Turnout Rugs Can Be Found In A Number Of Distinct Weights

When a horse is out in the fields, it is common for it to wear a turnout rug. There are a number of different turnout rugs and they all serve different functions. There are also turnout blankets designed to suit different weather conditions. The three factors crucial in determining the types of turnout rug to use are; the location, the climate and the season.

There is the heavyweight turnout rugs that are made with a thick canvas type of material and then lined with a softer flannel material. These blankets will be warm and water resistant but they are not waterproof. The light turnout rugs are made from a rayon canvas material but do not have an inner lining, these are once again not waterproof.

During the spring or fall season it is a good idea to go with the waterproof turnout rugs which are made from a waterproof material. If you do not want your horse to grow a winter coat, it is best to use a light turnout rug during autumn. There is also what is known as a flysheet turnout rug which is worn during the summer months to give the horse some protection against flies and mosquitos.

The flysheet turnout rug needs to be lightweight and breathable; it is therefore made from a nylon based material. With the increase in the number of insects, the flysheet turnout rugs are becoming increasingly popular. With the flysheet turnout rug being used in summer, it is extremely important that it provides enough protection for the horse without causing the horse to overheat.

Turnout rugs also come with neck covers or a full hood. Neck covers are normally incorporated in the turnout horse blanket while the hoods are a separate piece altogether and must be purchased individually. The full horse blanket can be used before shows to keep the horse clean and protected.

Using a turnout rug is an excellent way of protecting your horse from the rain. A light shower is not a big problem for a horse, but in prolonged wet weather conditions the horse becomes susceptible to ailments such as rain scald and mud fever. While you want the turnout rug to protect the horse from the rain, you also need to make sure it does not become overheated; waterproof turnout rugs are therefore made from a light, waterproof, breathable material.

The main benefit of turnout rugs is that they offer the horse protection from the cold. The condition of the horse, his age and his coat will dictate what type of turnout rug he needs. With this information you can find the temperature at which your horse will need to start using a turnout rug.

When choosing a turnout rug, be sure to remember that there are two other weights of horse rugs that you can get besides the lightweight turnout rug. The other turnout rugs are insulated to keep the warmth in and these are the medium and heavy weight horse rugs. If you want a turnout rug that can be used in all winter weather conditions, make sure you choose one that is breathable as well as waterproof.

If you are buying a turnout rug for your horse but are unsure of what weight to choose, it is always best to go with the lighter blanket. It is far more cost effective to layer a couple of lightweight blankets on your horse than to buy a heavyweight blanket and find out you can't use it. When you have the correct weight of turnout rug on your horse his ears and body will stay warm to your touch and he will not sweat.

A three piece layering system has also been designed by horse equipment manufacturers. This layering system offers a fleece rug liner which can be used alone or in conjunction with the medium weight stable rug. The layering system then also provides a lightweight turnout sheet which when placed on top of the other two layers makes up the complete system.


If you're looking for turnout rugs for your horse go and visit turnout rugs. You will find many of the supplies you want for your horse at stable rugs.

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