Stable Rugs

Horses that are stabled for at least some time during the colder months are likely to need a stable rug to keep them warm when the temperature drops, while a thinner sheet can help to keep the horse cool and dust-free in the summer. Stable rugs are made of a different material from turnout rugs, which are waterproof. Stable rugs are designed to be used indoors only and are not waterproof. Some horses that are not clipped and are not underweight may not need a stable rug, but horses that are clipped, very old, underweight or feel the cold would likely benefit from a stable rug to stay warm.

At Houghton Country we stock a broad range of stable rugs including quilted stable rugs, stable sheets, stable rugs with necks and pony stable rugs, from reputable brands such as Horseware, LeMieux and Shires.

What's the difference between a turnout rug and a stable rug?

In short, turnout rugs are designed for use outdoors and stable rugs are intended for use indoors only. Turnout rugs have a tough outer that is water and weather-proof, keeping the horse dry and warm underneath. The toughness of this exterior varies, dictated by the denier that the material is made from, but all turnout rugs are tougher than stable rugs. Stable rugs for horses are intended for indoor use only and are not waterproof. They are softer to the touch, lighter in weight and are often more breathable. Turnout rugs are generally shaped with more freedom around the shoulder to allow the horse to run comfortably, whereas a stable rug does not need to be shaped in this way.

Can you use a turnout rug in the stable?

Some horse owners will choose to leave their horse’s turnout rug on them even when they are stabled. This is often a good idea if the rug has become wet, as the horse’s body creates a large surface area for the rug to dry on, and the heat generated by the horse will help the rug to dry more quickly. The risk of leaving them in their turnout rug 24/7 is that they are more likely to develop rubs from the rug – for example at their mane which is susceptible to hair loss caused by rugs – as they never get a break from that rug’s fit and material. Another disadvantage is that the tough waterproof exterior of a turnout rug is not breathable in the same way that a stable rug is, and it is healthy for the horse’s skin to be allowed to breathe. Stable rugs are exposed to urine and manure from the horse lying down on their bed, and can be more easily and cheaply washed than a turnout rug, which should be reproofed to keep the horse dry as well as cleaned. The odd day left in a turnout rug in the stable will not do the horse any harm as long as the weight of rug is appropriate to the temperature, but many horse owners do choose to swap into a stable rug for time stabled as routine. Changing rugs also gives you opportunity to check the horse over for any lumps, bumps or abnormalities.

Do stabled horses need rugs?

It may seem like horses that are turned out in the wind and rain need a rug more than ones that are stabled, but stabled horses benefit from a rug for different reasons. When the horse is stabled, they are protected from the elements, but unless their stable facility is heated, they can still feel the cold. When we stable the horse, we remove their natural ability to generate heat by moving around and grazing constantly. It is important, then, to compensate for having taken away this ability by adding an extra layer of insulation to the horse. A horse that has been clipped will require a heavier weight of stable rug than one that has its natural winter coat. Likewise, every horse is an individual and some feel the cold more than others. Ones that are older, underweight or breeds like thoroughbreds and fine warmbloods tend to feel the cold more than heavier types, but owners get to know their own horse and what rugging system works for them. In the summer, most owners will leave their horse un-rugged.  There are different weights of rug available from lightweight stable rugs to heavier weighted ones, to suit the needs of the individual horse in different temperatures. 

What weight stable rug should I use?

Remember that just because you may feel cold, does not mean your horse needs a heavyweight rug – horses do not feel cold in the same way as humans. Horses have a very effective self-heating system which employs their natural coat, their ability to move around, and their instinct to forage. The modern horse may however have had their natural hair clipped, have restricted turnout with no shelter, and is unlikely to have 24/7 access to forage in the winter months. This is where there is a need for a heavyweight rug, to compensate for having removed the horse’s natural heating system. Some very hardy, overweight or unclipped horses will never need a heavyweight stable rug, but many horses will appreciate one when the temperature drops. The horse should feel warm and not hot to touch, including the extremities such as the ears and nose. Feeling too hot can however cause the horse stress and require veterinary treatment if they are left to sweat continuously, so be cautious of over-rugging.

Can you put a stable rug under a turnout rug?

When the temperature is very cold, you can layer up with a stable rug underneath a turnout rug, which is an alternative to using a liner. It is very important to remove the horse's rugs daily if you layer up in this way to check for rubs and that the horse is not overheating. Remember that stable rugs are not waterproof, so if any of the stable rug is exposed while the horse is in the field and gets wet or muddy, you will need to ensure it is dry before going back on your horse. A liner is conversely shaped for purpose so that none of the under-rug is exposed, so you eliminate the risk of the under-rug getting wet and muddy.

Stable rugs keep the horse warm and comfortable (and cleaner!) during their time stabled, and there is a wide selection of weights and styles available to suit every horse in every climate. Some stable rugs are silky to the touch which means there is less chance of bedding like shavings sticking to them, while others are more robust and feature a tougher exterior to decrease the risk of damage to the material. You may opt for an attached neck that you can always fold down when not needed, or detachable neck stable rugs give more versatility. When the weather is milder, you may feel a stable rug is too heavy, and a fleece or cooler can be used as a lighter weight layer with less risk of the horse becoming clammy underneath. You will quickly get to know how sensitive to the cold your horse is, and if your horse needs it, there are heavyweight stable rugs of up to 500g available!