For clipped & older horses
Stable rugs
Stable rugs are made for the stable: they keep your horse clean and give it warmth when its own winter coat isn't enough, for example after clipping. Unlike turnout rugs, they are not intended for rain and the paddock. You will find unlined stable rugs and models with 50 to 400 g fill, with or without neck cover, from brands including Waldhausen and Kentucky Horsewear. We are happy to advise you by phone, WhatsApp or video.
Which stable rug does your horse need?
Whether a stable rug makes sense, and which one, depends on the coat, how the horse is kept and the temperature in the stable. A horse with a thick winter coat often doesn't need a rug in the stable. Clipped horses, horses with little coat and horses kept in a cold stable, on the other hand, benefit from the right layer of warmth.
Fill weight: from unlined to 400 g
- Unlined (0 g) and stable sheets: light rugs against dust and dirt, for mild days or as a layer under a warmer rug.
- Lightweight (50 to 150 g): for the transitional season and partly clipped horses.
- Mediumweight (200 to 250 g): the most common all-rounder for winter.
- Heavyweight (300 to 400 g): for fully clipped horses or very cold stables.
The gram figure indicates the weight of the fill, not the warmth alone. Outer fabric, lining and cut also play a role. So check regularly with your hand behind the withers whether your horse is sweating or cold under the rug, and adjust the rug.
With or without neck cover?
A neck cover also keeps the neck warm and clean, especially for fully clipped horses. There are stable rugs with a fixed neck and models to which you can attach a neck cover later. You will find suitable covers under Neck covers and chest expanders.
Stable rug, under rug or cooler?
You combine an under rug with another rug to increase the warmth flexibly. A cooler is intended for the wet horse after riding and is not a permanent rug for the night. You can get an overview of all rug types under Horse rugs.
The right size
For many brands the rug size corresponds to the back length in centimetres, measured from in front of the withers to the root of the tail. British and Irish brands often state the total length in feet and inches. Compare your measurement with the manufacturer's size chart. A stable rug should not press on the withers, should leave room at the shoulder and should reach to the root of the tail.
Stable rugs from well-known brands
We stock stable rugs from Waldhausen, Kentucky Horsewear, Busse, Eskadron, Kingsland, QHP and other manufacturers.
A stable rug is intended for the stable and is not waterproof. A turnout rug has a waterproof, hard-wearing outer fabric for the field and paddock. So you should not use a stable rug outside in the rain.
That depends on the coat, clipping and stable temperature. Unlined rugs and 50 to 150 g are suitable for mild days or partly clipped horses, 200 to 250 g for a normal winter and 300 to 400 g for fully clipped horses or cold stables.
A horse with a thick winter coat often manages without a rug in the stable. Clipped horses or horses with little coat usually need one. Check with your hand behind the withers whether your horse is warm and dry.
Measure the back length from in front of the withers to the root of the tail and compare it with the manufacturer's size chart. British and Irish brands often use the total length in feet and inches.
A neck cover is particularly worthwhile for fully clipped horses because it also keeps the neck warm. Many rugs have fastenings to which you can add a neck cover later.
Brush out coarse dirt and hair beforehand and close all Velcro fastenings. Wash the rug according to the manufacturer's care instructions, usually with a mild detergent and without fabric softener, and let it dry completely.