Mark Todd Autumner rug *H&H Approved*
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Classic design
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Durable and waterproof
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Effective front fastenings
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Padded fleece poll section to offer protection
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Breathable and lightweight; ideally for un-clipped horses and ponies
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No neck attachment
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Higher end of the price scale
Mark Todd Autumner rug
On first inspection, the Mark Todd Autumner rug was a lovely, classic navy blue lightweight turnout suitable for autumn weather and those warmer winter days. This lightweight turnout is available in 5ft6in–7ft.
The £89.98 price tag was definitely on the higher end of the cost scale for a lightweight turnout with no neck, but the material is highly durable and waterproof while being breathable which is still in near perfect condition after months of use.
The rug has 150g of fill so would be a choice for those crisp, cold mornings when the weather is cold but could improve later in the day. It would even be handy to pack in the lorry in preparation for showers or damp temporary stables when out and about at competitions.
If you prefer to have the flexibility of a rug which has a detachable neck, there is an option to buy the Mark Todd neck cover (RRP £42.98).
The adjustable double front buckles with quick-release clips were very easy to do up and, like the outer shell, do stand the test of time. From a user point of view, quick-release clips are always preferred over buckles. There was a Velcro section underneath the clips to pull the front of the rug together but it could have been stronger as there was a slight gap that might rub the horse. However, on this particular horse there were no issues.
I tried a 5ft9in rug on a 13.2hh Fell pony mare. It was a good fit and the padded fleece poll section offered elite protection. This rug would have probably fitted a finer, lighter breed better; this pony has a very full shoulder and broad chest, but it did not rub.
Other features that were welcomed were the reinforced nylon anti-rub shoulders with shoulder gussets and gusseted tail flap. Both offered increased protection and comfort.
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The rug was also nice and deep and was fastened by quality surcingles which were also durable and robust.
The rug was very functional when the horse was turned out. It kept the mud and dirt off her coat, handy when you are hoping to ride later in the day, and it was also breathable. This horse was only clipped once during the season, so she needed a rug that would not make her over-heat and consequently sweat when her coat grew back later in the year. It was lightweight, too, so it dried quickly when it got rained on, meaning it was ready to go again the next morning.
The classic design also made it very user friendly and easy to throw on and off.
Verdict
H&H Approved – A classic turnout rug with the handy option of being able to add a neck cover. On the higher end of the price scale, but after rigorous testing this rug was confirmed to be functional and of high quality. Plus, it will stand the test of time.
View now at viovet.co.uk or amazon.co.uk
Who tested these rugs?
Alex Robinson joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor and features assistant. She has freelanced for specialist equestrian magazines, including The Native Pony Magazine and has contributed to the National Pony Society annual journal for the past few years.
Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the show scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show (HOYS) and Olympia and has extensive knowledge of current issues in the showing world and the horses, ponies and riders who compete. She has a rare insight into the sector that comes with riding amongst the best at top level. She has produced a variety of rides to the highest level and has a passion for bringing on youngsters through the ranks. She has several ponies, mainly natives of all types, on the yard and rides most days each week before work.
At H&H Alex is responsible for the all aspects of showing coverage and is continuing to cement its place as the leading publication for both reports and current showing news. When not writing, she will be found competing her own ponies on the county show circuit.
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Born and raised in the Lake District, Alex has grown up on the showing scene. She has qualified and competed ponies at the Royal International, Horse of the Year Show and Olympia and has first-hand knowledge of the current issues in the showing world as well as the horses, ponies and riders who compete in the sport. Alex joined H&H in January 2018 as showing editor, cementing its place as the leading equestrian publication for both showing reports and current showing news in the UK. She moved on in October 2024 to pursue other opportunities, but continues to write for us on a freelance basis.