How to Choose the Right Rug: Temperatures, Turnouts and More

Words byLeMieux

If you spend more time debating rug options than you do planning your own outfits, you’re not alone. Life with horses means you’re an expert weather watcher who is able to recite the temperature (actual and feels like), wind (speed/chill/direction) and rain (duration/volume) on request. With the changeable nature of the great outdoors, rugging correctly can be tricky.

Getting rugging right

It’s important to get it right because over-rugging can cause dehydration, discomfort and even contribute to weight gain and related illnesses. We’ve put together a rugging temperature guide so you can keep your horse cosy this winter.

First up, whether you’re feeling chilly isn’t relevant. That's because horses have a broader thermoneutral zone than us. It’s thought an average, unclipped, fit and healthy horse feels cold around 5°C and hot at around 25°C.

How to decide which rug to buy your horse

Look for one that will keep them warm, dry and comfortable. Getting the right fit is really important to avoid pulling or rubbing. That’s why all LeMiuex’s Kudos and Arika turnout rugs feature detailing to ensure optimum comfort including a pressure-relieving front closure system with soft neck pads, a self-righting design and the ability to add extra insulation with liners. They also utilise waterproof, breathable and durable technical fabrics to maximise performance in all weathers.

It’s a good idea to have a selection of rugs to cater for changeable conditions. Lightweight rugs range between 0g - 50g, mediumweight are 100g - 250g and heavyweight are 250g +.

Take a tailored approach

Historically, equines have kept warm by huddling together with their herd, using natural shelter from trees and bushes, relying on the insulation from their coats and heat generated by eating forage. Modern stable management means these elements vary and taking them into account, as well as the temperature, can help you make the right choices.

Your horse may need more rugging if they’re:

Clipped. Anything more than a trace clip removes significant natural insulation which needs replacing with rugs.

Old, young, ill or underweight. Keeping warm uses up energy, they may need elsewhere.

Turned out. Being exposed to the elements 24/7 makes it more challenging to stay warm. The ‘feels like’ temperature is a helpful indicator that takes rain and wind chill into account to give you a more accurate understanding of the conditions.

Certain breeds. Finer types like Arabs and Thoroughbreds feel the cold more easily.

Your horse may need less rugging if they’re:

Unclipped. Natural winter coats offer fantastic, responsive protection in all weathers.

Stabled. Though some are more draughty than others, shelter from the wind, rain and cold reduces rugging requirements.

Native types. They generally adapt well to colder weather.

Overweight. Keeping warm burns off excess fat stores which is a good thing for those with weight to lose.

Tip: Check if your horse is in the right rug by running your hand behind their withers. If it feels cold, consider adding another layer. Feeling sweaty or damp indicates your horse may be too warm so decrease layers or use a lighter option.

Discover premium turnout rugs designed to deliver outstanding performance on every level this winter

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How to Choose the Right Rug: Temperatures, Turnouts and More