Best stable rugs for keeping your horse warm this winter

Ponyo Horsewear stable rug — (Image credit: credit unknown)

Let’s talk about rugs. We all love buying them and growing our collection to include everything from the best rain sheets to the best heavyweight turnout rugs – but are your current stable rugs really working for your horse? I’ve put this guide together to bring you the best stable rugs on the market designed to help keep your horse warm, comfortable and clean when stabled.

These stable rugs have seriously durable outers and SupaFleece trims for a luxurious feel to help reduce the risk of rubbing. Both the standard neck and combo versions have buckle fastenings at the chest, adjustable cross surcingles, fillet string and a tail flap. The difference between the Tempest Plus and Tempest Original is the Plus has a Supafleece neck trim, higher denier outer making it perfect for rug wreckers and it’s liner compatible allowing you to attach separate liners when the temperature drops.

Available in a range of fill weights, this Swish stable rug can be used with or without the detachable neck cover. It has liner attachments so compatible liners can be added to increase warmth throughout the colder weather. It has large shoulder gussets, cross surcingles and a tail flap. The rug is designed to sit higher on the neck and shoulders to prevent slipping and rubbing, while the soft nylon lining also has anti-slip darts on the quarters.

These stable rugs have durable outers with an added Teflon coating to help aid against stable stains. All of the Epic classic stable rug range is compatible with Epic liners giving you more versatility with each rug. It fastens at the chest with quick clips, but has buckles for adjustability, plus low T-bar cross surcingles, and adjustable detachable leg straps. The broad fit rugs are designed specifically for horses with a broader chest, neck, shoulders and apple-bottom. If you don’t require a broad fitting rug for your horse, check out Epic Equestrian’s regular fit rug range.

This smart stable rug comes in a really wide range of sizes, so is ideal if you have a mini or a giant. It has a soft polyester lining to help prevent rubbing and keep the coat smooth. It features double adjustable surcingles and has a generous tail flap and a fillet string to stop the back end of the rug from moving. The chest fastens with double adjustable chest straps and quick-release clips, while the generous shoulder gussets allow easier movement, which in turn creates less friction and reduces the chance of rubbing.

This smart stable rug is crafted from a breathable and lightweight ripstop polyester. The channel quilted fabric and thermo bonded fill help keep your horse warm. Features an extra high elasticated shoulder gusset, fleece lined wither pad, quick release chest straps, cross surcingles and PVC coated tail strap. It has a detachable neck cover and liner attachments so you can quickly adapt the rug to your horse’s needs. Plus the rug is self-righting so your horse can move freely without the rug slipping.

The Bucas Quilt can be used on its own or as an extra layer underneath a turnout. It features attachments so you can add a neck cover if needed. The rug is available with a choice of two linings – Stay-Dry (SD) or Silk-Feel (SF). The SD version can be put on a wet horse and the lining will wick the moisture away and help your horse dry faster, while the SF also wicks away the moisture but at a slower rate but keeps the coat silky smooth.

This rug has a clever dome neck design to help prevent mane loss and the darted fixed neck helps to take pressure off the mane and increase air circulation. It fastens at the chest with quick clips, but has buckles for adjustability, plus T-bar cross surcingles, and two adjustable leg straps. The design includes tri-vent shoulder gussets for freedom of movement, memory foam pads at the wither and a waterproof lower section.

The general rule is that your horse would benefit from a slightly heavier rug in the stable than he would in the field in the same conditions. So if he would be most comfortable in a lightweight turnout in the field, you should consider a medium weight stable rug. Having a selection of options is ideal, but layering up or looking for a rug that is compatible with liners is another way around this.

When you’re choosing the best stable rug for your horse, you should also consider whether you want a neck and what fastenings you prefer. T-bar fastenings are common as they are quick and easy, whereas buckles offer adjustability. The gold standard is a combination of buckles and clips, which allows you to find the perfect fit and then fasten quickly and easily. Other features to look out for in the best stable rugs are anti-rub linings, pressure-relieving with pads and shoulder gussets to offer freedom of movement.

When choosing a rug for your horse, you will see lots of different neck options to choose from, these can include standard neck, high neck, detachable neck or combo necks. Standard neck rugs are a great choice for milder weather, hot horses or those that tend to lose their manes when wearing a rug with a neck. Horses can often lose their manes when wearing a neck rug and a standard neck turnout rug can help to prevent this. Some standard neck rugs have clips, Velcro or D-rings that can be used to attach a neck cover, typically available separately.

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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.

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