Creating the perfect rug for your horse takes time, superb craftsmanship and hours of product development. Derby House has spent the past 10 years researching what makes a great rug and the end result is this fabulous autumn and winter 2015 collection.
How Derby House developed the ranges
Riders’ needs have shaped the range from start to end. The Derby House product team, a group of experienced horse owners, weighed every little detail that goes into making a first-class rug, from fit and fabric to colours, safety features and fastenings. Hours were spent deliberating over which clip is easiest to use with numb hands and how wide to provide a neck adjustment for maximum comfort. Particular attention went to optimising the fit, which is essential for the horse’s comfort and well-being.
“Our development team, who are passionate about horses, spent a long time watching horses wearing rugs in all environments,” explains Martin Turley, commercial and operations director at Derby House. “We talked to a wide range of owners with very different horses, listened to their needs and put all the information we gathered, whether about the depth of the rug, or the chest and neck fitting, into our product development. This helped us get the most generous fit possible and cater for all shapes and sizes of horses.”
But because there can always be a gap between theory and practice, Derby House also made several sets of sample rugs based on the product team’s functionality, practicality and style suggestions. These samples were whisked off to stables around the country for testing and tried on many different horses and ponies. Only then did production get the green light.
“Once the rugs are tested, our technical team is responsible for sourcing the most innovative fabrics and fittings to provide the protection, comfort and fit the horse community expects from a leading brand,” continues Martin.
A member of the Derby House product team then oversees the manufacturing process at every stage to make sure that the finished product will meet the exacting standards for which the company is known. And because Derby House believes firmly in offering the best possible value for money to its customers, all the rugs are priced very competitively.
“I ordered two rugs in the last two weeks, both of which arrived the next day. The rugs are lovely and fit perfectly,” says Derby House customer Sam Dyer, while another, Gina Mayo, sums up her experience with Derby House as: “great product, great price and great service”.
To best cater for the many budgets and needs of the equestrian community, the new Derby House autumn and winter 2015 collection comprises three different ranges: Classic, Pro and Elite.
Classic is a selection of starter rugs for those who want a simple but effective cover against the elements at a reasonable cost. It consists of two turnouts with standard or combo necks and 600-denier waterproof, breathable outer material, and of a stable rug with 420-denier durable outer. Both stable and turnout rugs are ideal for the autumn and for milder winter days thanks to a 200-gram fill. Matt silver adjustable buckles on chest provide a better fit.
The Pro range features a wider choice of rugs in a variety of bold, fun colours and patterns to keep your horse warm, cosy and comfortable. A large range of necks and fill density, and outer materials ranging from 420 denier (for stable rugs) to 600 (for turnouts) means you can get the perfect rug for every horse and every weather. Gold buckles and clips make the rug stand out—and make it easy to get the right fit.
Elite is a range of superb quality rugs with the very best fabrics and fittings. It consists of two turnouts (combo and detach a neck), stable rug, bonded fleece, rug liner and cooler—the latter two of which are a first for Derby House. The turnouts, in particular, have a 350-gram fill for the coldest winter days and are made of 1680 Ballistic nylon denier, which offers the best possible strength in a fabric. All the rugs in the Elite range are a generous fit with high-quality gunmetal clips and buckles for a superior finish.
So whether you need a heavy combo or a medium stable rug, an affordable everyday staple or a best-in-class performer, Derby House will be able to supply the perfect one for you.
(Image credit: creditUnknown)
Jargon buster
Denier – The weave of the fabric, the higher the number the closer the weave, meaning it will be more durable.
Fill – The padding between the outer and inner fabric layers of the rug. 200g is medium weight while a 300g is heavy weight.
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