Horseware Ireland Blankets

OUTDOOR RUGS (WATERPROOF/WINTER)

DURABLE MATERIALS

The primary criterion when buying an outdoor rug is its durability. For a long lifespan, extremely resistant materials are used in the manufacture of rugs.

Tear resistance of materials

• Polyester: very light, durable, and dries quickly
• Nylon: smooth surface, very durable, elastic, warm
• Ripstop-Nylon: lightweight and very durable
• Polypropylene: very durable
• Ballistic Nylon: extremely durable, elastic, warm

WATERPROOF OUTDOOR RUGS (TURNOUT)

WHY USE A WATERPROOF RUG?

In nature, horses don't wear rugs. So why would they need them? Good question!

Pastures and enclosures differ significantly from nature. In the outdoor environments we provide for them, horses don't always have trees or shelters to protect themselves from bad weather.

Waterproof rugs protect against cold and moisture. Thanks to their warming function, they prevent tension and stiffening of muscles after training. This is why rugs are important for horses' health.

WHEN SHOULD I USE A WATERPROOF RUG?

 The main function of a waterproof rug is to protect your horse from rain, wind, and moisture. Especially if your horse is in the field and exposed to rain for a long period.

 The rain sheet is therefore generally used outdoors. It can be used, depending on its tear resistance, in fields, paddocks, or even in the stable. Lightweight rain sheets can also be used in competitions and can simply be placed over your saddled horse in case of showers, so you protect not only your horse but also your equipment.

CAN I USE A WATERPROOF RUG IN THE STABLE?

Of course! Modern rugs are made for this. So, waterproof rugs can be worn without problems 24 hours a day, including in stalls. In addition to being waterproof, rain sheets also have the advantage of being dirt-resistant.

For stable life with paddock access, for example, rain sheets in spring and autumn are recommended, as many horses prefer to stay in the paddock even in the rain, despite the possibility of shelter.

CAN I PUT A WATERPROOF RUG ON A WET HORSE?

This is not recommended. It's quite the opposite. The rug protects the horse from rain. On a wet horse, you should first put on a wicking rug.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD WATERPROOF RUG?

A good waterproof rug is primarily resistant to rain and wind. This means your horse can easily stay out in wind and rain and remain dry under the rug. The second, equally important characteristic, is breathability.

The more breathable a rain sheet is, the better it can transport moisture and warm air generated by your horse to the outside. According to other studies, tear resistance is also an important characteristic. If your horse is alone in the paddock, your rain sheet does not need to be as tear-resistant as if your horse is in a stable.

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT CUTS OF WATERPROOF RUGS?

Rain sheets are available in a wide variety of designs. They are available in classic cut, high neck (half-neck), with a fixed or detachable neck cover. The classic cut is a normal rug cut and is one of the most popular cuts. Many Classic Cut rugs also offer the possibility of attaching a neck cover or an under-rug to the rug. This cut is suitable for all types of horses.

The High Neck or half-neck cut is slightly higher at the neck. Unlike the classic cut, it offers no combination possibilities. On the other hand, it distributes the rug's weight more evenly and relieves the withers. This is why it is particularly suitable for slender horses with pronounced withers. Rain sheets with a fixed or detachable neck cover primarily serve to protect the sensitive neck area of the horse from wind and rain. Older horses particularly appreciate this.

WHAT ARE THE FEATURES OF WATERPROOF RUGS?

Rain sheets are available with different features. Horseware uses classic shoulder gussets as they have their own concept to ensure their rugs offer excellent freedom of movement without additional seams.

Due to the ergonomic fit of waterproof rugs, leg straps are often omitted today, or they are generally removable. Chest fastenings also vary from one rug to another. From T-hooks to V-front closures to innovative disc closures, there are now many fastening systems, all with their own advantages. In the belly area, most rain sheets are made with a simple cross surcingle. However, Horseware introduces the triple surcingle on special models for a more secure fit.

INSULATED WATERPROOF OUTDOOR RUGS (WINTER)

 WHICH WINTER RUG SHOULD I CHOOSE FOR MY HORSE?

Winter rugs are lined rugs of 100g or more. The thicker the lining, the higher the cold resistance. Horse rugs with insulation up to 100g are called transitional rugs.

If your horse needs to go outside with the winter rug, you need to differentiate between a clipped horse, a healthy or sick horse, and consider the time your horse spends outdoors. Is the winter rug used continuously? And does the horse have a way to protect itself from wind, rain, and snow?

If the rug is to be used continuously and your horse needs significant protection from the cold, you should use an outdoor rug with a fill of about 200 to 300 grams. The lining protects from the cold. For horses particularly sensitive to cold, there are rugs with a grammage up to 500g.

