What stable rugs does everyone use

[soph15]

In the past I’ve only ever used weatherbeeta stable rugs but they’re a little bit pricey😬😂 as stable rugs don’t need to worry about waterproof-ness, I was looking to buy some slightly more economic friendly rugs for my new boy😂

Obviously want something that’s comfy and practical for the horse so if weatherbeeta are the best then I’ll continue to fork out the money and buy him one from there.

I was wondering what stable rugs everyone uses and recommends as an alternative?

TIA😊x

 

[Red-1]

I had a lovely Mark Todd one, but when I got my current horse she needed a smaller one and I thought I ordered the same, but a slightly updated style. I am really disappointed in the new one, it is like a mini skirt. It is only 3" shorter in the length, but the new one is a lot shorter in the depth. Useless as a 400g winter rug!

I actually bought a Rambo Optimo stable 200g, it fits very generously, but I am not convinced about the articulated bit as it still pulls back so she could have had a much cheaper rug!

Usually I buy just Rhino outdoor rugs as I know they are waterproof long term but TBH I am happy with cheaper indoor ones. Usually like the cut of Shires or Weatherbeater.

I had a Rhinegold one for her first winter, it was only about £28. Not the best quality, but for that price no worries!

 

[TPO]

Masts stable rugs fit well now that they've been redesigned. My horses also fit well into weatherbeeta and shires if that helps. I'm also a One Club member so the discount is appealing too!

 

[Red-1]

Masts stable rugs fit well now that they've been redesigned. My horses also fit well into weatherbeeta and shires if that helps. I'm also a One Club member so the discount is appealing too!

Yes, I like Masta too, like the gusset for freedom.

I never have fixed neck ones for the stable though, it has to go below -10 before they have a neck rug!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Many people don't use stable rugs these days and just leave the turnout on. I wouldn't have done so in the days of new zealand rugs, but it is absolutely fine with modern turnouts.

Having said that I do have a variety of (underused) stable rugs and they are Kingshead, Masta and Horseware. The Kingshead (can you get these any more?) was very cheap - about £20, but is over 10 years old - and doesn't have a tough outer. It was used every night for two winters and occasionally since then and looks great still. The mare it belongs to is very gentle on her rugs though. The Horseware ones (not Amigo) are lovely but of course more expensive. The Mastas are OK, probably in between those other two in terms of quality.

 

[Red-1]

Many people don't use stable rugs these days and just leave the turnout on. I wouldn't have done so in the days of new zealand rugs, but it is absolutely fine with modern turnouts.

Having said that I do have a variety of (underused) stable rugs and they are Kingshead, Masta and Horseware. The Kingshead (can you get these any more?) was very cheap - about £20, but is over 10 years old - and doesn't have a tough outer. It was used every night for two winters and occasionally since then and looks great still. The mare it belongs to is very gentle on her rugs though. The Horseware ones (not Amigo, they have a much tougher outer) are lovely but of course more expensive. The Mastas are OK, probably in between those other two in terms of quality.

I was disappointed to find the new Horsewear ones have a fleece bit around the shoulders. Not great for shavings and hay getting caught!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

I was disappointed to find the new Horsewear ones have a fleece bit around the shoulders. Not great for shavings and hay getting caught!

Mine don't, they are a couple of years old though so maybe the design has been updated? Mine are like this.

ETA - Doing some more googling to find the ones I have.

The Kingshead is like this.

One of the Mastas (mine is green).

 

[Red-1]

Mine don't, they are a couple of years old though so maybe the design has been updated? Mine are like this.

When new horse came last year new ones did have fleece at that time. Like this...https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Horseware-Rhino-Original-Medium-Stable-Rug-Navy-Check-SALE-FREE-UK-Shippin/292518318022?hash=item441b734fc6:m:mdqRiOD0eWopXQBtC_sJeCw

Got her a 300g Amigo that was awful, the outer was only as strong as I thought the inner should be. Sold that at a table top tack sale, got the Mark Todd, which was disappointing, then got the Optimo, also disappointing! The Rhiegold one was cheap and fitted nicely.

 

[Tihamandturkey]

I have various weights of turnout that I use only for the stable - always change rugs when bringing in at night.

Have a couple of stable rugs which I use under said turnouts for extra warmth as necessary.

Have one Weatherbeeta stable that is "waterproof" enough to use on it's own but the others would absorb poo 🙄

 

[Red-1]

Work had some posh Godolphin ones (Fal Pro). They were great until washed when they went flat and crinkley.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

When new horse came last year new ones did have fleece at that time. Like this...https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Horseware-Rhino-Original-Medium-Stable-Rug-Navy-Check-SALE-FREE-UK-Shippin/292518318022?hash=item441b734fc6:m:mdqRiOD0eWopXQBtC_sJeCw

Got her a 300g Amigo that was awful, the outer was only as strong as I thought the inner should be. Sold that at a table top tack sale, got the Mark Todd, which was disappointing, then got the Optimo, also disappointing! The Rhiegold one was cheap and fitted nicely.

Mmmm... not sure about that fleece bit. As you said, what a magnet for shavings!

I agree that Amigo stable rugs have a very low denier outer.

