Outdoor rugs for horses - the perfect protection in any weather
Outdoor rugs offer your horse reliable protection in all kinds of weather. Whether it's raining, windy or snowing - a suitable outdoor rug will keep your horse warm and dry. So it has optimum comfort outdoors.
At Lepona.de you will find a wide selection of high-quality outdoor rugs that are tailored to your horse's needs. We offer you a wide selection of outdoor rugs from leading brands such as Horseware, Bucas and QHP.
Whether you are looking for a lightweight rain rug or a lined horse rug. We have the right rug for your horse.
Why are outdoor blankets important?
Outdoor rugs, rain rugs and winter rugs protect horses from the wet and cold. Protection from the weather is essential, especially for horses that spend a lot of time in the pasture. They are made of waterproof material and are also breathable so that moisture is transported from the inside to the outside.
What outdoor blankets are available?
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Rain blankets without filling:
- Ideal for the transition or summer
- Protect against rain without overheating the horse
- Are waterproof and breathable
- Lightweight for optimum comfort
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Lined winter rugs:
- These rugs have a warming filling for cold winter days
- Different filling thicknesses from 50g to 400g for different temperatures
- High insulation combined with good breathability
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Outdoor rugs with neck section:
- Protect not only the rump, but also the horse's sensitive neck area
- Ideal for horses that are particularly sensitive to the cold
- Removable or permanently integrated neck sections
Choosing the right rug depends on several factors:
- Fill: Unlined rain sheets for horses are good for mild weather. Lined models with 100 g to 400 g fill keep your horse warm in the cold.
- Waterproofing and breathability: Make sure the rug is highly waterproof (at least 3,000 mm) and well ventilated.
- Fit: The rug should fit well so that it doesn't rub or slip. Many models have adjustable belly straps and leg straps for the best possible hold.
Measure your horse's back length from the withers to the root of the tail to find the right size. Every brand has slightly different sizes, so it's important to check the manufacturer's size chart. We've added a matching chart to almost all our horse rugs.
The fill depends on how cold it is. You should also consider whether your horse is clipped. Is it older? Does it maybe have back problems in the cold?
Light rugs with 50 g to 100 g fill are ideal for healthy horses in the transitional seasons. Winter rugs with 200 g to 400 g are good for very cold winter days.
Keep an eye on your horse and feel under the rug now and then. Horses out in the field have different needs to horses in the stable. Clipped or sensitive horses may also need a little more protection.
Bucas offers winter rugs for horses that can be used across a wider temperature range. That way you don't have to keep switching rugs whenever the weather changes. Find out all about Bucas horse rugs in our blog post.
Yes, turnout rugs for horses are designed to be waterproof, but the waterproofing can wear off after many washes. It's important to reproof the rug regularly to keep it protective.
Only reproof the outside of the turnout rug. That way it stays breathable and your horse is still well protected from the rain.
A neck cover also protects your horse's neck from cold and rain. It's especially useful in very cold or wet weather. Some rugs have detachable neck covers that can be used flexibly. Older and clipped horses in particular appreciate a neck cover when it's colder.
There are also horse rugs with a high neck. These winter rugs for horses or ponies are cut higher at the neckline, so about half of the neck is protected from wind and weather – without your horse getting too warm.
Most turnout rugs can be washed in the washing machine at low temperatures. Use a special detergent for horse rugs and renew the waterproofing after a few washes.
- Regular cleaning: Dirt and sweat take their toll on the materials, so turnout rugs should be cleaned regularly. Many rugs can be washed in the washing machine at low temperatures.
- Renew the waterproofing: To keep the rug waterproof in the long term, reproof it after a few washes.
- Drying: Always let the rug dry thoroughly before using it again to prevent mould.
- Storage: Over the summer, store your horse rugs in a dry place – ideally in the bag your rug was delivered in.
That depends on the weather. If it's warm or your horse sweats a lot, you should change the rug or take it off to prevent overheating.
If your horse has rolled in the deepest mud and the rug is wet on the inside too, let the rug dry and use a different one in the meantime.
Breathable rugs let moisture from sweat escape while stopping rain from getting in. This keeps your horse dry and comfortable.
That depends on the type of rug. Unlined, light turnout rugs are suitable all year round as long as they're not too warm. In winter, however, you should use lined models.
In summer you can also switch to a fly rug. These are also available with rain protection on the back.
Make sure the rug fits well to avoid rubbing. Many rugs have special protective padding at the shoulders or chest. Check the rug regularly to make sure it doesn't rub or slip.