RUG RIGHT
As the days continue to shorten, many horse owners begin assessing their winter rugging options. To assist in making the right choice for your horse’s situation Hoofbeats has chosen five categories to best describe the main 'horse personalities' and living conditions on which owners will be basing their rugging purchases.

These are as follows: Wet and Wild - horses in this category will be spending the majority of the winter months outside so will need rugging options that are waterproof, warm and durable.
Cosy - for horses who rarely venture out in the wet, cold or wind, and their owner's preference is to keep them 'tucked up' inside in the warmest and most comfortable rugs available. Horses that are clipped also come into this category, so rugs that reduce the risk of rubbing are a high priority.
Destructive - for horses known as 'rug wreckers' that need special consideration in terms of the quality and strength of fittings and materials.
Designer - the owners of horses in this category like to have all their 'winter wardrobe' totally co-ordinated so rug ranges that offer matching bindings or colour schemes for hoods/neck rugs, bandages, float boots and other accessories are ideal. If there are items like saddlecloths and rider clothing that also match, that's even better! Rugs that offer little extras in terms of quality like a supersoft material, decorative stitching and attractive patterning also fit into this category.
Functional Without Frills - rugs for the horse and owner who aren't that fussed about having everything matching and don't have a huge budget but want a value-for-money, serviceable rug that will see out at least one winter of daily use.

WET AND WILD
For horses and ponies that endure the elements of winter, National Equestrian Wholesalers recommend the ShowCraft Ripstop Rug or Combo, designed to protect from harsh weather, provide warmth and be comfortable to wear. Constructed from 22oz Ripstop Canvas, it features a rope reinforced neck on the rug, deep shoulder gussets and padded taffeta chest to prevent rug rub, hip and rump darts for a secure fit, short double x-over surcingles, strong and sturdy 3-way leather chest fittings and removable leg straps, lined tail flap and necks in the neckrug and combo, fully wool blend blanket-lined for warmth plus a long drop to protect from wind, rain and hail.

From Go Horse, the Jabiru Combo is a lined and fully waterproof, breathable 600 denier synthetic rug available as a sheet or 300gsm polyfill quilted blanket. At a real value for money price, it can be layered with the polar fleece under rug to provide extra warmth and greater flexibility to suit changing weather conditions, particularly around the start and end of winter.

The Winter Deluxe from Sunset Rugs is ideal because it has a very long drop to protect from the wind and rain, belly straps to stop it flapping in the wind so the horse stays really snug, a large tail flap and a satin front with shoulder gussets for comfort when they are wearing them non stop, and also very importantly, they are a true tearstop, so are tough.

The WeatherBeeta Freestyle TAKA rug provides ultimate warmth and strength with an exclusive contour design that protects against the coldest winters. It is claimed the TAKA offers the toughest protection on the market today.

From Swish Horse, the new Contour Deluxe Canvas Rug is the most durable of their range with features including Australian made canvas fabric in 50% cotton and 50% polyester, contour design with padding in withers, neck and chest, belly straps with top quality fittings, breathable polysheen lining in withers, neck, shoulders and chest, waterproof and mildew resistance, superior strength and shrinkage control and options to layer with Swish Horse’s range of under rugs to provide year-round flexibility.

The Eurohunter Ultra by Saddleworld provides the ultimate protection in bitterly cold conditions with 1680 teflon coated denier, which really keeps the wind, rain and snow out and 220gm of polyfill for super warmth.

Rain, hail or snow, the Thermo Master Elite 840D shines in any weather. From Saddlery Trading, this rug is perfect for the wet and wild outdoor horse category. Made of waterproof 840 denier nylon with 220g polyfill for warmth, it has a seamless backline, shoulder gussets, double chest straps, crossover surcingles, tail flap, generous drop and fleece wither pad.

COSY
The word doona instantly conjures up feelings of warmth and cosiness and the Cord Doona rug from Sunset Rugs is very warm and snug. Featuring a satin front and shoulder gusset for comfort, it is fully lined with warm dacron lining, has leg straps so the rug won’t slip overnight, is fully washable and features a corduroy outer. The WeatherBeeta Fusion Stable Rug features an exclusive contour design that provides a tailored fit, outstanding appearance and with the included belly wrap, offers the ultimate in warmth.

