any difference in the weight at all - they looked virtually brand new.
 
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