Essential rugging advice for the winter ahead with FALPRO

It’s that time of year when we start messaging our pony pals for rugging advice. Trying to decide what rug to use, and how to take care of them is always difficult – so we spoke to Michelle from FALPO to find out more.

When should I rug my horse?

There are many variables you need to consider when deciding when to rug and what rug to use.

1. Is your horse clipped? If he is fully clipped he will need extra warmth and protection, such as a neck cover. However, if your horse is a hairy beast he will only need a rug in the coldest, or wettest weather.
2. Heavier breeds, such as cobs, are much tougher than thoroughbreds and may not need rugging. Again, if you have clipped them you need to compensate with a rug – no matter what their breed.
3. Rugging at this time of year is particularly difficult as the weather changes from day to day – and often hour to hour! You can put a mediumweight on him on a chilly morning, and then the sun comes out and he is too hot. Take your horse’s rug off everyday to check for sweat marks, as this is an indicator you are over-rugging him.
4. If the weather is very changeable, it’s a good idea to get together with liveries who are at the yard at different times, so you can change rugs when necessary. Our Goodwood Complete Turnout Solution helps with this issue, as the 100g outer comes with three liners to help you add and remove weight when appropriate.

What do the different rugs weights mean?

The different weights refer to the thickness of fibre used between the outer layer and inner layer of your rug. The more fibre used, the warmer your horse will be.

• Lightweight rugs normally weigh between 0g and 100g
• Mediumweight rugs are normally between 150g and 250g
• Heavyweight rugs are 300g and upwards

What is the filler made from?

There are two main types of fibrefill: spray bond and thermos bond. Spray bond is held together by applying an adhesive spray to the top and bottom surfaces of the fibre material. This creates a relatively weak structure with very little memory, which is easily compressed and quickly loses its thermal capacity.

In thermo bonded fibre fill, all fibres are connected, which gives a structure with high memory that can resist compression, and therefore maintains its thermal capacity.

How can I stop my horse from ripping his rugs?

You can buy rugs with a high denier outer, which means they are harder to tear. If your horse is a rug-wrecker look for rugs made from ballistic nylon 66 or 1680D as these are the toughest on the market.

Nylon 66 is 50% stronger than the more commonly used nylon 6, and is used in all ballistic protection products, such as bullet proof vests and flak jackets, which are made to last.

Do I need a different turnout/stable rug?

All FALPRO turnout rugs are waterproof, breathable and can be used inside and out, making them a perfect choice for busier riders, as you can use them day and night.

However some riders like to swap their turnout rugs with stable rugs when their horse is stabled. We have a broad range of rugs to suit every horse and rider’s needs, but it’s all down to personal preference.

How do I measure my horse for a rug?

To achieve the correct FALPRO fit use a measuring tape and measure from the centre point of your horse’s chest, across the point of his shoulder, and to the centre of the tail. Then take 10cm (4in) from this measurement to find the correct size of rug using our rug measurement guide.

How can I tell if the rug is a good fit?

Your new rug should fit neatly around the withers and shoulders, so your horse can move freely. The seam between the tail flap and rug should sit at the point of the tail, and the surcingles should be tight enough to hold the rug securely in place, but allow for a hand’s width between the straps and belly.

If your horse is between sizes it’s better to go for one that is slightly too big, as one that is too tight may cause rubbing.

Speaking of rubbing, how can we avoid rubbed shoulders and manes?

Having a well-fitting rug is the key to protecting your horses mane and shoulders. If your rug does not fit properly then excess movement or restriction will occur, allowing the rug to rub.

FALPRO has anatomically-shaped neck covers which prevent them putting pressure on the mane and rubbing out the hair.

How can I clean my rug?

With all FALPRO turnout rugs you receive free rug wash to ensure your new turnout rug is kept looking it’s best all season. Rugs must be washed on a delicate cycle at 30° to ensure the waterproof coating is protected during washing.

We don’t recommend trying to squeeze your rug into your domestic washing machine. Professional rug cleaners have much larger machines designed for duvets that are perfect for equine rugs.

Should I re-waterproof my turnout each year?

We offer a three-year waterproof guarantee with all FALPRO turnout rugs. Washing it at 30° will ensure your rug stays waterproof for the optimum time.

Rugs are coated with a waterproof technology, and if you boil wash them it will remove this coating. Even the best reproofing agent won’t bring the rug back to its original condition if it’s been boil washed.

After three years, if you feel your rug needs rejuvenating we advise reproofing it no more than once a year.

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