Fly rugs protect from cold weather, biting insects, dirt and dust, and are used only within the confines of the stable. They're used at night when the temperature drops because it's more difficult for the horse to stay warm when he's standing still. When stabled for the day, use a lighter weight blanket, or no blanket at all. Fly rugs are thinner and looser than turnout rugs to allow the horse to sleep or lie down comfortably.
Many horse owners use a stable rug whenever the weather is cold or windy. Other horse owners never, or rarely use them because they prefer to let the horses natural winter coat grow to protect the animal. Take into account the health, coat type, and age of the stabled horse. A horse that's older, ill, or recently clipped will need a rug in cold weather.
A horse that is cold stands rigid with his tail down. On very cold nights, you may want to layer blankets. While he's wearing a blanket, feel the skin under the rug to see if he's perspiring. If he is, he's too hot. Remove the blanket or swap to a lighter weight blanket.
Blankets are sold by length in three inch increments. Measure your horse in a horizontal line along the animals side from the center front chest to the base of the tail. Modern rugs are designed for safety with a breaking point so the rug and/or fasteners will break if the animal becomes tangled or caught on something.
A proper fitting stable rug will cover from neck to tail, and some have neck extensions to cover from ears to tail. They are fastened in three places, the neck, chest, and tail. The fit should be snug but not tight with room for a hand between the animal and the fabric or the fasteners. The horse's belly shouldn't show. The best way to be sure you have a proper fit is to observe the animal with the blanket on.
There are many sizes, colors, weights, and materials to choose from. Most are made from synthetic fabric, quilted or padded, and designed to breathe, allowing moisture to evaporate if the horse perspires. Fleece blankets are often used as an under blanket in extreme cold, or as lightweight stable rugs on cool nights.
Blankets come in three weights. Less than 150 grams is lightweight. Medium weight is 150-300 grams. Heavyweight is 300 grams and up. Lightweight blankets are for chilly fall and spring weather. Medium weights are good for a clipped horse or one with a thin coat. Heavyweights are for the coldest weather. Also for very cold weather there are styles available with full necks to protect from the ears back.
Fly rugs should be checked for condition everyday. They should be free of tears with buckles in good working condition. Never leave a wet blanket on your horse, shivering can lead to illness. Also a dirty blanket is irritating to the skin, so have a supply of clean blankets available. Don't use blankets interchangeably between horses. This can spread bugs and skin infections. Hang a wet blanket on a rug rack until it's completely dry so it won't get moldy or rot. Keep clean and dry blankets in a warm and dry place.
Many horse owners use a stable rug whenever the weather is cold or windy. Other horse owners never, or rarely use them because they prefer to let the horses natural winter coat grow to protect the animal. Take into account the health, coat type, and age of the stabled horse. A horse that's older, ill, or recently clipped will need a rug in cold weather.
A horse that is cold stands rigid with his tail down. On very cold nights, you may want to layer blankets. While he's wearing a blanket, feel the skin under the rug to see if he's perspiring. If he is, he's too hot. Remove the blanket or swap to a lighter weight blanket.
Blankets are sold by length in three inch increments. Measure your horse in a horizontal line along the animals side from the center front chest to the base of the tail. Modern rugs are designed for safety with a breaking point so the rug and/or fasteners will break if the animal becomes tangled or caught on something.
A proper fitting stable rug will cover from neck to tail, and some have neck extensions to cover from ears to tail. They are fastened in three places, the neck, chest, and tail. The fit should be snug but not tight with room for a hand between the animal and the fabric or the fasteners. The horse's belly shouldn't show. The best way to be sure you have a proper fit is to observe the animal with the blanket on.
There are many sizes, colors, weights, and materials to choose from. Most are made from synthetic fabric, quilted or padded, and designed to breathe, allowing moisture to evaporate if the horse perspires. Fleece blankets are often used as an under blanket in extreme cold, or as lightweight stable rugs on cool nights.
Blankets come in three weights. Less than 150 grams is lightweight. Medium weight is 150-300 grams. Heavyweight is 300 grams and up. Lightweight blankets are for chilly fall and spring weather. Medium weights are good for a clipped horse or one with a thin coat. Heavyweights are for the coldest weather. Also for very cold weather there are styles available with full necks to protect from the ears back.
Fly rugs should be checked for condition everyday. They should be free of tears with buckles in good working condition. Never leave a wet blanket on your horse, shivering can lead to illness. Also a dirty blanket is irritating to the skin, so have a supply of clean blankets available. Don't use blankets interchangeably between horses. This can spread bugs and skin infections. Hang a wet blanket on a rug rack until it's completely dry so it won't get moldy or rot. Keep clean and dry blankets in a warm and dry place.
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