Measure horse length from A to B.

Horse Rugs are sized at 3 inch intervals. To get an approximate sizing, measure in a straight line from the centre of the horse’s chest, around the shoulder, along the side of the barrel and belly and around the rear to the point just beside the edge of the tail, or where you expect the rug to finish). This measurement can be used as a guide for your rug. Unfortunately horses don't all come in the same dimensions, so your horse maybe either side of the above sizing depending on your horse's characteristics. It can be a difficult decision to go up a size or down a size.

Winter or lined/padded rugs are often a tighter fit, when compared to normal summer ripstop rugs or sheets. This is due to the fact that the padding takes up additional space. Also keep in mind that if you use a summer sheet or similar under your winter rug to create layers - this is more padding and creates a tighter fit again. This may mean the difference between going up a size, so keep this in mind.

Waterproof
This refers to the outer fabric of the rug, which will not allow water to pass from the outside through to the horse's skin. Any rug advertised as waterproof is referring to the fabric used for the rug, rather than the whole product. This is because rugs contain stitching & fastenings that cannot be tape seamed to prevent water penetration. Although threads swell to fill stitching holes, movement is just as likely to stretch the seams. Ideally you should always be prepared to change a rug that has been subjected to hours of heavy rain for a spare dry one & dry off the original.

Rug Filling and Material – A GUIDE

Filling
Rugs are available in different 'weights'. This refers to the amount of filling the rug has to provide insulation. The amount of fill is normally measured in grams per square meter (gm). Lightweight rugs may well have no fill or only a small amount. As a rough guide a lightweight rug would vary from no fill to around 50 gm. Medium rugs tend to have a fill of 200 gm whilst heavyweight rugs go from 300 gm upwards. Lightweight rug would be deemed to be suitable for spring, summer and less cold autumn days. A medium weight rug would suffice for colder spring and autumn days and possible warmer winter days. Heavyweight rugs are for those horrible cold winter days and will always be appreciated by your horse!

Denier
Denier is a measure of the linear density, or weight per unit length, of a yarn-- essentially the higher the denier number the stronger the material commonly in 300D, 600D, 900D and 1200D the higher the number the stronger the material & more intended for outdoor usage.

Rug Care
Rugs can generally be washed just like clothing, however we recommend you don’t use detergents on waterproof rugs as this can damage the waterproofing. Other rugs are safe to wash with a little detergent. Refer to care labels on individual rugs.
When finished washing, the rug should be hung out to dry in a well-ventilated area with the outer coating facing up. . Even water proof rugs get water penetration in heavy rain, and we suggest you remove and dry out when possible.

Rug Types

Combo Rug
Combo Rugs refer to rugs that combine both a neck rug and body rug. The neck rug is permanently attached.

Turnout or Outdoor Rugs – for where protection from the elements is required.
This type of rug should always be clearly marked as being waterproof. Most rugs of this style are made from Nylon or Polyester. Modern fibres often allow this type of rug to be breathable as well as providing weather protection. This helps to keep your horse comfortable in changing conditions.

On this basis, for really cold weather, many people like to keep an under rug in reserve in the tack room. This would normally be made from a comfortable warm soft material which will help your horse maintain his body temperature.

Stable Rugs - for horses that are protected from the weather.
Stable rugs aren’t waterproof. This type of rug often comes with a fill, like turnout rugs, because stables can get very cold. Different styles are available with or without neck covers. Mostly made of comfortable man made fibres such as nylon or polyester. Linings of stable rugs can vary between cotton and soft feel nylon or polyester.

Travel/Day and Cooler Rugs - Multi purpose
This style of rug covers a variety of uses such as travelling to shows and events or for drying off after exercise or being washed. Some people have separate rugs for each use. Travel rugs can be made from a fleece style fabrics. Cooler rugs are often made of a box weave material with holes which help your horse to dry out whilst still keeping warm.

Fly Sheet/Fly Rug – keep the flies at bay!
A Fly Sheet or Fly Rug is a lightweight fine mesh rug which offers protection to horses at grass from flies and insects during the summer.
Many Fly Sheets available also include neck covers either as part of the Fly Sheet or as a separate product which can be attached to the rug. We recommend purchasing a separate fly mask/veil for complete fly protection.

Summer Sheet
A summer sheet is a light type of horse rug which offers protection against the harsh sun and flies during the summer. They are often used as travel rugs.

Travel Rug
A Travel Rug is a light rug which offers protection against dust and flies whilst travelling. Often a Summer Sheet is used as a all year round day rug.

Under Rugs
Under Rugs and Liners are used under a rug to provide extra warmth and protection from friction rubbing from the rug.

Rug Liners
Anti-Rub Liners, Shoulder Liners or Anti-Rub Vests are designed to worn underneath a rug to provide protection from friction rubbing. These are made from thin, stretch material and cover the chest, shoulder and withers which are areas prone to friction sores from rug wear.