Horse Rug Types Explained

Horse Rugs & Horsewear · 7 min read

A horse's rug wardrobe is one of the trickiest things to get your head around as an owner. There are several types, each with a different job, plus fill weights and deniers to decode. The good news is that the basics are simple once someone explains them clearly, which is exactly what this guide does.

Turnout rugs: waterproof protection for the field

Turnout rugs are the workhorses of the rug wardrobe. They are waterproof and breathable, worn out in the field to keep a horse dry and warm in wind, rain and cold. Because they take a battering from the weather, from mud and from playful field mates, toughness matters as much as warmth here.

You will see turnout rugs described by two numbers: the denier of the outer and the fill weight. More on both below. Most horses that live out, or spend part of the day in the field, need at least one turnout rug, and often two of different weights.

Stable rugs: warmth indoors

Stable rugs keep a horse warm in the stable but are not waterproof, which makes them softer, lighter and kinder to the coat. They are mainly for clipped horses, older horses and cold nights indoors. Many owners also layer a stable rug under a turnout when the weather turns bitter, which is a flexible way to add warmth without buying a very heavy turnout.

The key thing to remember is that a stable rug belongs in the stable. Put one on in the field and it will soak through in the first shower.

Fly rugs: summer insect protection

Fly rugs are light mesh rugs that put a physical barrier between your horse and the biting insects that make summer turnout miserable. They are a real help for sensitive horses and those prone to sweet itch, and many add a degree of sun protection to stop dark coats bleaching in strong light.

Look for good coverage, including a belly flap, if flies are a serious problem. A fly rug works best alongside fly masks and sensible turnout times rather than on its own.

Coolers and fleece rugs: drying and travel

A cooler is one of the most useful rugs you can own. Made from wicking fleece, it draws moisture away from a hot or wet horse after exercise or a wash, so they dry off gradually without catching a chill. Coolers double neatly as travel rugs and as a smart layer at shows, which earns them a permanent spot in most tack rooms.

What do rug fill weights mean?

Fill weight is the amount of padding inside a turnout or stable rug, measured in grams, and it decides how warm the rug is. As a rough guide:

• Lightweight (0–100g): little or no fill, for mild weather or as a rain sheet.
• Medium (150–250g): the all-rounder most horses use for the longest part of the year.
• Heavyweight (300g and above): for cold winter weather or clipped horses.

Choose the weight based on the temperature, whether your horse is clipped, their age and condition, and how much shelter they have. Most owners end up with two or three weights to cover the year.

What does denier mean on a turnout rug?

Denier describes how thick and tough the outer fabric is, not how warm the rug is. Everyday rugs are often around 600 denier, while tougher, more tear-resistant ones run to 1,200 denier or more. If your horse is hard on rugs, lives out or plays in the field, a higher denier is worth the money because the rug will survive longer.

How do you avoid over-rugging your horse?

It is easy to pile on rugs out of kindness, but a horse that is too warm is just as much of a problem as one that is too cold. Horses are far better at coping with cold than we are, and an unclipped horse in good condition often needs much less than we assume. Check under the rug at the base of the ears, the chest and behind the shoulder: if your horse feels hot or sweaty, they are over-rugged. Adjust to the weather rather than leaving the same rug on all winter.

What are combo and neck-cover rugs?

As well as the main types, you will meet combo rugs and detachable neck covers. A combo rug has a built-in neck piece that extends the cover up towards the ears, adding protection in cold or wet weather and helping keep a clipped horse warm. A detachable neck cover does the same job but comes off when it is not needed, which adds flexibility. Both are well worth considering for clipped horses, finer types and any horse that feels the cold, though many hardy horses are perfectly happy in a standard rug. If you buy a neck cover, make sure it matches the rug so the two sit together without gaping.

When should you start and stop rugging for the season?

There is no fixed date, because it depends on the weather, your horse and whether they are clipped. A useful rule of thumb is to rug by how your horse feels rather than how cold you feel, since horses cope with cold far better than we do. Many unclipped horses in good condition need little or nothing until the weather turns genuinely cold and wet. As spring arrives, reduce the weight gradually rather than pulling every rug off on the first mild day, and when in doubt, check under the rug and adjust.

How do you look after your horse rugs?

Rugs are a big investment, so caring for them pays off. Brush off dry mud rather than letting it build up, and wash rugs with a proper rug wash rather than household detergent, which strips the waterproofing. Reproof turnout rugs when water stops beading on the surface, and check regularly for failing stitching, broken clips and worn straps, fixing small problems before they become big ones. Store clean, dry rugs over summer in a breathable bag to keep moths and damp at bay, and they will last for several seasons.

Which rugs does your horse actually need?

It depends on your horse and how they are kept, but a common sensible set is a lightweight and a medium or heavy turnout, plus a cooler, with a fly rug for summer and a stable rug if your horse is clipped or stabled. Start with the essentials for your situation and build up. When you know what you need, read how to measure a horse for a rug and browse the full horse rugs range.

Frequently asked questions