Best heavyweight turnout rugs for all budgets

Horse wearing heavyweight turnout rug in the snow — (Image credit: Alamy Stock Photo)

Heavyweight turnout rugs are an essential item in any clipped horse’s winter wardrobe. Heavyweights typically have 300g+ of insulation, so are not needed until the temperature really drops or your horse feels the cold.

We’ve put a selection of heavyweight turnout rugs to help keep your horse warm and comfortable during winter turnout. They start at 300g fill, but some are compatible with liners so you can increase the fill to suit your horse if needed. If you are looking for a rug with less fill take a look at our best medium weight turnout rug and lightweight turnout rug guides.

It also has a Stay-Dry antibacterial lining which means the rug can be put on a damp horse the same way as you would a cooler rug. This lining will quickly dry the horse and can be left on, thus avoiding extra rug changes and saving time! It fastens at the chest with a magnetic snap-lock T-bar closure, has shoulder darts, generous tail flap, cross surcingles and a deluxe tail cord, Compatible with Bucas liners and neck covers, which are available separately.

Created from 1680D ballistic nylon, with a teflon coating applied to the outer fabric for stain resistance and moisture protection. The dual-membrane design enhances the rug’s waterproof capabilities and protects the 300g fill, extending the rug’s use. It is designed so the neckline falls comfortably in front of the shoulder for a comfortable fit. Features a mid-height elasticated shoulder gusset, double quick release chest clip closures, low cross surcingles, PVC coated tail strap, detachable leg straps and a large lengthened tail flap. Included is a detachable snug fit neck cover with an elasticated poll for a closer fit and the rug is compatible with Premier equine liners allowing you to quickly adapt the rug according to your horse’s needs.

I use Premier Equine rugs on my 17hh Irish Draught and found they come up big in size so I always buy a size down in this brand for him. Georgia has found the same when shopping for her 13.3hh Fjord. I love the fit and coverage their rugs offer him. I really like the full length Velcro at the front to keep the rug from turning back on itself on his chest. The neck covers easily attach with strong velcro and I have never had a problem with them rubbing his mane. The self-righting technology is ideal for when he is turned out for longer periods. I also find the liners easy to attach and great if you need to add a bit of extra weight to the rug.

This 1200D turnout from Swish is compatible with Swish rug liners and comes with a detachable neck cover that fastens with two double-locking Velcro straps. It is designed to sit higher on the neck and shoulders to prevent the rug from slipping back and rubbing. It has reflective strips on the front, rear and tail flap, as well as large shoulder gussets, cross surcingles, a tail flap and removable, elasticated leg straps.

This rug focuses on warmth where it’s needed the most while reducing bulky rugging. It’s designed to protect key muscle groups yet versatile for cross-seasonal wear. With 300g fill it is cleverly quilted to concentrate over your horse’s topline, then a layer of 150g fill extends further, to wrap around the horses sides while a single layer of 100g fill runs down to the hemline to prevent unnecessary bulk.

Designed using a waterproof and ripstop 600D outer material, this rug features a 300g fill to keep your horse snug, plus an integrated contour neck cover for extra protection. It is also lined with a smooth and breathable lining to offer optimum comfort and is complete with adjustable cross surcingles, twin buckle clip chest fastenings and adjustable leg straps to keep the rug securely in place. It is finished with reflective StormX logo for added visibility and a generous tail flap for extra protection.

Selecting the right rug for your horse involves careful consideration, especially regarding rug weight and weather protection to ensure your new rug meets your horses specific needs. Manufactures are innovating and introducing new features to their rug ranges all the time so it’s important to understand how these can improve your horse. There’s a lot to consider when choosing a rug. Think about the…

Weight – the fill of the rug determines how warm it is. How much filling do you need?
Denier – measures the strength of the outer fabric. If your horse is a rug wrecker, or is turned out with one, you will need to look for a higher denier of 1200 or more
Neck – standard, detachable, combo (fixed) or half neck. Do you need a neck cover?
Extra features – do you have a preferred type of lining? Do you like detachable leg straps? Or would the rug benefit from reflective strips?

Turnout rugs are designed to keep horses warm and dry by protecting them from the harsher elements, such as rain, cold, wind and snow allowing your horse to enjoy time outdoors. Turnout rugs have a waterproof and breathable outer layer to help keep your horse dry during wet weather. Turnout rugs come in different thicknesses and weights of polyfill to provide varying levels of warmth and protection

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Franchesca is Horse & Hound’s Products Editor. She produces all of our buying guides and gift guides, as well as organising product testing and bringing you news about the latest products to hit the market. If there’s a new launch, Franchesca is the first person to hear about it. She brings you the best deals and is passionate about arming Horse & Hound’s readers with honest, unbiased product reviews. Franchesca loves letting riders and horse owners know what products are coming out, how to make their lives easier and how to spend their money wisely.

12 warm heavyweight turnouts for the winter

Best heavyweight turnout rugs: H&H’s quick guide

Best heavyweight turnout rugs for every budget

Bucas Power Extra Turnout

WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Plus Dynamic II Heavy

Rhinegold Aspen Turnout

Premier Equine Titan Turnout with Snug-Fit Neck Cover

Swish Equestrian 300g Turnout

Shires Highlander Original 300 Turnout Combo

Gallop Trojan Combo Turnout

Mackey Lugnaquilla Plus

LeMieux Kudos Thermo Layer Turnout Rug

Masta Ventomasta Heavyweight Combo Turnout

Hy StormX Empra 300 Combi Turnout

Horseware Amigo Bravo 12 Plus Turnout

How to choose the best heavyweight turnout rug

What is a turnout rug?

What weight turnout rug does my horse need?

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