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Home Home and Family Pets When To Use Stable Rugs For Your Horses Health And Comfort
When To Use Stable Rugs For Your Horses Health And Comfort PDF Print E-mail
Written by Ben Romero   
Stable rugs are only used when the horse is stabled because they're thinner than turnout rugs, fitting loosely to allow the horse to sleep in comfort. They're used most often from fall to spring as the temperature drops at night and a sleeping horse is easily chilled. They also protect from stinging or biting insects, dust and dirt. When confined to the stable for the daytime, remove the blanket, or if it's a cold day, swap to a lightweight blanket.
by BenRomero


Stable rugs are only used when the horse is stabled because they're thinner than turnout rugs, fitting loosely to allow the horse to sleep in comfort. They're used most often from fall to spring as the temperature drops at night and a sleeping horse is easily chilled. They also protect from stinging or biting insects, dust and dirt. When confined to the stable for the daytime, remove the blanket, or if it's a cold day, swap to a lightweight blanket.

Some horse owners rarely use a stable rug. They prefer their horse to grow a winter coat for nature's protection. But an older horse or a horse that's clipped will need a blanket if it's cold. When deciding to use, or not use a stable rug, consider the horses age, coat type and health, the temperature inside the stable, and it's exposure to wind.

It's easy to tell if your horse is cold. He will move stiffly and hold his tail in a down position. If he's already wearing a blanket and he's still cold, provide an under blanket. If you feel the skin under the blanket and he's perspiring, then he's hot and needs a lighter blanket or no blanket.

Blankets are sold by length in three inch increments. Measure your horse in a horizontal line along the animals side from the center front chest to the base of the tail. Modern rugs are designed for safety with a breaking point so the rug and/or fasteners will break if the animal becomes tangled or caught on something.

A proper fitting stable rug will cover from neck to tail, and some have neck extensions to cover from ears to tail. They are fastened in three places, the neck, chest, and tail. The fit should be snug but not tight with room for a hand between the animal and the fabric or the fasteners. The horse's belly shouldn't show. The best way to be sure you have a proper fit is to observe the animal with the blanket on.

There are many sizes, colors, weights, and materials to choose from. Most are made from synthetic fabric, quilted or padded, and designed to breathe, allowing moisture to evaporate if the horse perspires. Fleece blankets are often used as an under blanket in extreme cold, or as lightweight stable rugs on cool nights.

Insulation is measured by weight in grams. Lightweight blankets weigh under 150 grams, and are used during chilly weather, usually in the spring and fall. Medium weight blankets weigh 150 to 300 grams and are most used for horses with short coats or ones that have been clipped recently. Heavyweights, used during extreme cold, should weigh 300 to 450 grams. Some heavyweight blankets are designed with a neck cover to protect from the ears back.

Stable rugs need to be washed and changed regularly. A dirty rug will irritate the skin, a wet one chills the horse. It's a good idea to have extra blankets available to swap out as they become dirty or wet. Don't share blankets between horses. This can spread skin infections and bugs. Check condition to be sure blankets are free of rips and that there are no broken buckles. When not it use your blankets should be hung to dry in a well ventilated area to prevent rotting and molding. When completely dry fold and store in a dry area.

About the Author:

Horses require different things. For example, if you have a horse, then you should look into turnout rugs. We have different stable rugs that would be nice for your horse.

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