What's the best turnout rug for Spring 2022?
Feb 20,2020 | Kim Horton
In early spring, when the temperature changes drastically throughout the course of the day, it’s always a dilemma for us horse owners to know what rug to put on. In the early morning, it can be a cool 5°C but by midday it can rise to a barmy 14+°C degrees. So what rug do you reach for? At EQUUS, we have a wide range of lightweight turnout rugs including zero fills, 50g, 100g and 150g rugs, read on to find out what rug is best for you and your horse.
How much filling is in a lightweight?
Lightweights are classed as having between 50 – 150 grams of insulation.
The move towards layering rugs has been widely adopted now as it gives a degree of flexibility while being a cost-effective way to protect a horse. Combined with which, it’s well understood that the heavier the rug, the more likely that it will rub the skin of the horse.
The rise in popularity of lightweight rugs is borne out by the extensive range that is now offered by many different brands, and all are available with the same raft of features of medium and heavyweight rugs.
Features to consider
Before buying, decide whether you want a “Standard” or a “Combo” neck. A standard neck finishes at the base of the neck as in the photo below on the left, whereas a combo neck extends up the neck of the horse.
If you want maximum flexibility and use from your rug, look for a standard neck that has a detachable neck cover. The Gallop Trojan Xtra Lightweight 100g Detachable Neck Turnout Rug comes with an extensive range of great features and has a detachable neck cover.
A lightweight rug may have a denier of anything from 600-1500. Bear in mind the higher the denier, the stronger the fabric, so it’s less likely to tear or rip. The downside is that the stronger the fabric, the greater the cost, but it may be worth it if you have a rug wrecker!
When it comes to shoulder fit, some rugs have shoulder gussets whilst others do not. Well-positioned gussets will help prevent shoulder rub issues, ensure a better fit and increase comfort for your horse.
What's lighter than a Lightweight?
For a horse that doesn't suffer from the cold, even a 50 gram rug might be too warm when it's 14+°C! So, for this horse a Zero Fill or "Sheet" is effectively the lightweight rug that he needs - this rug literally has no filling at all. For many horse owners, this is their preferred rug for in between seasons. If you turn out your horse in a sheet, it'll mean that your horse will be dry so that you can ride.
Patterned Turnout Rugs
A patterned turnout rug will make a fun addition to your horses turnout rug collection. These rugs will ensure your horse stands out in the field whilst being protected from the elements. Take a look at the Patterned Lightweight Turnout Rugs and Rain Sheets collection to find the perfect one for your horse. The Gallop Trojan Monarch 100g Standard Neck Turnout Rug features a stunning crown print and offers a lightweight 100g protection to keep your horse warm on cooler spring days.
Waterproof Fly Rugs
Spring is also the start of fly season, where annoying flies and insects start to bother out horses in the field. A waterproof fly rug is the perfect addition for this time of year. They feature mesh sides to prevent flies biting whilst a waterproof top layer provides protection from showers.
Take a look at our great range of a lightweight rugs now and get prepared for the changeable springtime weather! Don't forget, at EQUUS you get free UK delivery on all orders over £20.
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