Saddleworld’s Eurohunter Wool Rug gives all the traditional benefits of genuine wool and is ideal to add for extra warmth as an under rug without adding excessive bulk.

From GoHorse, the Derwent Superthick Polar Fleece is ideal for providing warmth for a horse that is stabled, travelling, or just waiting around while out on a cold day. Made of thick 380gsm fleece for maintaining body heat in the coldest conditions, it comes with leg straps, wither protector, adjustable chest strap, double binding all round and it is reinforced along the back seam to maintain shape for a long life.

The new Contour Deluxe Thick Wool Under Rug from Swish Horse provides horses with a felt-like woollen rug that is warm without the normal weight of woollen rugs. The fabric is made from 80% wool, which is manufactured by Australia’s own Creswick Woollen Mills, and is available in black with a choice of 16 binding colours. Features include the three-piece design with generous lining and padding to avoid rubbing and slipping plus removable leg straps to reduce multiple straps around the legs.

Cosy is exactly how you would describe the ShowCraft Stable Rug from National Equestrian Wholesalers. It has 300 gsm polyfill for extra warmth with a protective 420 Denier Outer, short double x-over surcingles and a hip dart to contribute to a secure fit, a satin insert on the chest and neckrug to help prevent rubbing, wither protector and strong durable fittings on both rugs and neckrugs. Perfect for clipped horses as an under rug set or for horses indoor this winter.

For the equine who prefers the comfort of the indoors, Saddlery Trading recommends the Pessoa 600D Stable Rug. This warm and cosy fully lined rug boasts 600 denier nylon outer with 220g poly fill, double chest straps with clips and Velcro strip, crossover surcingle, rump darts, fillet string, velcro detachable tail flap, generous drop, and a fleece wither pad.

DESTRUCTIVE
The GoHorse Barcoo Tough Rug is lined and fully waterproof with a breathable blanket of 300gsm quilted padding and is made from very durable 1200 denier synthetic material for the rug body and 1680 denier synthetic material for the bottom section. The tough synthetic material was selected specifically to provide a rug that will survive tough conditions.

The Sunset Rugs Winter Combo is made from an Australian manufactured tearstop canvas, which is ideal as it is really tough, has a rope reinforced neck line so it can't stretch out of shape, the fittings are fully reinforced and the best quality thread and webbing are used. These rugs can be left on day in and day out and will give great protection for the paddocked horse.

From WeatherBeeta, the Freestyle Orican is a fashionable super strong 1200 denier rug with ripstop outer fabric and available in medium and heavy warmth.

Saddleworld’s Grainge Rug is made from super heavy duty 21oz Ripstop canvas and has a genuine wool blanket lining, which won’t fall apart. The tent tail flap keeps out the weather and covers the leg strap snaps so the horse won’t catch them and risk tearing the legstraps or rug.

Popular for its strength and durability, Saddlery Trading offers the GG Australia Coolabah 600D Nylon rug. Made from a tough 600 denier outer shell with 220g poly fill, it is rip-stop, waterproof, breathable and features a seamless backline, hidden cross-over surcingles, shoulder gussets, fleece wither pad, quilted lining, generous drop and quality stainless steel fittings.

DESIGNER
The GoHorse Bourke Rug is a lined and fully waterproof, breathable 600 denier synthetic rug that is available as a sheet or 300gsm polyfill quilted blanket. It comes in a royal blue check and a coordinated light neck rug is available. Horses look spectacular in this combination and it comes at a price that will not break the bank.

Totally co-ordinate your horses’ winter wardrobe with National Equestrian Wholesalers’ X-Calibur Rug Range. Extensive research has gone in to the patterns and fitting of this range with features including the popular Quick Clip chest straps, gathered rump darts for a snug fit, deep shoulder gussets, taffeta lined chest and neckrug, removable leg straps and a 600 denier waterproof outer with 300 gsm polyfill. The rugs are green with a light green skirt, which can be matched with padded wide tab float boots, a dark green and navy Status headstall with a strong hand plaited dark green and navy lead. The Combo is royal blue with a navy skirt and is a perfect match for the float boots in the same colours, a royal blue and sky blue headstall plus a navy and sky blue 8’ two toned cotton lead.

