Shopping for equestrian equipment is always fun. Riders need a lot of gear for their animals, especially is they are showing. A show animal will need more than one rug to get them through the season. Most owners like to have a set of show clothes not only for themselves but also for their horses. It is also nice to spend some time looking at all the options.
There is a rug for every occasion. These range from thick waterproof coverings for the very worst of winter weather, to light weight summer sheets that are used to keep the dust and flies off a show animal. Horse rugs are sold at practically all retail outlets, but it can be just as easy to buy one on line and have it shipped in a day or two.
Price and quality are the two main factors. Typically the cheaper rug will not last so long. This may be fine for an owner who just needs something quick to get them through the last few weeks of winter. However, if the animal is going to be wearing the rug for the whole winter it is worth investing in a really good quality product that will do the job. There is nothing worse than coming home in the dark to find a miserable and wet horse who has been standing around in a damp rug all day long. It can also lead to significant health problems.
It is important to know how to measure a horse for a rug properly. A flexible tape measure in needed and should be placed at the center of the horses chest. Then measure around to the center of the tail. The number of inches is the measurement for the rug. Most are sold in four inch increments. If the horses size is in between it is best to size up. Each brand tends to run either a little big or small and the staff can advise about this.
The latest rugs also have the advantage of being very light. Traditionally the older blankets were very heavy and difficult to use. Once they got wet they were even heavier. Washing them at the end of the season was almost impossible and they were not very hygienic. A new winter rug can now be laundered and put away ready for another year of use.
The lining of a winter rug is typically made of light polyester. The latest models have an added feature of a coating that actually helps to polish the horses coat. The new line of equine clothing has been carefully designed to prevent rubbing, especially around the shoulders. In the old days horses had very little hair left on their shoulders as their blankets had rubbed them all winter long.
Shopping for show blankets is not only fun but an essential part of a show animals turnout. Most barns have their own colors and riders want to be part of the team. It not only looks great but helps to create a true sense of team spirit.
Coolers are another useful item that every horse needs. After exercise a warm animal needs something to keep their back warm while they cool off. Most coolers are made from cotton or cotton blends and are also known as Irish mesh sheets.
There is a rug for every occasion. These range from thick waterproof coverings for the very worst of winter weather, to light weight summer sheets that are used to keep the dust and flies off a show animal. Horse rugs are sold at practically all retail outlets, but it can be just as easy to buy one on line and have it shipped in a day or two.
Price and quality are the two main factors. Typically the cheaper rug will not last so long. This may be fine for an owner who just needs something quick to get them through the last few weeks of winter. However, if the animal is going to be wearing the rug for the whole winter it is worth investing in a really good quality product that will do the job. There is nothing worse than coming home in the dark to find a miserable and wet horse who has been standing around in a damp rug all day long. It can also lead to significant health problems.
It is important to know how to measure a horse for a rug properly. A flexible tape measure in needed and should be placed at the center of the horses chest. Then measure around to the center of the tail. The number of inches is the measurement for the rug. Most are sold in four inch increments. If the horses size is in between it is best to size up. Each brand tends to run either a little big or small and the staff can advise about this.
The latest rugs also have the advantage of being very light. Traditionally the older blankets were very heavy and difficult to use. Once they got wet they were even heavier. Washing them at the end of the season was almost impossible and they were not very hygienic. A new winter rug can now be laundered and put away ready for another year of use.
The lining of a winter rug is typically made of light polyester. The latest models have an added feature of a coating that actually helps to polish the horses coat. The new line of equine clothing has been carefully designed to prevent rubbing, especially around the shoulders. In the old days horses had very little hair left on their shoulders as their blankets had rubbed them all winter long.
Shopping for show blankets is not only fun but an essential part of a show animals turnout. Most barns have their own colors and riders want to be part of the team. It not only looks great but helps to create a true sense of team spirit.
Coolers are another useful item that every horse needs. After exercise a warm animal needs something to keep their back warm while they cool off. Most coolers are made from cotton or cotton blends and are also known as Irish mesh sheets.
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