For horse owners, summer and winter rugging options are reasonably straight forward as we mostly enjoy predictable temperatures and horses can be kept comfortable with a forward rugging plan and relatively little inconvenience.

Most breeds of horses originate from colder climates and in Australia; over-rugging presents more problems than under-rugging.  The modern horse owner appreciates the benefits of rugging as it keeps their horses clean, sleek, in peak presentation and in cold weather, rugs prevent chills after exercise and minimise the growth of a heavy winter coat, which can be difficult to manage.

However mid-season (Autumn and Spring) can deliver weather conditions equal to the extremes of Winter and Summer and most horse owners decisions regarding the appropriate rug wear must be made in advance of the day ahead and allow for the unpredicted changes that may eventuate.

Keeping horses comfortable is mostly about protecting them from the elements – in Winter, it is the wind chill factor which is greatly increased if the horse is wet or without any shelter.  In summer, the suns beating rays land directly onto the horse and will make it difficult for nature to keep the horse cool. 

It is important to remember, that synthetic rugs capture radiant heat and can act like car windows to greatly increase temperatures inside the car/under the rug.  The outside temperature is magnified by 3-4 times the stated reading and even on a coolish day, sparkling mid-season sunshine can cause overheating.  Synthetic horse rugs make the horse sweat, leaving the coat wet and when the sun goes down, the horse will be wet and cold.

Signs that overheating is evidenced in the horses’ coat, the dried hair will look matted and stuck together, the mane becomes “sticky” and if over-rugging is continued, the hair follicles can be damaged and new growth may be affected. 

The ideal choice for mid-season rugging is canvas, as it is a natural woven fibre which breaths, does not overheat and yet provides protection from the wind and rain.  A canvas rug with a cosy wool lining is a tried and true favourite for many astute horse owners and extra warmth can be added with the inclusion of a wool or “doona” styled under-rug.   It is always advisable to keep a “cotton” stable rug next to the horse’s skin as this can be easily cleaned of hair debris and washed.

Canvas has been used for horse rugs for many generations as it is a miracle fibre which swells when wet.   The wet, tightly packed fibres make the canvas waterproof and keep the inside of the fabric (and the horse) dry.  Canvas has been used in rug making for many decades (well before the introduction of “high-tech” synthetic fabrics) and is the ideal choice for mid season rugging or for horses, particularly those with skin complaints and dermal sensitivities. This can include some “light skinned” horses which are prone to itch and other hair and skin irritations. 

Owners can prolong the life of a canvas rug by “proofing” (treating with a waterproofing product) the rug say, once a year, to ensure that any wear and tear or breakdown of the fabric/threads is kept to a minimum.  Saddleworld stocks a range of products to ensure that your canvas rug stays in top condition and remains waterproof.

Saddleworld is proud to offer a comprehensive selection of canvas rugs, which are acknowledged as an ideal option for Autumn and Spring’s changeable conditions and proudly introduce two new options to the range.
Visit www.saddleworld.com.au to locate your nearest store or view the 2015 Saddleworld Product Guide.

Here are some of the canvas rugs available at your local Saddleworld Store.

Eurohunter Bushman

New to the Saddleworld Stable, the Eurohunter Bushman brings all of the best features that are most sought in top of the range canvas rugs. 

The Eurohunter Bushman is made from a specially designed Tearstop canvas with cosy wool lining for extra warmth. 
The endurance and construction of the Eurohunter Bushman will enable this rug to be used all year round due to its strength and breathability. 

Features:

• Shoulder gussets
• Wool lining
• Wool wither protection
• Removable leg straps
• Rump darts and tent tail flap
• Bar tacking on pressure points

Sizes: 4.0 – 6.9”   Colour:  Blue
Eurohunter Bushman Rug: $189.95 – Unlined Rug:  $159.95

Eurohunter Bushman Neck Rug:  Pony, Cob or Full
Lined Neck Rug: $129.95   Unlined Neck Rug: $99.95

	Eurohunter Bushman

 

Eurohunter Gladiator Deluxe

A well made rug using the best quality materials and workmanship.

Features:

• Supersoft 21 oz Ripstop canvas
• Thick woollen blanket lining
• Shoulder gussets for greater freedom
• Anti-Rub lining in shoulders and mane strip
• Wither protection
• Soft webbing leg straps
• Extra deep drop
• Large tent tail cover

Sizes: 4.0 – 6.9”   
Rug: $149.95 – Combo:  $194.95

Gladiator Deluxe Neck Rug:  Pony, Cob or Full   $99.95

	Eurohunter Gladiator Deluxe

 Eurohunter Gladiator Unlined

Ideal for mid season and the flexibility to add under-rugs for more warmth or extra protection over rugs in very cold and wet weather. 

Features:

• Supersoft 21 oz showerproof Ripstop canvas
• Shoulder gussets for greater freedom
• Anti-Rub lining in shoulders and mane strip
• Wither protector
• Soft webbing leg straps

Sizes: 4.0 – 6.9”
Eurohunter Gladiator Unlined Rug: $89.95

Gladiator Unlined Neck Rug:  Pony, Cob or Full    $69.95

	Eurohunter Gladiator Unlined

Eurohunter Vancouver

A lighter weight, but warm and comfortable.  Easy to lift and fit.

Features:

• 18 oz showerproof Ripstop canvas
• Woven woollen lining
• Shoulder gussets for greater freedom
• Anti-Rub lining in shoulders and mane strip
• Large tail flap

Sizes: 4.0 – 6.9”
Eurohunter Vancouver Rug: $99.95    Combo: $149.95

Eurohunter Vancouver Neck Rug:  Pony, Cob or Full    $79.95

	Eurohunter Vancouver

Academy Canvas

A new addition to the Saddleworld range, the Academy Canvas is the ideal economy rug to fight off winter chills and its breathable qualities are ideal for mid season rugging. 

Features:

• Shoulder gussets
• Removable leg straps
• Rump darts

Sizes: 4.0 – 6.9”
Colour: Green
Academy Canvas Rug: $59.95    Combo: $89.95

Academy Canvas Neck Rug:  Pony, Cob or Full    $59.95

	Academy Canvas