Equestrians all over the country are always looking for quality products for their animals. This ranges from saddles and bridles to brushes and buckets. Many people continue to ride their horses throughout the year and in these cases they will need at least one rug to help keep the animal warm and clean. Keeping horses blanketed saves many hours of grooming time and helps to keep their coats in good condition.
Most horses have a rug or two in their barn. There is everything from heavy weight extra warm winter blankets to light summer sheets that are specially made for showing. Over the past decade or so the horse rugs industry has changed completely. Innovative new companies have revolutionized the styles and fit equine clothing.
One of the best places to shop for a new rug is the local tack store. Most riders have a favorite store in their neighborhood, where they can buy all the supplies they need to meet the day to day needs of their horses and ponies. From show boots, to saddles and everything in between. It is great to build up a working relationship with the store owner and staff, so they can help with questions and finding all the right equipment.
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.
To get the best from any rug it requires care and attention. When not in use the rug should be folded and hung on the stable door. During the off season the rug should be machine washed with mild detergent. Line drying is usually recommended and the clean rug should be carefully packed away. Most come with their own strong carrying bag that has a heavy duty zipper. These are perfect for storage as they prevent damage from insects and mice in the barn.
Most horses have a rug or two in their barn. There is everything from heavy weight extra warm winter blankets to light summer sheets that are specially made for showing. Over the past decade or so the horse rugs industry has changed completely. Innovative new companies have revolutionized the styles and fit equine clothing.
One of the best places to shop for a new rug is the local tack store. Most riders have a favorite store in their neighborhood, where they can buy all the supplies they need to meet the day to day needs of their horses and ponies. From show boots, to saddles and everything in between. It is great to build up a working relationship with the store owner and staff, so they can help with questions and finding all the right equipment.
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.
To get the best from any rug it requires care and attention. When not in use the rug should be folded and hung on the stable door. During the off season the rug should be machine washed with mild detergent. Line drying is usually recommended and the clean rug should be carefully packed away. Most come with their own strong carrying bag that has a heavy duty zipper. These are perfect for storage as they prevent damage from insects and mice in the barn.
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Get an overview of the advantages of purchasing horse rugs via the Internet and view our selection of rugs at http://www.countryandstable.co.uk right now.
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