Horse blankets for Black Friday

The denier, a measure of fabric strength

On an outdoor rug, the number followed by the letter D indicates the denier, which is the thickness of the thread that makes up the outer fabric: the higher it is, the denser and more tear-resistant the fabric is. A six hundred denier fabric, like that of the HKM Yukon, is suitable for a calm horse or one that is turned out in a small paddock. The Horseware Amigo at nine hundred or twelve hundred denier better withstands play among companions, fences and branches. The ripstop weave, with its reinforced grid, prevents a small tear from getting larger. A playful horse or one living in a herd always deserves a high denier fabric, even if it only goes out for a few hours.

Other accessories

Horse accessories for Black Friday also include:

• Headcollars & Ropes.
• Saddles & Equipment.
• Protective Gear.
• Grooming.
• Bits.

All accessories are gathered on the page horse accessories.

Filling: from zero to four hundred grams

The filling, measured in grams, indicates the amount of insulation tucked between the fabric and the lining. A rug with zero grams, like the Horseware Amigo Turnout or the Horze Glasgow with no filling, provides no insulation: it's a waterproof windbreaker for mid-season. From one hundred to two hundred grams, like the QHP Luxury or the Harry's Horse Thor, covers the essentials for winter in the plains. The four hundred grams of the Amigo Plus are aimed at clipped horses in very cold weather. Rather than buying a rug for each temperature, many owners combine a lightweight rug with a liner Bucas or Horseware Rambo, which they add or remove depending on the weather.

Stable, drying, walker: the box rugs

In the box, the horse wears a stable rug, padded but not waterproof, like the QHP Luxury Collection or the Horze stable Glasgow: lighter and softer, it keeps warmth without the weight of a turnout rug. The fleece rug, like the QHP Ornament or the Q-essentials Basic with neck cover, is used to dry a wet horse after work or a shower: it wicks moisture away, and is removed once the coat is dry. The Net Cooler from Horseware, made of breathable mesh, serves the same purpose in mild weather. Finally, the walker rug protects the horse during its relaxing turns on the mechanical walker.

Fly, reflective and adjustment accessories

In summer, the fly rug, made of fine mesh, protects against stings and insects that bother the horse in the field; the Horseware Rambo Series Turnout and the Horze Nevada, which also withstands showers, are two examples. The reflective Horze rug, made of mesh, makes the horse visible while riding on the road in the twilight. On the accessories side, the LeMieux Anti Rub Bib, worn under the rug, prevents the shoulders from losing hair due to friction. The Bucas Click'n Go chest extension enlarges a rug that is a bit tight at the front, and the Bucas T-hook surcingles keep the rug in place when the horse rolls.

Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if my horse is cold under its rug?

Slide your hand under the rug, at the level of the withers and behind the shoulder: the skin should be warm and dry. If it is cold, more filling is needed; if it is damp or the horse is sweating, the rug is too warm.

What size rug should I get for my horse?

Most manufacturers measure from the center of the chest to the tip of the hindquarters, others along the back: always refer to the brand's guide. A well-fitted rug covers the belly, doesn’t pull at the shoulders, and allows the hand to pass at the neckline.

Should I remove the rug every day?

Yes, at least once a day, to groom the horse, check the condition of the skin, and ensure there's no injury or rubbing. It's also an opportunity to reposition the rug, which can slip when the horse rolls.

How do you wash a waterproof rug?

First, brush off the dry mud, then wash it in cold or lukewarm water with an appropriate product, without regular detergent or fabric softener, which destroy the waterproofing. A waterproofing treatment applied afterwards restores the fabric's water resistance.

What is a neck cover for?

The neck cover extends the rug over the neckline, keeping it dry and warm: it’s useful for a clipped horse or one living in the field without shelter. It can be attached to the rug or integrated, as with some Horseware Amigo and QHP Turnouts.