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Does my horse need a rain blanket?
Every rider asks himself this question at some point. Rain blankets are unlined, waterproof outdoor rugs. They have at most a light fleece lining. Horses are not as squeamish as humans and can get wet without any problems. However, if your horse is clipped, you have removed the water-repellent protective layer through the coat and you should protect your horse from the rain.
Even older horses or horses with back problems should not stand unprotected in the rain. If it's still quite warm outside and your horse doesn't need a warm blanket yet, the unlined rain blanket is of course a particularly good choice. Of course you can also support unshorn horses in winter with a rain blanket. This way they don't get too warm, but they stay dry.
The rain blanket is mainly used on days when it rains continuously. If your horse is outside unprotected all the time, you can keep it dry with this unlined horse blanket. Since the rain blanket is not lined or only slightly lined, you can use it even if your horse doesn't actually need a warm blanket yet. In autumn or spring, when it sometimes rains for days but the temperatures are still above 10°C, the rain rug is ideal as a transitional rug. Even in winter you can cover unshorn horses with a rain blanket. But always pay attention to the individual needs of your horse. If it shows you that it's freezing, it's better to use an outdoor blanket with lining. If it sweats under the rain blanket, you should do without it and offer your horse some other form of protection from the rain.
What features does a rain cover have?
Rain blankets are usually made of a tear-resistant, water-repellent or waterproof outer material with a soft inside. There are rain rugs with a normal cut, in a high-neck version or with a neck part. This neck part is either firmly sewn or can even be removed. Rain blankets fasten at the front of the chest. This closure varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. There are Velcro fasteners or a combination with snap hooks. Horseware offers innovative disc closures and Bucas relies on its tried-and-tested magnetic closure. All types of closures have their advantages.
Nowadays rain blankets have cross surcingles on the stomach so that the blanket sits well on the horse and cannot be taken off when romping or rolling around. A tail cord and leg straps also prevent the blanket from slipping. However, leg straps are not used with every rain blanket. If the blanket has a particularly good anatomical cut, leg straps can usually be dispensed with.
