REALLY N00b Question - Sweat Rugs

[Shantara]

I'm really sorry for such a (I'm sure) obvious and silly question, but I bought a sweat rug from Horses Trust in January, as it was the only thing I could afford and I wanted to donate some money.
ANYWAY, I realised I honestly don't know when/how to use one!
Do I just fling it on when he gets sweaty to stop him cooling to fast? Is it a summer or winter thing, or both?

Sorry again, haha!

 

[MiCsarah]

Generally a winter thing but of course can be used on cold summer days. Is it a fleece type material? If so put it on once you can worked him in and he's got sweaty. Wash him down and put the cooler on until he drys. They can also be used as general stable sheets on cooler days

 

[Shantara]

It looks like this one http://www.farrendaleequestrian.co.uk/images/antiSweat_rug.jpg

Thanks! I feel so silly for asking, but I'd rather ask than use it at the wrong time and make him uncomfortable

 

[MiCsarah]

definatly more of spring/autumn one to me then. I think the idea of them is they sort of trap warm air between the hole

 

[Shantara]

Ah, great thanks again

 

[caterpillar]

To be effective you need to use a fleece/sheet/cooler over the top.
Brilliant in winter for cooling off sweaty horses with a fleece over the top.

 

[Shantara]

Thanks I have a fleece too, so when it gets chilly again I'll use that

 

[JFTDWS]

Old school mesh rug I had one just like that in the 90s

 

[charlimouse]

I didn't know they still made those! You could always go really old school and thatch (in the days before fleece rugs and modern materials, put a layer of straw between horse and mesh rug, secure with a surcingle)!

 

[cob&onion]

I have the string type one too, use mine in the summer after bathing - helps dry my cob off quicker!