Horses have natural insulation in the form of hair that prevents them from becoming overly chilled during the winter. But for a variety of reasons, mostly related to human intervention, some horses need turnout rugs. These are blankets that are either used to prevent chilling or exposure to the weather, or to provide protection from flies during the summer.
Because wild horses grow big, thick coats, they have no need for blankets and would probably actually overheat if forced to wear one. Wild horses that are native to extremely cold regions have adapted even further-- they are stockier, with shorter legs and ears than their warm-weather cousins. This prevents so much heat from escaping, and keeps them alive through the harshest winters.
Part of the reason for blankets is that many horses are clipped for riding and showing. In order to keep them from getting too hot when working, their winter coat needs to be clipped, but this means that they no longer have its protection from the elements. These horses must wear blankets when outdoors or in an unheated stable.
In order to prevent horses from developing their winter coats at all, some people put blankets on them during autumn, when the first cold weather hits. This fools the horse's system into thinking they don't need to grow a winter coat, so they don't. This is usually done for the same reasons as clipping is, and similarly requires that the horse be blanketed all winter.
Turnout rugs are a specific type of blanket, used mostly on horses that live in pastures. They come in multiple weights, ranging from thick, heavy winter coverings to thin, light, summer blankets that are intended to keep off the flies. Even the heavy blankets are lighter than New Zealand rugs, which are used in the coldest weather, and because of this, they rub less.
Specialized blankets can also be purchased to put under a turnout rug. This increases the warmth of the covering, and allows people to combine blankets and rug as necessary to create the desired warmth. Since blankets are cheaper than the outer coverings, this is often an economical option.
Your horse's rug should fit well in order to get the best protection. None of his or her belly should show under the edges of the rug when it is on, and the chest area of the blanket should cover well so that good protection is provided there, too. The various ties and buckles should be snug but not tight, except the hind leg straps, which should allow one hand's space to avoid rubbing. There are neck coverings that can be added to most blankets if needed, too.
Horses are fond of the outdoors. Many people have stories about their horses standing outside in the snow or rain when there was an easily accessible shelter. In order to be safe and comfortable outside where they seem to love to be, turnout rugs are necessary. Make sure to choose the right one for your horse, so that he or she will be protected from the elements.
Because wild horses grow big, thick coats, they have no need for blankets and would probably actually overheat if forced to wear one. Wild horses that are native to extremely cold regions have adapted even further-- they are stockier, with shorter legs and ears than their warm-weather cousins. This prevents so much heat from escaping, and keeps them alive through the harshest winters.
Part of the reason for blankets is that many horses are clipped for riding and showing. In order to keep them from getting too hot when working, their winter coat needs to be clipped, but this means that they no longer have its protection from the elements. These horses must wear blankets when outdoors or in an unheated stable.
In order to prevent horses from developing their winter coats at all, some people put blankets on them during autumn, when the first cold weather hits. This fools the horse's system into thinking they don't need to grow a winter coat, so they don't. This is usually done for the same reasons as clipping is, and similarly requires that the horse be blanketed all winter.
Turnout rugs are a specific type of blanket, used mostly on horses that live in pastures. They come in multiple weights, ranging from thick, heavy winter coverings to thin, light, summer blankets that are intended to keep off the flies. Even the heavy blankets are lighter than New Zealand rugs, which are used in the coldest weather, and because of this, they rub less.
Specialized blankets can also be purchased to put under a turnout rug. This increases the warmth of the covering, and allows people to combine blankets and rug as necessary to create the desired warmth. Since blankets are cheaper than the outer coverings, this is often an economical option.
Your horse's rug should fit well in order to get the best protection. None of his or her belly should show under the edges of the rug when it is on, and the chest area of the blanket should cover well so that good protection is provided there, too. The various ties and buckles should be snug but not tight, except the hind leg straps, which should allow one hand's space to avoid rubbing. There are neck coverings that can be added to most blankets if needed, too.
Horses are fond of the outdoors. Many people have stories about their horses standing outside in the snow or rain when there was an easily accessible shelter. In order to be safe and comfortable outside where they seem to love to be, turnout rugs are necessary. Make sure to choose the right one for your horse, so that he or she will be protected from the elements.
About the Author:
When you own a pet horse, you should buy turnout rugs. Horse rugs will help keep your horse comfortable. We own some cool ones at an affordable price.
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