The rug fill consists of an air-resistant material, highly insulating against cold, and is located between the outer fabric and the inner lining of the rug.

Be careful, too much insulation in a winter rug can also be counterproductive, as your horse will start to sweat. Many modern rugs incorporate a mid-layer with a wicking effect or are made of an inner material that optimally wicks away sweat. The rug must be waterproof.

An alternative to the lined outdoor rug is the combination of a waterproof fabric and an under-rug. Under-rugs are available in different grammage levels for better adaptation.

UNDER-RUG (LINER)

Under-rugs are the ideal complement to outdoor rugs to better adapt to temperature changes. Breathable, available in different insulations.

Horse under-rugs are an alternative to heavily insulated rugs for cold and icy days. Designed to be worn under other rugs, thin under-rugs act as a complement.

Under-rugs are available in a variety of different insulations. They combine wonderfully, so you can supplement the horse rugs you usually use with an under-rug.

This also makes it easier to adapt to temperature changes - to different weather conditions - during transitional periods.

Does your horse need a thicker rug on particularly cold days or do you want to keep him warm after clipping? That's why an under-rug is the best choice to complement your stable rug.

UNDER-RUG FIT:

For the under-rug to fulfill its function, it is important to ensure that the top rug and the under-rug sit well together on your horse and do not slip.

The fasteners and cut are chosen so that the outdoor rug and the under-rug form a single unit and rest on the horse like a single rug. The manufacturer Horseware also has special lining systems, for example for the pony range!

Good breathability and sufficient freedom of movement are also important. If your horse is very active in the fields and wears a rug that is not very breathable, it can cause heat build-up. You must take this into account when choosing the under-rug!

WHAT MATERIAL SHOULD I USE?

To ensure a good climate under the rug, special attention should be paid to the material properties when purchasing an under-rug. Breathable polyester or nylon under-rugs are ideal. Often, the upper side of the rug repels dirt and is partially water-repellent, which allows it to be used as a field rug. For special coat protection, most under-rugs have a silky lining. It is also very important to have a strong material for a long rug lifespan. Horseware rugs all have these characteristics.

Under-rugs eliminate the need for rug changes. Instead of buying several field rugs with different linings, it is possible to combine an outdoor rug with an under-rug, which allows for adjusting cold protection according to the season. An unlined outdoor rug including a 100g under-rug can be quickly transformed into a lined winter rug (thermal rug) that keeps your horse warm. Another advantage is that you save money, as you don't need another outdoor rug for your horse and the rugs are washable without any problem.

 

As their name suggests, stable rugs are designed for use in the stable or stall. Stable rugs are relatively lightweight rugs that are cheaper than outdoor rugs (as they are not waterproof). They provide warmth, protect against dirt, and must be extremely durable.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE WEIGHT OF MY RUG?

Stable rugs are available with different types of insulation. During the transitional period and for horses without a winter coat, stable rugs with a light lining (50g) are recommended.

In winter, you should use a winter rug for your horse. Winter rugs are rugs with insulation from 100g to a maximum of 500g. Elderly or sick horses should be protected from cold and drafts even in the stable.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE MATERIAL FOR MY STABLE RUG?

Durability (tear resistance) is an important criterion for stable rugs. Your horse must be able to move, lie down, and roll freely without damaging the rug or compromising its safety. In addition, the stable rug must fit well so as not to slip and hinder the horse's movements, and be light for good comfort.

Thanks to these features, you can also use stable rugs for transport, and as they are also anti-dirt, they are also suitable as competition rugs.

COMBINE WITH A NECK COVER

Stable rugs are available with the option of attaching a neck cover, or in some models, the neck cover is already integrated. In the first case, the neck piece must be ordered separately.

COMBINE WITH THE UNDER-RUG

The advantage of many Horseware rugs is the combined use of Horseware under-rugs. In just a few steps, the rug can be transformed into an even warmer rug and adapted to the temperature.

WICKING RUGS (COOLER)

ADVICE FOR BUYING A WICKING RUG

Wicking rugs are very lightweight rugs that do not contain padding and are generally not waterproof. They are used after training to quickly dry the damp and sweaty coat and prevent muscles from cooling down too quickly. An anti-sweat rug wicks away moisture and keeps the horse warm. This helps prevent muscle tension and back problems in the horse. Wicking rugs are therefore essential for sport horses, especially during the cold season, i.e., winter.

TYPES OF WICKING RUGS

The choice of the right rug depends not only on the season, but also on the intensity of training and the horse itself. Some horses sweat a lot and others sweat less. Therefore, with some animals, for example, it is sufficient to protect only the sensitive loin area after training.

However, for horses that sweat more, a high-quality wicking rug that provides sufficient coverage, i.e., also protects the neck, should be used. For this, there are models with a full neck.

