Rug weights and grams of fill
A rug's warmth is given in grams of fill, from light to heavy.
What is it for?
The grams of fill show how much warmth a rug adds, so you can choose a rug that suits the horse and the weather.
How is it made?
Roughly: light 0 to 100g, medium 150 to 300g, heavy from 350g. The strength of the outer fabric is something else and is given in denier.
When do you use it?
You choose the grams of fill based on many factors together, not on a fixed temperature alone.
What to watch for in the fit
Take into account whether the horse is clipped, and whether it is stabled or living out.
Look at wind and prolonged rain: wet and wind chill more than dry cold.
Consider the horse's breed, age, health, condition and workload.
Take care
A fixed temperature-to-weight chart does not hold for every horse. Over-rugging can flatten the coat, cause sweating and discomfort, prevent healthy winter weight loss and raise the risk of laminitis. Only increase the weight when the horse is genuinely cold.
What is it confused with?
- Waterproof versus showerproof
Grams of fill is about warmth; waterproofing is a separate property of the outer fabric.
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Sources: British Horse Society. Descriptive and educational; not a substitute for advice from a vet or instructor.