Who wants to explain Rugs?

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minkymoo

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I am hoping that I am not being thick here, but I would be grateful if someone can explain Rugs to me. What is Denier and how do you pick the right rugs? I know I will need the following:
1 heavyweight
1 mediumweight
1 lightweight
1 fleece
1 stable rug

What makes are good and what should be avoided?

Thanks!
 
Denier is the thickness of the outer lining. The thicker it is the stronger it is (i think!) It's like tights!

If you want to save money somewhere, get cheaper stable rug/fleece and spend more on turnout rugs.
 
Denier is the strenth of the outer fabric. 1200 denier is stronger than 600 denier, less likely to rip supposedly. Quite important if there is a rug thug in the field or anything like barbed wire they could catch it on.

Personally I like Horseware and Weatherbeeta brands.
 
Your local saddlery shop should be able to show you examples of each weight. You will have to see what fits your horse as some makes fit different builds.

I have a wide shouldered, long backed horse and tend to go for Horseware Ireland or Fal and find that both these makes are extremely good and hardwearing, and more importantly, fit my horse well.

Other good makes Bucas, Weatherbeeta, Masta. There are tons on the market and you just need to find something to fit your pocket as well as your horse! You can spend £50 on a rug and you can spend £300, but you should be able to find a lightweight turnout for spring in the £60 area and expect to spend £80 to £100 on a medium weight and up to £150 or £200 on a really heavyweight turnout. I would have thought you could find a decent stable rug for £50 - £75 and dont forget that you can use your fleece as an underrug if you need more layers.
 
I really rate Horseware rugs. They are not the cheapest but they are good quality, fit well and last for ages.

Personally, I think it's a good idea to have spares for turnouts, for when one is soaking and not dry in time for the next day. Also, if horse is clipped, you might need to think about having an under-rug for cold days and nights.

I love rug shopping... lucky you getting to choose lots (but not so lucky purse!)
 
Nowadays you can get things called underrugs or liners which you can pop under thinner weight rugs to beef them up if it's really cold. I've got a couple of these and use them with my medium weight rugs in the winter as it's cheaper than buying a complete rug. Also most of the turnout's these days are breathable and you'll find they'll dry much better on the horse rather than hanging over the stable door or wall so I tend to leave mine on him when he's brought in rather than having umpteen stable rugs and turnouts all over the yard (plus it makes it more difficult for sneaky hands to lift them if they're on your horse). Weatherbeeta or Mark Todd or Horsewear Ireland or Fal have all fitted my boy well.
 
Looks like people have already explained the denier thingy.

With regards to which rugs I think getting ones that fit well is important too. Personally I love Amigo rugs - they fit my boy really well and are a good price. I have also got Mark Todd/Royston Funnell Range/Rhinegold rugs which are all fine but don't fit him quite as well.

Ideally it would be great to borrow loads of different rugs to see what fit best
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make sure that the linings of turnout rugs are nylon, not cotton, as the nylon slides easily over the horse's hair, helping the rug to self-right, and preventing rubbing.
if you get really good turnout rugs, you don't really need a stable rug tbh.
makes i really rate (i.e. they're still going strong after 8-10 years or more, they never rub, they self-right) are Rambo and FAL.
if the turnout rug fits properly, i've found that i don't need to use hindleg straps at all, the x belly surcingles and fillet string are enough. much safer, imho.
 
I agree with Kerelli - all my rugs now have nylon lining. It's stopped him developing bare patches on his shoulders, it self rights no matter how much rolling to try and get it off he does and helps keep their coat shiny (I don't find there's nearly as much scruff in his coat). So whilst I couldn't comment on the quality of Derby House I wouldn't have it simply cause it isn't nylon lined.
 
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