If quality and style are important, the legendary Pessoa range is ideal when outfitting your horse this winter. Saddlery Trading offer the Pessoa 600D Turnout Rug constructed from 600 denier nylon that is waterproof with a warm 220g poly fill. It features a seamless backline, double chest straps with clips and velcro strip, shoulder gussets, crossover surcingle, elastic leg straps, velcro detachable tail flap, generous drop and a fleece wither pad. It is available in a rug, neck rug and combo with co-ordinating shipping boots and saddle cloths to complete the overall look.

From Sunset Rugs, the Supremo rug is the top of the line because it is made using the best 100% pure wool available. It is very warm, fully lined in pure cotton with a large satin front and is perfect for show horses that are clipped. Most important though, is the fact you only need one rug on at night because it has three layers of warm dacron so your horse is comfortable and super warm wearing only one rug. These smart looking rugs can be colour coordinated to all your other show accessories.

The perfect complement to your WeatherBeeta rug is one of the matching accessories. Designed to co-ordinate with the WeatherBeeta winter 2006 rug colours, the accessories range will keep your horse at the height of fashion from head to hoof all season long. The range includes matching headstalls, leads, bandages, float boots, hay bags, saddle pads and dog rugs.

Swish Horse set out to design a winter rug range that provided flexibility and style. Their Contour Deluxe Under Rug range was created to provide options for showing and paddock use. A range of fabrics, colours and bindings are available to match your horse’s colour and personality. Neck rugs, hoods and tailcare products can be matched to the rugs to ensure an immaculate turn out at a competition. All Contour Deluxe Under Rugs include the key features of the three-piece design, padding, lining, removable leg straps, elasticised straps and buckles and top-quality materials.
The Eurohunter Premium by Saddleworld offers this year’s fashion-conscious equine a super stylish olive green and navy colour scheme with matching float boots, halters and leads. Being 600D, it’s waterproof, breathable and warm, allowing your horse to frolic in the cool weather is absolute style and comfort.

FUNCTIONAL
Sunset Rugs Cosy Rug is ideal as it is fantastic value for money, can be used under a winter rug or in the stable at night, has a soft outer woven fabric shell and is fully lined in warm dacron, including a satin front and shoulder gusset. With leg straps so it will not slip at night in the stable, it is fully machine washable and even looks good enough for going to the show or pony club.

The WeatherBeeta Freestyle Landa offers outstanding protection and excellent value so you won’t have to compromise when it comes to protecting your horse. It is available in medium and light weight warmths.

Saddleworld’s best selling Vancouver 18oz canvas offers brilliant value for money. A tough ripstop canvas with wool blanket lining, it has satin lined shoulder gussets, large tail flap and all the other features you would expect in a top of the line rug.

National Equestrian Wholesalers offer the Eureka Green Ripstop Canvas Rugs/Neckrug and Combo’s, an economical rug range that is fully functional, waterproof and warm for winter living, yet affordable enough that it won’t break the budget. Both the rug and combo are a 24oz canvas, which is fully blanket- lined with 3 way chest fittings, removable leg straps, long shoulder gussets, taffeta padded chest, lined neckrug and tail flaps, rump darts and a single surcingle, producing a secure all over fit.

For a winter rug with a huge list of features for the one tiny price, Saddlery Trading recommends the GG Australia Blueheeler Rip-stop Canvas Rug made from waterproof, 20oz rip-stop canvas with a warm blanket lining. Features include double chest straps, reinforced buckle holes, cross-over surcingles, detachable leg straps, fleece wither pad, shoulder gussets, generous drop and large tail flap.

Phone for more details on these rugs or
check-out the following websites ....

GoHorse Horse Rugs www.gohorse.com.au
Phone 02 6586 4429

National Equestrian www.natequest.com.au
Phone 03 9464 1599

Saddlery Trading www.saddlerytrading.com
phone 1800 777 249 for stockist details

Saddleworld www.saddleworld.com.au
Available in Saddleworld stores.

Sunset Rugs www.sunsetrugs.com.au
Phone 08 9525 2878

Swish Horse www.swishhorse.com
Phone 03 5782 0406

WeatherBeeta www.weatherbeeta.com
Available Horseland and other stores.