Fly rugs are worn when the horse is confined to the stable. They're thinner than turnout rugs allowing more freedom of movement. Mostly used at night, they protect the horse from the cold when the temperature drops and the horse is standing still so it's harder for him to stay warm. They also protect from biting insects, dirt and dust. If a horse is stabled during the day, he'll need a lighter rug, or possibly no rug at all.
Many horse owners use a stable rug whenever the weather is cold or windy. Other horse owners never, or rarely use them because they prefer to let the horses natural winter coat grow to protect the animal. Take into account the health, coat type, and age of the stabled horse. A horse that's older, ill, or recently clipped will need a rug in cold weather.
A horse that is cold stands rigid with his tail down. On very cold nights, you may want to layer blankets. While he's wearing a blanket, feel the skin under the rug to see if he's perspiring. If he is, he's too hot. Remove the blanket or swap to a lighter weight blanket.
To determine the correct size blanket for your horse, measure in a straight line from the chest to the tail. Choose a size closest to your measurement. They're sold by length using three inch increments. For safety, they're made to tear and the fasteners to break if the horse becomes entangled.
Fly rugs should cover the horse from neck to tail. Most have fasteners, at the neck, the chest and the tail. They shouldn't be tight around the chest or neck, and the belly shouldn't show. The fit should be snug enough to not slip, and loose enough to be comfortable. You should have room to slip your hand between the blanket and the animal and also between the fasteners and the animal. Make sure the animal is comfortable before you leave.
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.
Fly rugs should be checked for condition everyday. They should be free of tears with buckles in good working condition. Never leave a wet blanket on your horse, shivering can lead to illness. Also a dirty blanket is irritating to the skin, so have a supply of clean blankets available. Don't use blankets interchangeably between horses. This can spread bugs and skin infections. Hang a wet blanket on a rug rack until it's completely dry so it won't get moldy or rot. Keep clean and dry blankets in a warm and dry place.
Many horse owners use a stable rug whenever the weather is cold or windy. Other horse owners never, or rarely use them because they prefer to let the horses natural winter coat grow to protect the animal. Take into account the health, coat type, and age of the stabled horse. A horse that's older, ill, or recently clipped will need a rug in cold weather.
A horse that is cold stands rigid with his tail down. On very cold nights, you may want to layer blankets. While he's wearing a blanket, feel the skin under the rug to see if he's perspiring. If he is, he's too hot. Remove the blanket or swap to a lighter weight blanket.
To determine the correct size blanket for your horse, measure in a straight line from the chest to the tail. Choose a size closest to your measurement. They're sold by length using three inch increments. For safety, they're made to tear and the fasteners to break if the horse becomes entangled.
Fly rugs should cover the horse from neck to tail. Most have fasteners, at the neck, the chest and the tail. They shouldn't be tight around the chest or neck, and the belly shouldn't show. The fit should be snug enough to not slip, and loose enough to be comfortable. You should have room to slip your hand between the blanket and the animal and also between the fasteners and the animal. Make sure the animal is comfortable before you leave.
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.
Fly rugs should be checked for condition everyday. They should be free of tears with buckles in good working condition. Never leave a wet blanket on your horse, shivering can lead to illness. Also a dirty blanket is irritating to the skin, so have a supply of clean blankets available. Don't use blankets interchangeably between horses. This can spread bugs and skin infections. Hang a wet blanket on a rug rack until it's completely dry so it won't get moldy or rot. Keep clean and dry blankets in a warm and dry place.
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