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Traditional Horse Blankets vs Modern Rug Technology

2016/5/4 10:26:34

Rugging a horse up to its eyeballs is much more socially acceptable in our modern and busy lifestyles. Keeping our horses clean, dry and with a manageable winter coat is excessively more important to us than the comfort of our horse. As an individual, you may deny this, but on the whole, intentionally or not, we do tend to over rug.

Traditional horse blankets are simple and minimalistic compared to the technologically advanced rugs we now use. However, traditional horse blankets have their own advantages. For example, a wool rug or horse blanket such as the Newmarket wool rug, an iconic racing image, is a great deal warmer than some of the cheaper stable rugs available on the market.

Jute lined wool rugs are traditionally styled, and maintain a great deal of functionality. They are ideal for drying your horse after an exercise session in the rain, as they allow air to circulate due to the mesh of the fibres. Often quality leather straps are incorporated, and you do need to ask yourself the question "is it better to invest in longevity and quality or buy cheaply now and replace regularly?" Of course, this is a question you will answer based on your own personal stance, but it is something to really consider when rug shopping.

Modern horse rugs offer amazing benefits and can maintain a perfect-temperature microclimate between the rug and the horse's skin, however in the case of hardy native ponies and horses, is it really necessary to substitute the horse's own temperature regulation and weather protection? It may be that simple, quality horse blankets or rugs could help to combat the cold, but try not to overdo it!

On the other hand, if you own a poor-doing Thoroughbred type, who shivers at the mere sight of a raincloud, a modern, technology - inspired horse rug may well serve you better than a traditional one. As mentioned, traditional wool rugs and horse blankets are very effective at retaining warmth, but some new rugs and blankets do incorporate materials which allow them to be very thin whilst still maintaining a good proportion of heat. These may be a worthwhile investment if you find your horse looks as though he has been rolled up in a gigantic duvet and struggles to move under the pile of well-meaning but hindering wool rugs!

Assess your horse's needs as an individual, and consider the pros and cons of both the traditional style horse blankets, and snazzy modern rugs. Whilst you may be tempted to buy the latest super-inventive technological rug with all the features, it may well be the case that buying one or two quality traditional horse blankets to layer up with will be cost-effective in the long run. Traditional fabrics are often very good quality and offer longevity. As discussed, however, a modern micro-climate rug might greatly improve your horse's wellbeing; it really does come down to what type he is, and common sense. Try and base your rugging strategies on your horse's needs, if it really is too warm, it's not important to rug him up round his ears just to keep him clean!

The equine store stocks a huge range of equestrian equipment and clothing for horse and rider, including a large variety of horse rugs. Please visit the store at www.equine-store.com