Stalled horses need stable rugs in cold weather. Fortunately, the internet now makes all sorts of shopping easier for the horse owner, from window to comparison, and it brings then in contact with the international market.
A horse that is confined to a stall in the colder months will need a blanket even if it is not clipped. Without the freedom to move around, an animal will get cold even though it might be fine in severe weather when turned out. Even a lightweight blanket will help keep a confined horse comfortable when temperatures drop.
Blankets designed for inside use are lighter in total weight than turn-out rugs and are not waterproof. There are many different styles in both natural and synthetic fabrics. You can look over the whole selection of lightweight fleeces and single-layer wools to warmer quilted models and heavy woolens.
If you have not kept up with the market and the changing mores in the equine world, you may be surprised at what you can find online. There are stretch body suits for horses made of Lycra, an increased number of neck warmer options, and some space-age hoods. You will find adorable rugs for foals and for minis, as well as those for all breeds and sizes. There are models that are made to double as shipping or traveling blankets. There are even some that offer magnetic therapy.
Fitting the blanket is important, since a too-loose rug may pose an entanglement danger and a too tight one will rub the hair on the shoulders. Constricting the movement of the shoulders can even cause soreness. There is an international market for stable equipment, and each part of the world has a different size chart. It is always best to measure the animal before ordering, starting at the middle of the chest or at the withers and taking a straight line back as far as the top of the tail. Charts help by factoring in the height of the animal.
Some online advice says to measure from the center of the chest back in a straight line to a point in line with the top of the tail. This is the UK method. The continental instructions tell you to start measuring from the withers and go back to the tail. Along with this length you will need to factor in the height of the animal, and even the weight if your horse is extra stocky or is overweight. You might want to allow a certain margin to the large side, but keep in mind that an oversize blanket may not stay in place if the animal lies down and gets up again during the night.
It is important that the blanket stay in the proper position. For this reason, they are designed with one or more chest straps and cross-under surcingles that are adjustable to fit loosely without dangling enough to get tangled with the feet of a recumbent animal. The sides should extend only slightly lower than the line of the belly, for protection without interference with easy movement.
For the best care, you may want a seasonal choice of stable rugs. A lightweight blanket may be fine for the fall months but a heavier one will be needed if the weather turns really cold.
Get inside information on how and where to find the right stable rugs online now in our complete guide to everything you need to know about fab turnout rugs .
