Stable Rugs - BritishSaddlery.co.uk - Horse Rugs

Stable rugs are designed for use while the horse is in the stable; to keep the horse warm and will not protect the horse from the rain. Most stable rugs are constructed of either padded or quilted man-made materials and are found in a variety of thickness and warmness for the horse.

Stable rugs typically contain 150 grams of filling for lightweight, 150 to 300 grams for medium weight and over 300 grams for heavyweight types.

Stable rugs are meant to be breathable, so as not to hold in moisture, and colorful as well. Stable rugs are non-constricting and are often made with pleats for more freedom. There are certain stable rugs which have an integrated neck cover and others that have removable neck covers.

Some horses are stabled during the night and also during the day. This requires the use of a heavier stable rug, or night rug, and the use of a light weight, or day use rug. Horses are sometimes layered in stable rugs of differing weights and warmth to accommodate the change of temperature.

Cross surcingles that are passed from the front of one side of the horse to the other, by way of the underside, are how the stable rugs are held in place. For extra security a fillet string is also used by attaching it to both sides of the rug at the rear of the horse and the tail is then pulled through.

The horse’s belly should be fully covered and the stable rug should not be too tight in the neck or chest areas.

If extra warmth is needed to make the horse comfortable, an under blanket or liner can also be used with the stable rug. It is common to use a fleece rug as a light stable rug or an under blanket.