Product Guide – Helpful Information
Rug Fabric explained:-Ripstop – refers to the type of fabric the rugs have been manufactured from. This fabric is designed to limit a rip or tear. The weave of the fabric ensures the rip or tear will be kept within a small area rather than running the full length of the rug.
Denier - the higher the Denier number the stronger the material is. Most rugs are either a 600D, 1200D or super strong 1680D
Lighter rugs like stable rugs commonly use a lighter Denier ie: 300 as they are less likely to be ripped in Stable or Box.
Filling – is the term used for the amount of fill the rug has, or the thickness of the inner padding. This fill is usually measured in grams per square meter or know as gsm. Some lightweight rugs like Stable rugs have very little fill in them while the heavier winter rugs can vary from a mid range of 200 gms to the warmer rugs being 300 gsm or sometimes even more.
Waterproof – the outer fabric is usually referred to as Waterproof. A rug labeled as waterproof should keep your horse dry in bad weather, although it is always a good idea to have spare rugs to change over to if your horse has been subject to days of rain.
Care - All horses are different, some horses have the same rugs for years, while others can trash them in minutes. Rugs should always be stored dry and folded when not in use. A good stiff brush to remove all dirt and debris is a good idea before putting them away for the season. Generally heavy rugs are not washed, but the lighter under rugs are. Be careful not to use strong detergents that may irritate your horse’s skin.
Rug Types explained:-
Summer Sheets - Are a lightweight rug used predominately in Summer to reduce the risk of sunburn to your horses coat, whilst giving protection from flies and bugs. Sheets are also often used all year round under heavier rugs so they can be washed keeping clean rugs against your horses skin.
Combo’s - are a Rug with a Neck Rug permanently attached. These rugs are great in the dead of winter as they eliminate the gaps & holes when the cold wind can get in
Fly Mesh - is a lightweight fine mesh that allows a lot of air flow around your horse while still giving him protection from the harsh sun and insects.
Often used in floats or trucks on warmer days to keep horses cool.
Polar Fleece - a super warm lightweight rug used in winter underneath your heavy rug. Polar Fleece’s give a lot of warmth for very little extra weight. Also great as a stable rug – just make sure they have leg straps !