Horse accessories for Black Friday

Outdoor, stable or fleece rug

Each rug has its place of use. The outdoor rug, waterproof and breathable, protects in the paddock: the Horseware Amigo, an affordable range from the Irish brand founded in 1985 by Tom and Carol MacGuinness, or the QHP and Horze models are secured with crossed straps under the belly. The stable rug, padded but not waterproof, keeps warmth in the box; it is never taken out in the rain. The fleece rug, like the Q-essentials with neck cover, dries the horse after work by absorbing moisture from the coat, and can then serve as a comfort layer under another rug.

By type of product

The selection is organized by type:

• Horse rugs.
• Headcollars & Ropes.
• Protective gear, brush boots and bell boots.
• Saddles & Equipment.
• Bits.
• Care.

The Black Friday equestrian deals also extend to men, women, on the equestrian page.

Gram weight and denier: reading a rug's label

Two values sum up a rug. The gram weight indicates the amount of filling: around a hundred grams for a unclipped horse in cool weather, two hundred grams for an ordinary winter, three hundred grams and more, like the QHP Turnout with integrated neck cover, for a clipped horse or extreme cold. The denier measures the durability of the outer fabric: a fabric of twelve hundred denier, like that of the Amigo, is more resistant to snags from fences and rough play between horses than a fabric of six hundred. The neck cover, either integrated or detachable, protects the neck from rain and keeps the mane clean.

Headcollars, ropes and work boots

The headcollar is chosen based on use: adjustable nylon for everyday use, like the Harry's Horse Soft, or leather for a smart appearance, like the Harry's Horse Supreme. The matching rope, from Horka or Premiere, ends with a clip or panic snap that opens with a quick movement if the horse pulls back. During work, boots protect tendons and fetlocks from injury when one leg knocks against another: the Pro-Tech Airflow, ventilated, release heat from the legs, while the closed Horseware boots provide more coverage to the canon for jumping and cross-country.

Grooming, care and insect protection

The grooming box Harry's Horse holds brushes and accessories for daily care, and the aluminium mane comb detangles mane and tail. The care products extend this routine: the Animaderm tea tree shampoo for baths, the Animaderm Original lotion, from a French laboratory specialising in equine dermatology, for irritated skin, the Premiere hoof brush to apply ointment, and the LPC Tendoni gel, massaged onto the legs, for preparation and recovery. In good weather, the fly hood QHP Super Bug and the fly rug keep insects away from the eyes and body.

Frequently asked questions

How do you measure a horse for its rug?

You measure in centimetres from the middle of the breast to the point of the hip, passing over the shoulder. This length gives the size of the rug; when well fitted, it does not slip and does not rub anywhere on the withers or shoulders.

What is the purpose of a surcingle?

The surcingle, like that from Bucas, is buckled over the rug to keep it in place when the horse rolls or lies down in the box. It prevents the rug from shifting and potentially injuring the withers.

What is the purpose of a horse muzzle?

The pasture muzzle, like the QHP version with a hole, restricts the amount of grass ingested while still allowing drinking. It helps manage the weight of horses prone to laminitis and prevents some from chewing on fences.

How do you wash a horse rug?

First, brush off the dry mud, then wash with cold or lukewarm water using a suitable product, never using regular detergent which damages waterproofing. Drying should be done outdoors, and you should re-waterproof the outer fabric with a dedicated spray.

What is the purpose of a breast protection for a horse?

This piece made of elastane, like the one from Q-essentials, is worn under the rug and prevents rubbing at the chest and shoulders. It minimizes broken hair patches and protects the skin of sensitive horses throughout winter.