The Big Test; Winter Rugs for stable and turnout
Winter is coming and horses turned out have been wrapped up against the elements and those stabled will be snuggled up in an extra layer too. In the October issue of Equine, our panel of testers shared their opinions on a number of different rug designs, a mix of the latest technologies alongside some 'tried & tested' styles that simply do not go out of fashion. Here is just a taste of the favourites.....
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Shires Equestrian – Highlander Original 300
The company says: Turned out horses will love the 300g warm fill of this heavyweight Tempest Original rug. Key features include a ripstop 600 denier waterproof, breathable ShireTex® outer, taped seams, 300g quilted polyfill, deep shoulder gussets, fully lined, twin buckle breast fastenings, adjustable cross surcingles, adjustable fillet strap, integrated leg strap loops and a tail flap. WarmaRug compatible - upgrade this rug's warmth rating using separate rug liners in 100g or 200g which quickly attach to the shoulder loops and fillet D-rings. Purple Two Tone. Sizes: 4’0” – 7’3”. RRP: £64.99. www.shiresequestrian.com
Our tester, Gillian McMurray, says: The weather was fairly warm during the testing period, so initially the rug was just tried for size on our ridden mare. She was clipped recently and began to wear the rug on colder nights and will continue to do so through the winter. The rug has straightforward fastenings and easy to adjust straps. A well-made rug in a rip stop fabric, it has a thick, warm 300g filling and is lined in polyester which will prevent shoulder rubbing. It has a close fit neckline which should minimise rain seeping in and is very generously cut so covers well over the tail and around the body and has the addition of a wide tail flap. I particularly like the fit of this company’s rugs for our Highland ponies and I think they are very suitable for heavier built ponies. Excellent quality, fit and value for money.
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Masta – Climatemasta 100g Fixed Neck Turnout/Stable & Liner
The company says: As the ever changing climate becomes more extreme in the UK, these innovative rugs are the answer, as they give you the flexibility to adapt to any weather conditions using the integrated liner system. Manufactured from 1200 denier rip stop waterproof and breathable outer fabric with 100g fill and Masta’s trade mark One Click fastening. Ergonomic neck design which stays close to the horse’s neck whilst grazing, ensuring the horse is protected from the driving wind and rain and prevents heat loss. Anti-Rub lining promotes clean and shiny coat. Shoulder gusset for an enhanced fit, freedom of movement and prevents shoulder rub. Tail loop on the tail flap. Unique fastening system ensures the liner is fully secured into the outer rug with the additional benefit of no extra fastenings, and once fitted, can be used as one complete piece, for faster rugging up. Liners sold separately. Stable – Navy RRP: £80.00. Turnout - Black/Grey and Burgundy/Navy RRP: £100.00. Sizes: 5’9” – 7’6”. www.masta.co.uk/climatemasta
Our tester, Denise Richardson, says: Wow!! When I opened this box I thought all my Christmas’s had come at once because as well as the expected Turnout, I’d been sent a Stable rug and Liner too. All three products are exceptionally well made, never slipped when fitted and were suitable for all shapes of horses. Both rugs were very secure when fitted due to the adjustable fastenings. I especially liked the newly designed quick release fastening at the front, which I had never come across before. It quickly became my favourite bit of the whole system and I’m positive it will be a dream to use in the forthcoming cold weather. This is an extremely stylish rugging system which is ideal for one horse for all weather conditions. A great deal of thought has gone into this design and if I could give it 20/10 I would!
VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Guardian Equestrian – Fence Buster - Turnout Rug
The company says: As you know horses usually respect electric fencing when they are rug-less but as soon as you put a rug on them the itching, scratching and general chaos starts. This is because the rug insulates the horse from the fence so, unless the horse touched the fence with a part of his/her body without a rug on, he/she will either not get a zap or get a very faint one. However, the chest and neck areas of this innovative rug have newly patented design panels built in and it is designed to act as a direct channel between the fence and the horse. These panels bypass the fabric of the rug so that the current from the fence is instantly transferred to the inside panel where it is felt by the horse. This simply means the horse receives the same effect from touching the fence as they would if they were rug-less. The main outer shell of the rug is a super strong 1680D ballistic weave polyester fabric with Du Pont’s superior Teflon shield+ coating for ultimate water and oil repellency. The rug also has the benefit of a fleece wither pressure relief pad, and XXL tail flap for protection in all weathers, fully taped seams soft 190t lining, cross surcingle stomach straps and a quick snap chest closure. Red/Grey & Burgundy/Grey. Sizes: 5’0” – 7’0”. RRP: £124.80 (£150.00 with Liner). www.electricfencing.co.uk
Our tester, Val Williams, says: Firstly as far as quality is concerned I believe this rug to be top of the list. The rug is 250 g and comes with a neck cover and liner at 150g for worst winter. It is breathable, anti-rub, rip stop chest and neck cover, Teflon coated, extra-large tail guard, fleece wither pad, taped seams, removable rear leg straps and ..... in fact the list is endless in describing this super quality rug. There are panels in the rug and neck cover so, when your horse leans on the electric fence it gets a shock, WHICH DOES WORK!! We have a horse who has always thought the grass outside was better than that in his field, however not now. He actually stays put, which is amazing. It really is a great idea as your horse gets the same effect from the electric fence as would be the case when not wearing a rug. The other aspect of this rug is that it fits the horse beautifully and was exactly the size it was meant to be, which I find doesn’t often happen nowadays. We will certainly be purchasing more of these for winter.
To read the rest of the reviews, you can order a copy of the October issue of Equine securely online at www.theequinestore.co.uk