CLASSIC WICKING RUGS

The classic wicking rug can only be used as such. It is usually made of fleece or cotton or wool. The lightweight rug is breathable, regulates climate, and allows your horse to dry quickly after sport.

THE SECRET LIES IN THE MATERIAL

The secret of the wicking rug lies in the fabric used. It must be very effective at wicking away moisture and be breathable. Most manufacturers use polyester fleece. The material is soft, warm, and perfectly wicks away moisture. The principle is the same as for human sportswear: a quick-drying fabric that wicks away sweat and keeps you warm at the same time. This helps keep muscles relaxed.

During the cold season, the wicking rug can also be used to warm up muscles. The warming effect improves blood flow to the muscles and prevents injuries.

High-quality brand wicking rugs are made from fabrics that optimally wick away sweat, are breathable, and antibacterial. With fleece wicking rugs, you should ensure that the material is of good quality. Otherwise, many small material pills will form very quickly.

MULTI-PURPOSE RUGS (RAMBO HELIX)

High-quality, highly functional materials and the usual Horseware quality - a transport rug, stable rug, and wicking rug in one product! Super practical with a classic and luxurious design.

MOISTURE MANAGEMENT TECHNOLOGY

Horseware was inspired by nature to develop the technology used, imitating the abilities of the Thorny Devil, a fascinating lizard species. This animal can absorb a lot of moisture in an unusual way and at the same time transport it outwards.

STABLE, TRANSPORT, AND WICKING RUG IN ONE

This extraordinary rug is made of a special fabric that allows it to absorb an extraordinary amount of moisture. It is therefore both a wicking rug and a stable rug, and your horse dries in record time. This rug is also ideal as a transport and competition rug, especially in summer.

This Rambo horse rug is particularly robust, so it can also be used as a stable rug, unlike classic fleece rugs. This avoids re-rugging.

At the shoulders and chest, the rug has a silky smooth material. Neither dirt nor hair can stick to it.

MULTI-PURPOSE RUGS (RAMBO AIRMAX)

SUPER LIGHT AND SUPER EFFECTIVE, THE COOLEST WICKING RUG!

Thanks to the Airmesh material, this rug is very effective at absorbing moisture inside, while the air pockets of this special material keep your horse warm in cold weather. The rug is perfect as a wicking and transport rug.

CUT/DESIGN

The rug has a classic cut and features cut-outs in the foreleg area to increase freedom of movement. The rug has a smooth lining at the shoulders to prevent rubbing. Its smooth outer surface prevents shavings and straw from sticking to the rug, keeping it clean longer.

MULTI-PURPOSE RUG (RAMBO DUST BUSTER)

The Rambo Dustbuster rug is ideal for events because the fabric with which this rug is designed saves you hours of grooming. It cleans your horse while in motion. Its ribbed effect lifts dust and dirty hair to the outside of the rug and polishes your horse without having to use grooming tools.

Rug with an integrated neck, a silky lining at the shoulders and mane that protects your horse from rubbing. So, non-removable neck cover. The outer fabric is ribbed polyester and the silky lining is polyester at the shoulders and mane.

This rug can be used during transport or in the stall to keep your horse clean.

MULTI-PURPOSE RUG (RAMBO SPORT COOLER)

SUPER COMBINATION OF COTTON AND MESH RUGS

The Horseware Rambo Sport rug combines the advantages of two different Horseware wicking rugs. It is a wicking rug and a fly sheet in one, but the wicking rug function is paramount.

Like the Cotton Cooler, the upper part is made of soft, breathable cotton that wicks well and keeps the horse warm in the sensitive back area. The side parts are made of fine mesh fabric, which keeps flies away and allows air to circulate perfectly. This allows the horse to sweat undisturbed and relax despite the summer heat and flies!

Exercise sheets serve to protect the horse from drafts, moisture, and cold during rides. They also protect the sensitive loin area. The warming function allows muscles to remain relaxed during work.

The lightweight material and cut are ideal for exercise. A saddle cut-out and an opening for stirrup leathers allow for optimal use with a saddle.

THE SADDLE CUT

The saddle cut-out on most models is suitable for classic saddles. The cut-out can still be adjusted using the adjustable fastening.

PAY ATTENTION TO THE PROPER FIT

An exercise sheet must be quick and easy to put on. The correct saddle cut-out is important. It should not be too small, so that the rug doesn't constrict, but it should not be too large either, so that the rug doesn't slip.

You should also pay attention to the cut and fastenings: the rug should be cut in such a way that the horse can move without restriction. Adjustable fastenings are essential.

Only exercise sheets that sit securely on the horse at trot and canter fulfill their function. Exercise sheets that flap and slip pose a danger as the horse can get startled or tangled in the rug.