Choosing the Right Horse Rug: A Guide to Brands, Quality, Denier Strengths, Closures, and More

Making sense of horse rug options for all budgets and horse types

When it comes to caring for your horse, selecting the right rug is a crucial decision. There’s a dizzying array of horse rug brands on the market, each offering different levels of quality, denier strengths, and closures suited to specific horse body types. This guide breaks down popular brands by budget, discusses denier ratings, and explains how different closures and rug designs can benefit particular shapes and personalities.

Budget-Friendly Horse Rug Brands

• Horze: Known for affordable turnout and stable rugs, Horze offers functional designs suitable for everyday use. Their rugs typically feature standard 600D or 1200D outer shells, providing adequate durability for paddock use. [Buy Horze Rugs]

• Goodwoods: Available in many tack shops across Australia, Goodwoods is a staple for those looking for low-cost, reliable rugs. Their range includes lighter denier rugs, best for mild climates or horses that aren’t too hard on their gear. [Buy Goodwoods Rugs]

• Challenger: Another budget option, especially popular online, Challenger’s rugs feature simple designs and basic closures, ideal for easy-going horses. [Buy Challenger Rugs]

• Caribu: Caribu horse rugs are designed with both style and functionality in mind. They offer a variety of options suitable for different weather conditions, ensuring your horse stays comfortable and protected. Their durable materials and thoughtful design make them a popular choice among horse owners. [Buy Caribu Rugs]

Mid-Range Quality Brands

• WeatherBeeta: WeatherBeeta is an Aussie favourite, balancing affordability and quality. Their rugs generally range from 1200D to 1680D, offering good waterproofing and tear resistance. You’ll find both standard and combo neck options, with adjustable twin chest buckles or quick-clip closures. [Buy WeatherBeeta Rugs]

• Roma: Roma provides a reliable mid-range choice, with durable fabrics and a variety of denier strengths. Their fit suits a wide range of horse builds, and they offer standard and combo neck designs. [Buy Roma Rugs]

• Amigo (by Horseware): The Amigo line delivers Horseware’s reputation at a more accessible price point, featuring 1200D polyester outers and user-friendly surcingle or velcro closures. [Buy Amigo Rugs]

High-End Horse Rug Brands

• Rambo (by Horseware Ireland): Rambo sets the standard for quality, with rugged 1000D to 1680D ballistic nylon outers. Their rugs are designed for maximum durability and comfort, with V-front closures that suit deep-chested or broad-shouldered horses. [Buy Rambo Rugs]

• Bucas: Bucas is renowned for its technical fabrics, including Stay-Dry linings and ripstop outers up to 1680D. Their unique overlapping chest closures work well for horses with finer builds or those prone to rug rubs. [Buy Bucas Rugs]

• Leader Equine: For those seeking premium features, Leader Equine offers breathable, high-denier turnout rugs with innovative shoulder gussets and adjustable fastenings, catering to hard-to-fit horses. [Buy Leader Equine Rugs]

Understanding Denier Strengths

Denier (D) is a measure of fabric thickness and strength. The higher the number, the more robust and tear-resistant the rug:

• 600D–900D: Suitable for light paddock use or stable rugs. Best for gentle horses or dry, sheltered conditions.

• 1200D: The all-rounder – ideal for most horses, balancing toughness and flexibility for turnout rugs.

• 1680D and above: Heavy-duty, built for horses that are rough on their rugs or in shared paddocks.

Closures: What Works for Which Horse Body Type?

Rug closures aren’t just about convenience – the right closure can prevent rubs and ensure a secure fit.

• Buckle Fronts: Traditional twin buckle closures allow fine adjustment, suiting narrow or young horses still filling out.

• Clip and Velcro: Quick-release clips with velcro offer speed and security, ideal for busy owners and broad-chested horses, providing a snug fit without pressure points.

• V-Fronts: Found on brands like Rambo, these closures relieve pressure on the shoulders and are perfect for big-muscled or deep-chested breeds.

• Overlapping or T-Bar: Bucas’ overlapping T-bar closures are great for finer types, preventing gaping and reducing chest rubs.

Preventing Mane Rub: The Role of Le Mieux Anti Rub Bibs

Nothing is more frustrating than a beautiful mane rubbed away by an ill-fitting rug. One effective solution is the use of Le Mieux anti rub bibs. These bibs are made from soft, friction-reducing fabric and are designed to sit smoothly over the wither and chest, creating a protective barrier between the rug and your horse’s mane. By minimising direct contact and pressure, Le Mieux anti rub bibs help preserve the mane, making them especially useful for horses with sensitive skin or those prone to rubbing. They’re easy to fit and compatible with most rug types, offering extra peace of mind during the rugging season.

Neck Rug Types: Combo, Detachable, and Hoods

Neck coverage is an important factor to consider when choosing a rug, as it impacts both protection and fit. Here are the main types:

• Combo Neck Rugs: These rugs feature a permanently attached neck cover that extends from the body of the rug, providing comprehensive protection from poll to tail. Ideal for horses in wet or windy climates, combo rugs help keep the neck dry and warm but offer less flexibility than removable options.

• Detachable Neck Rugs: With removable neck covers that attach via velcro or clips, these rugs offer versatility, allowing you to adapt to changing weather. Detachable necks are perfect for owners who want the option of neck protection without committing to a fixed cover all season.

• Hoods: Separate accessories that can be used with or without a rug, hoods provide full-head and neck coverage, often used for show preparation or for horses especially susceptible to the cold. Hoods are typically made from stretch material and can help keep manes tidy and clean as well.

Final Thoughts

Choosing the right horse rug involves balancing your budget, your horse’s needs, and the conditions they’ll face. Whether you’re after a budget staple, a mid-range workhorse, or a high-end performer, paying attention to denier strength, closure design, neck coverage, and mane protection will help keep your horse comfy, secure, and looking their best through every season.