I've been meaning to blog about rugs (or sheets, or blankets, as they are called in the US), for a while. They are absolutely essential up here, mostly because our climate is very wet (which the horses seem to hate much more than cold).
Also, our own horses work their hardest in the winter, when they are hunting, and as they are clipped its critical to be able to provide them with good quality warm, waterproof rugs. The horses here almost always have the option to wander outside and they often do, even when the weather is (to our eyes) pretty grim...(!)
Having horses here from all over the place, all of whom come with different rugs, I've had lots of chances to test out what works and what doesn't and I over the years I've formed pretty clear preferences, as have the horses.
Out in front by a long way, for me, are Amigo rugs which are made by Horseware. Lots of the Horseware rugs are very expensive, but Amigo are the bargain basement of the range :-) Perfect for a herd environment where the odd rip is inevitable! Currently, I think every horse at Rockley has at least one Amigo, and for good reason.
Apart from the price (which isn't cheap but is good value) and their robustness, I also like the fit (which is generous and the least likely of all the rugs we've tried to rub), the lightness of them (easy to chuck on and off even in the warmest winter rugs) and that there are no leg-straps. Also useful is the fact that they come in multiple weights, from a no fill rain sheet to a heavyweight winter rug with optional extra insulation.
If you are down our way, Mole Valley Farmers often have last seasons colours (!) in the sales, making them a real bargain. The only thing to beware of is that the sizing comes up small, so if you normally get a 6ft 3 rug, get at least a 6ft 6 in an Amigo. Other than that, happy shopping!
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