Thursday, June 5, 2014

What To Look For When Buying Horse Rugs

By Sally Delacruz


Shopping for equestrian equipment is always fun. Riders need a lot of gear for their animals, especially is they are showing. A show animal will need more than one rug to get them through the season. Most owners like to have a set of show clothes not only for themselves but also for their horses. It is also nice to spend some time looking at all the options.

There is a rug for every occasion. These range from thick waterproof coverings for the very worst of winter weather, to light weight summer sheets that are used to keep the dust and flies off a show animal. Horse rugs are sold at practically all retail outlets, but it can be just as easy to buy one on line and have it shipped in a day or two.

As with any item pricing varies tremendously for horses clothing items. Some of the bargain brands are still great value for money. They provide a fully serviceable item that does the job without breaking the bank. Often when people have several horses and need a lot of blankets they opt for the more affordable brand.

How much the owner needs to spend really depends on the lifestyle of the animals. Horses that have to live outside all the time, even in the harsh winter weather, will need a top quality winter blanket that is fully waterproof. It may be a good idea to invest in one that has a built in neck cover for extra warmth and protection from the elements.

Summer sheets and rugs are light weight and easy to wash. Their primary purpose is to keep the horse clean and in show condition. They also save a lot of grooming time even when the horses are turned out in the field and love to roll in the dirt and dust. Busy riders will appreciate having a clean horse ready to ride.

Summer sheets and blankets are also an important part of a show horses tack trunk. Horses that are used in competition must be keep spotlessly clean and in great condition. Having several changes of sheets for them makes life much easier. The natural oils for a horses coat are produced constantly and help to add a health shine.

Fly sheets are a fairly new product to hit the equestrian market, but they have proved very popular. Horses who are turned out in the field are bothered by flies, bugs and mosquitoes. A simple, lightweight mesh sheet can solve this problem once and for all.

All rugs should be washed regularly in a mild detergent. It is best to line dry them or at least avoid putting them in the dryer. They should be stored in strong zipped bags to prevent damage from rodents or insects.




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