ETA - I think this might be where I got mine from. Only 6'3 and 6'9 left though. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Horseware-Stable-Rug-Medium-250g-/272912313765

 

[Red-1]

Mmmm... not sure about that fleece bit. As you said, what a magnet for shavings!

I agree that Amigo stable rugs have a very low denier outer.

ETA - I think this might be where I got mine from. Only 6'3 and 6'9 left though. https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Horseware-Stable-Rug-Medium-250g-/272912313765

She is keeping the Optimo, even though I don't particularly like the cut.

At least I got the outdoor ones right!

 

[Tiddlypom]

I was disappointed to find the new Horsewear ones have a fleece bit around the shoulders. Not great for shavings and hay getting caught!

Oh, me too . I’d already got a fleeceless Rhino stable rug in this colourway, and I bought two more last year thinking that they would be the same design. Fleece fittings on a stable rug, what could be the problem? The shavings get stuck inside the chest area too, and must potentially itch the horse.

 

[TGM]

Interesting! I've seen loads of ads for stable rugs with fleece collars and although they might look rather luxurious and cosy in the photos, I did wonder if shavings would stick to them. The answer is obviously yes then!

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Just so infuriating when a company makes 'improvements' to something which actually make it worse.

I'm sure lots on here remember the old Horseware stable rugs from the early says which had a white lining that stained. When they updated that design by adding an even tougher outer and a navy silky lining, that was (IMO) the perfect stable rug. Any further changes are just making it worse again LOL.

 

[Follysmum]

I use a mixture these are some of my favourites. Horseware, amigos, weather beta, Ruggles

 

[dogatemysalad]

My favourites are the Amigo insulator because it's warm and light as a feather. Also love the Rambo Optimo because it gives wither relief and has so many great features. I use stable rugs because my horse is stabled for 14 hours overnight and stable rugs are so comfortable. Also gives his turnout rugs a chance to air and changing rugs ensures I check him over thoroughly on the days when he's not ridden.

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

My shires ones fit lovely & have washed well year after year not going flat. I also have a Weatherbeeta thats been good & a PE that is very tough & heavy but yet to be washed.

 

[criso]

I love my Weatherbeetas, they have the nylon outer which I find doesn't absorb dirt as much but manage not to have too much static and wash really welll. I have a couple of heavyweights but one that gets the most use is the 100g Jasper.

I also have a couple of Caldene rugs when they briefly branched out into rugs which are amazing quality and very warm. Only problem is they come up huge, I have a 6'6' which is more like a generous 6'9" so doesn't fit the horse that takes a 6'6" in a Weatherbeeta.

I don't buy stable rugs very often as they last forever but when I do, I buy in a sale or second hand. There are a couple of sellers on facebook that specialise in second hand as well as ebay.

 

[Barton Bounty]

I have a couple, just bought a john whitaker for 20 from 40, got one from aldi last year its really good! And also a gallop one which is good to use under a turnout 😍

 

[claret09]

still using a 2009 horseware heavy weight stable rug with white lining. love it, i have it washed every year. i always use summer sheets as a bottom layer as they can easily be washed and are great at collecting hair.

 

[JillA]

I don't. I have the liner system and they double as stable rugs but unless I have something on box rest etc they wear their Amigo t/os overnight. It dries them on their backs - nothing much worse than wet heavy t/os to put back on next morning (assuming here you have a yard that actually allows turn out during the winter months)

 

[OldNag]

Shires and Ruggles.

 

[Lady Jane]

Horseware - 3 top stable layers and various liners which go under the 2 turnouts. Wash well, dry quickly and last. The fact that they last is a bit disappointing as I love buying new rugs! Neck covers all mix and match

 

[pansymouse]

I don't; she's on box rest naked atm' if she get too cold I'll put a turnout on her. I never change rugs when I bring in - just don't see the point.

 

[criso]

The turnout rug in the stable thing has never worked more me on a very wet dirty horse. Even through they are waterproof, when they lie down the bit by the shoulder and hindquarters gets soaked and filthy and the lining does absorb. I don't like to wash my turnouts too often - maybe once every 2 years, whereas stable rugs get washed regularly for that reason.

 

[Roasted Chestnuts]

Unless my horse is in for a few days or going to a show I don’t change rugs in winter. They dry better on the horse. My horses get groomed/ridden so the rugs do come off but I just find it easier to leave them in turnouts

I do have a range of stable rugs from Fals to Saxons and they have all done the job. My Fal is the best one when I’m showing the next day as it shines the coat up lovely and my weatherbeeta is good for a clipped horse as it has a belly cover. Just depends what you need at the time

 

[BOWS28]

Amigo, Rambo and Aldi!!! I always change rugs at night as i check them over and give them a good groom whether they are being ridden or not. I also think stable rugs are much comfier. Personal preference though i guess

 

[The Trooper]

I have found Equidor on eBay to be alrightish.

 

[ihatework]

In general I quite like using the cheaper 600d amigo turnouts as stable rugs. They are light, waterproof and seem to fit the type of horse I have well.

Big fella got a second hand wardrobe as he wasn’t staying 🙈 so he has lightweight MT and a middleweight JHL which can be doubled up as needed. Both fit nicely.