Rug rail ideas

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Gypley

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Afternoon all!

I have two of the below fixed rug rails in my stable.
https://www.rideaway.co.uk/blanket-rack?sku=780027&_$ja=cgid:14060836705|tsid:59260|c id:205668865|lid:81522955705|nw:g|crid:74760463945 |rnd:12977323060072767540|dvc:c|adp:1o1|bku:1&gcli d=COLezuvCt88CFeUp0wod1vwCvg

My trouble is, horses favourite past time is pulling them down and laying on them, under them, pooing on them, peeing on them, making forts etc etc
I need to keep current rugs in my stable as I'm on full livery and yard staff need to access them easily, plus storage is pretty limited.

I'm not allowed a box outside my stable, nor are rugs allowed to hang outside. I have tried a drain pipe on string but he pulls the whole thing down!
Anyone know of any life hacks to stop him doing this? I did think about those giant metal pegs they use on market stalls to hold down tarps but I'm not overly keen on the idea.

Any ideas gratefully received!
Read more at http://www.horseandhound.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?737265-Rug-rail-help#JzUSAyMf36xkT3qP.99
 
One of mine will play with anything left in her reach. That is just how she is, you could never keep her rugs in with her. Is there no communal area that you could suggest would be good for rug storage? Luckily for me my other one doesn't mess with anything, so all my rugs are in with her. When I build my new stables I'm having a rug room!
 
Rugs in stables are always at risk of being pulled down and at best sh..t on, or at worst torn to shreds. You are at full livery and not allowed hanging or boxes outside stable. I would ask the YO where she would like you to keep them so that they are ready for the staff to use them.
 
What about what used to be called gaskets on old sailing ships. Basically "furl" them up to the rail, with four or five rounds of twine holding the furl. Quick release would help, perhaps some sort of buckle rather than knot. Pain, but it might work....
 
Some horses can just never have rugs in the stable with them. Two of mine can't. They'll pull them out of whatever configuration we can get them into. And if we tie them so tight that they can't they'll just rip them trying.

If yours is not that determined you can furl rugs as suggested above. Wrap tight and use single use soft cable ties to secure the rug. But if they are going to go at it anyway then you risk the ties coming loose, being swallowed and causing colic. Don't use rigid cable ties or elasticated straps - I've seen horses with horrible stable injuries from both. Those metal pegs you suggest - if it is what I am thinking of - would be worse!

You are on full livery. YO needs to find a solution. You pay for a service. Not to have your rugs destroyed.
 
As a full livery it is up to the yard to sort where the rugs go. I used to work on a full livery yard and all but 1 of the horses had their rugs hanging in their stable (except when wet). 1 used to destroy anything within reach. His t/o was stored in the shed and we had to get it everyday and change his rug. His stable rug was left folded in the corner of his stable while he was out and then changed as soon as he came in and then t/o back in the shed. Or the other option is does he really need his rugs changed? As long as they are adjusted and removed once a day. Mine wears her t/o in the stable, it dries the rug better and doesn't soak up wee as much
 
Mine don't touch them if they are folded up in the corner hay rack. Has to be high enough that they can't reach over the top.
 
Could you cover the rugs with an old sheet suitably dotted with cribox or something equally nasty? Once they have encountered that horrible stuff they usually don't try again. Chuck it over so the sheet is both behind and in front of the rugs and peg the sides together so the sheet more or less stays put.
 
Improvement on the furling idea!

Splice an eye into one end of strong cord.

Then when furling, run cord through the eye, wind round tight in a spiral along the rug and you only have one knot to tie and untie.

If you REALLY want a horse-proof and jam-proof knot, let me know and I'll delve into Ashleys Book of Knots (4225 to choose from from memory). Well i might.
 
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