It is common practice to use summer horse rugs to keep their coat from fading in the sun; however, this is not recommended as the rug can trap heat and hinder the horse’s natural cooling mechanisms.
To keep horses comfortable during the day, some shade should be made available. There are many alternative summer rugs for horses and narrowing it down might be difficult.
Cotton, Mesh, or Hybrid Rugs
When shopping for a summer horse rug, you first need to decide what kind of fabric you want. Although cotton works well in most climes, the mesh can promote ventilation and keep your horse more comfortable in hotter regions like northern New South Wales and Queensland.
The horse that likes to roll in everything can benefit the most from cotton rugs. Mesh summer horse rugs allow air and dust to pass through, so if you need to keep your horse clean the night before a show or event, an entire cotton rug is a preferable option. Cotton carpets offer the most protection from the sun’s rays.
Bleaching and an uneven coloring can be avoided on black and dark brown horses by using a cotton or hybrid rug that has cotton across the back of the rug. Choose a summer horse rug made of mesh if you either live in a
humid climate or simply prefer to have cool feet on hot days.
Mesh rugs keep horses cool by deflecting the sun’s beams. They help keep flies and bugs off your horse in bug-ridden areas. Synthetic-natural rugs are great. The mesh makes it sure that the air flow is normal thus the horse is comfortable.
Detachable-neck horse rugs: when to use them
Although the detachable neck design of horse rugs has been around for some time for winter turnout blankets, it is a more recent development for summer blankets.
What to Look for in a Hooded Combo Rug?
Horses easily bothered by flies benefit significantly from wearing hooded combination summer horse rugs They are the most excellent option for horses that standard combo necks slip down on because they provide more excellent protection around the face.
Is a cotton knit hoodie practical for daily wear?
Unlike traditional cotton hoods, cotton knit hoods are elastic and soft. If your horse has trouble with cotton hoods irritating his face, these may be a good option because of the stretchy fabric that allows it to move more freely with your horse. They are multipurpose hoods worn in the paddock or the night before a show to keep manes neat and plaits.
The main categories of horse rugs are coolers, fleeces, and stable sheets
After strenuous activity, coolers and fleeces are used to reduce the horse’s cooling and protect the muscles. Breathable materials allow the horse to dry off without the rider’s help.
Moreover, a stable rug or turnout can provide a warm surface and extra insulation. Stable sheets are lightweight summer horse rugs used to keep horses clean or add warmth on mild evenings. Not waterproof, but fine as an underlayer. Many owners use them to clean, shine, and dust their horses before shows.
Sheets for walkers and exercises
Covering the horse’s back and hindquarters, exercise sheets protect the horse’s large muscles from the cold and rain as they work out. They are lightweight, moisture-wicking, and comfortable enough for the horse to walk around in without restriction while he works out. To ensure the safety of its users, many exercise sheets also have reflective stripes.
Summertime fly rugs
Protect your horse from the summer’s biting flies and irritating midges with a fly rug. They were made for the hot weather, so they are light and airy. To avoid having your horse’s coat browned by the sun, you can choose them with UV protection.
Conclusion
You need to choose the most suitable rug for your horse. When the seasons and the weather change, your obligation to ensure the well-being, health, and protection of your horse becomes much greater. While it is necessary to consider the current season, it is just as crucial to remember that no two horses are alike and that what works for one may not work for another. However, the above principles and tips might be a good starting point when searching for the ideal summer horse rugs.
