Stable rug

What is it for?

The stable rug adds warmth while the horse is stabled, for example a clipped or fine-coated horse in cold weather.

How is it made?

It is a quilted or fleece rug with a fill rated in grams, from light to heavy. The outer is not waterproof, because indoors the rug does not need to keep off rain.

When do you use it?

Indoors in the stable in the cold season. A waterproof rug is needed for turnout in the field.

What to watch for in the fit

• Measure the rug as for any rug: from the centre of the chest to the point of the buttock.

• Check the shoulder, withers and chest for rubbing and remove the rug daily.

• Only add more fill if the horse shows signs of being cold.

Take care

A stable rug is not meant for outdoors: it does not keep off rain, gets wet and then chills the horse. Warmer is not always better; over-rugging can make a horse sweat.

What is it confused with?

• Rain sheet

  The rain sheet looks similar in shape but is waterproof and for outdoors.

• Under-rug or liner

  A thin stable rug is sometimes used as an under-rug beneath an outdoor rug, but that is a separate layer.

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