Bucas horse rugs: the differences explained
Bucas from Ireland is one of the best-known brands for turnout rugs. The series differ in outer material, lining, closure and fill, and that is exactly where it is easy to lose track. Here you will find the Bucas series from our range compared, the right fill weights for autumn and winter, instructions for measuring and the accessories for the Bucas layering system. You will find all Bucas items on the Bucas brand page.
For any weather
What makes Bucas rugs special
Three features appear on many Bucas rugs. The Stay-Dry lining wicks moisture to the outside. According to the manufacturer, you can put rugs with Stay-Dry, such as the Power Turnout and the Smartex, on your still damp horse after training; they then take on the role of a cooler. The Silk-Feel lining (on Freedom, Irish and IVR) is smooth and is meant to reduce rubbing on the shoulders and coat. The Click'n Go closure at the chest (on Power, Smartex and Atlantic) is easy for you to open and close. There are also shoulder gussets for more freedom of movement, for example on Power, Irish and IVR. According to the manufacturer, the turnout series are waterproof and breathable.
Power Turnout and Smartex Rain
Power Turnout: outer material made of ballistic nylon, heat-reflecting aluminium inner coating, Stay-Dry lining and Click'n Go. In our shop as 0 g, Medium with 150 g, Extra with 300 g and as Big Neck. For the basic version, Bucas states a temperature range of −10 °C to +16 °C, for the Extra with 300 g fill −25 °C to +13 °C.
Smartex Rain: rain rug with 0 g fill and Stay-Dry lining that you can put on your wet horse after training or washing. Front closure with Click'n Go and magnetic snap lock.
Atlantic and Irish Turnout
Atlantic Turnout: ballistic nylon outer, "Silky-Dermo Care" lining with Stay-Dry properties and Click'n Go. In our shop with 50 g and 200 g fill.
Irish Turnout: rip-stop outer, Silk-Feel lining and shoulder gussets. Available as Light with 50 g, as 150 g and as Extra with 300 g; the matching Irish Combi Neck is available separately.
Freedom and IVR Turnout
Freedom Turnout: the good-value model with rip-stop outer, Silk-Feel lining and cross surcingles fitted on the inside. In our shop as Light with 0 g, with 50 g and 150 g and as High Neck.
IVR Turnout: rip-stop, Silk-Feel lining and shoulder gussets, with 0 g, 100 g and 200 g.
X-Range Turnout Light and Sun Shower
X-Range Turnout Light: rip-stop outer, Dermo-Care lining and extra long cut, intended as a transitional rug.
Sun Shower: light rain rug made of mesh fabric with a Teflon-coated outer for changeable weather.
You can see which sizes are currently available directly on the item.
Models and features
Comparison table
The table shows the features of the most important series at a glance.
| Features | Power Turnout | Smartex Turnout | Irish Turnout | Sun Shower | Freedom Turnout |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| waterproof & breathable | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Antibacterial | ✔ | ○ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Stay-Dry lining | ✔ | ✔ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Silk-Feel | ○ | ○ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Ballistic Nylon | ✔ | ✔ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Rip-stop outer | ○ | ○ | ✔ | ○ | ✔ |
| Sun-reflective | ✔ | ○ | ○ | ✔ | ○ |
| Heat-reflective | ✔ | ○ | ○ | ✔ | ○ |
| Layering system | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Pony sizes | ○ | ✔ | ✔ | ○ | ✔ |
| Anti UV | ○ | ○ | ○ | ✔ | ○ |
| Click 'n Go | ✔ | ✔ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Snap-Lock | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ○ |
| T-closure | ○ | ○ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Big Neck | ✔ | ✔ | ○ | ○ | ○ |
| Teflon coating | ○ | ○ | ✔ | ✔ | ○ |
Measuring the right size
To make sure the turnout rug really fits, measure your horse if in doubt: from the centre of the chest over the shoulder straight to the rear end of the hindquarters. Then choose the size in the table that is closest to your measurement. If your horse is between two sizes, the Bucas chest extenders with 12 cm or 24 cm extension will help.
| cm | EU | UK | US |
|---|---|---|---|
| 107 | 85 | 3'6 | 42" |
| 114 | 90 | 3'9 | 45" |
| 122 | 95 | 4'0 | 48" |
| 130 | 100 | 4'3 | 51" |
| 137 | 105 | 4'6 | 54" |
| 145 | 110 | 4'9 | 57" |
| 152 | 115 | 5'0 | 60" |
| 160 | 120 | 5'3 | 63" |
| 168 | 125 | 5'6 | 66" |
| 175 | 130 | 5'9 | 69" |
| 183 | 135 | 6'0 | 72" |
| 191 | 140 | 6'3 | 75" |
| 198 | 145 | 6'6 | 78" |
| 204 | 155 | 6'9 | 81" |
| 212 | 165 | 7'0 | 84" |
| 218 | 170 | 7'2 | 86" |
Frequently asked questions about Bucas horse rugs
Many Bucas rugs have a Stay-Dry lining that wicks moisture to the outside, a smooth Silk-Feel lining in the shoulder area and the Click'n Go closure at the chest. The turnout rugs are waterproof and breathable, and they can be extended into a layering system with liners and neck covers.
Rugs with Stay-Dry lining, for example the Power Turnout and the Smartex Rain. According to the manufacturer, you can put them on your still damp horse after training, so you do not have to change rugs. The Atlantic Turnout also has a lining with Stay-Dry properties.
For the Power Turnout, Bucas states −10 °C to +16 °C (basic version) and −25 °C to +13 °C for the Extra with 300 g. For the other series, the manufacturer does not give fixed values in our items. Go by the fill weight and by whether your horse is clipped and how it is kept.
Yes, if the rug has front and rear attachment points. The Bucas liners come with 100 g, 200 g and 300 g; the Bucas Quilt with 150 g can also serve as an under rug. Whether a rug has these points is stated in the product description.
Most Bucas turnout rugs have hook-and-loop fastenings at the withers that are covered with strips bearing the Bucas logo. Pull off the strips and attach the Combi Neck to the hook-and-loop. The Irish Combi Neck fits all Bucas rugs without a High Neck.
Measure from the centre of the chest over the shoulder to the rear end of the hindquarters and choose the closest measurement in the size chart. For in-between sizes there are chest extenders with 12 cm or 24 cm.