Shopping For Good Value Horse Rugs

By Essie Osborn


Equestrian equipment can be very expensive. Many owners are on a budget and need to be careful about what they buy. They are always looking for good quality items at reasonable prices. On of the most popular ways to shop today is to go on line. People can find just about anything they want and also do some comparison shopping to secure the very best deals.

Busy owners may not have as much time as they would like to spend with their animals. Often they have to stop at the barn on the way home to fit in a quick ride. They need to save as much time as possible and having their mount clean and ready to go is essential. Horse rugs really save a tremendous amount of time. Horses love to roll in the mud and although they enjoy this activity it typically leaves them caked in mud.

Most owners will purchase at least one or two rugs for each of their horses. There are many different types to choose from. During the summer it is handy to have a couple of light cotton summer sheets. These are usually in a traditional plaid design, with red or navy blue being the most popular colors. They are designed to keep the animals clean and dust free. They also help to prevent flies bothering the horses when they are turned out in the field.

When horses are being used in competition they need to be spotlessly clean. Most riders like to bath their horses the day before a show. They will then need a light sheet to prevent them getting dirty again. Horses instinct tells them to roll in the dirt when they are wet. This helps to get them dry and it also feels good. However, it is a disaster for a show horse to roll when they are still damp as all the dirt and dust will stick to their coat.

Most summer sheets are fairly inexpensive and it is a good idea to have at least two sheets available. One for everyday where and one for shows. They are easy to machine wash and dry fast on the line or in the sun. If the owner is in a hurry they may be able to tumble dry the sheet, but they should check the washing instructions. Anything that is 100 percent cotton may well shrink.

The lighter rug is perfect for a horse that comes into the stable at night. They do not need such a high level of protection. Once they come in they are changed into their stable rug, one that is light weight but warm and easy to wash. Throughout the course of the winter the rug will need to be laundered several times. Checking the washing directions prior to purchase is a good idea.

Horses are very active animals and they like to play rough. Their rug will soon be torn to shreds if they are not made of really high quality fabrics. They also need to fit properly and have plenty of room around the front of the shoulders. A nylon lining is excellent as it helps to prevent rubbing and bald areas.

Rugs are now available in many different colors. Some people stick with the traditional green, navy blue or black. However, the fun and funky colors are now becoming very popular, especially with the younger riders. They love to see their horse or pony in a bright pink or purple rug.




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