How do you know if your horse is the right temperature under their rug this spring?
Feeling the ears or legs is not a reliable indicator of how warm your horse is; the best way to check is to place your hand under the rug, just behind the withers. Does your horse feel cold? Are they hot and/or sweaty? Or do they feel comfortably warm?
Be careful not to over-rug…
Warm winter rugs leave many horses hot and bothered as the sun begins to gain strength throughout spring, and it’s therefore important to ensure you’re not over-rugging as the weather changes.
Horses and humans have different thermoneutral zones (TNZ) – that is, the ambient temperature range in which we can maintain our normal body temperature without needing to use energy beyond a normal basal metabolic rate. For humans, this range is approximately 25-30 degrees Celsius, while in horses the TNZ is 5-25 degrees Celsius (noting that rain and wind chill can affect the TNZ). This means we humans feel cold well before our horses do – and horses are likely to feel a bit hot before we do.
If in doubt, it’s usually best to take the rug off. Remember, feeding plenty of roughage such as hay also helps to keep your horse warm; the digestion of hay essentially works like an internal combustion system and therefore warms your horse from the inside out.
On the flip side, wind and spring showers can leave some naked ponies – especially those that are older or underweight – feeling a little on the cool side. Not to worry, as our friends at Goodwoods have a range of mid-weight rugs that are perfect for these in-between seasons… not matter what level of warmth your individual horse requires.
Here are four affordable spring rugs under $100 from Goodwoods Saddlery to help ensure your horse is comfortable this spring:
Eureka Hybrid Synthetic Rug with Detacher Neck
The ultimate in flexibility! The Hybrid Synthetic Rug with Detacher Neck is a brilliant rug for damp, steamy weather where some protection from the elements is still required. The synthetic upper keeps your horse dry, while the mesh lower allows for greater breathability and airflow.
This rug features a quick and secure double front closure with both straps and clips, a low and secure surcingle, removeable and adjustable leg strap, an enclosed tent-style tail flap, shoulder gussets for unrestricted movement, and three velcro points for the neck attachment alongside four velcro closures on the neck section.
View the Eureka Hybrid Synthetic Rug with Detacher Neck (Currently on sale until 1 September 2024 for $49)
Eureka Hybrid Synthetic Rug with Detacher Neck.
Goodwoods Soft Shell Unlined Canvas Combo
The Soft Shell Unlined Canvas Combo is a perfect spring-weight canvas at 14oz. This waterproof and breathable combo will keep your horse dry during heavy showers while helping to prevent overheating thanks to the natural breathability of canvas.
This rug combo features double chest straps, triple neck closure, a generous sized tail flap, deep shoulder gussets for freedom in the paddock, and adjustable and removeable leg straps.
View the Soft Shell Unlined Canvas Combo (Beige/Navy) (Currently on sale until 1 September 2024 for $62)
View the Soft Shell Unlined Canvas Combo (Light Blue/Navy) (Currently on sale until 1 September 2024 for $62)
Goodwoods Soft Shell Unlined Canvas Combo.
Goodwoods Weatherguard Deluxe Rug & Combo
The Weatherguard Deluxe Rug and Combo is made from fully reinforced, breathable and showerproof ripstop fabric, with polar fleece lining along the back and satin shoulders to prevent rubbing.
The Weatherguard Deluxe Rug is suitable for paddock use to keep the chill off on cool spring days and nights and is a good light-weight option for horses that tend to overheat (for example, those affected by Cushings) in a heavy-lined canvas. In addition, the Weatherguard Deluxe Rug can also double as an under-rug in winter.
This rug is showerproof, so will not give the prolonged water-resistance of Goodwoods’ standard 16oz canvas or our 18oz canvas rugs.
View the Weatherguard Deluxe Rug. (Currently on sale until 1 September 2024 for $55)
View the Weatherguard Deluxe Combo. (Currently on sale until 1 September 2024 for $62)
Goodwoods Weatherguard Deluxe Rug.
Goodwoods Charlie 600D No Fill Rug
Charlie is perfect for all seasons. This rug features a 600 denier ripstop outer, which is breathable and waterproof. It is a great option for in-between seasons, and has the flexibility of being used as a waterproof outer paired with an under-rug in cooler weather.
This rug features shoulder gussets, double front straps, low set cross-over surcingles, removable leg straps, and rump darts for a contoured fit.
View the Goodwoods Charlie 600D No Fill Rug. (Currently on sale until 1 September 2024 for $53)
Goodwoods Charlie 600D No Fill Rug.
Goodwoods offers a wide range of rugs to suit all horses and seasons. To view their complete Spring Horse Rug Sale, please click here.
