Heavy rain may send most of us running for a 100gm combo rug to keep our horses cosy and dry. But before you rug your horse, take time to analyse the weather a little, and ensure that your horse is actually going to benefit from the horse cover you choose.
Not every storm is created equal, and neither is every horse rug
The kind of storm you're facing should dictate the horse blanket you choose, and we're here to explain why different scenarios definitely call for different horse rugs. Let's go!
Winter thunderstorms with heavy rain & wind
This is a storm you can reach for the 100gsm combo rug in Northland, Auckland and the Central North Island. Lower down the country you may opt for a 200gsm waterproof rug and in the deep south a 300gsm combo will keep your horse comfy out in the field even if snow arrives.
Older horses or ill horses may even benefit from an under-rug or doona - this is an easy way to up-spec your regular rug for 'real storms'.
Windy with light rain
In this very typical New Zealand weather we like a lighter rug like a 50gsm combo, an unlined horse blanket or a mesh crossover as blocking the wind chill is really the rugs key role in keeping your horse comfortable and healthy.
Another option is a standard-neck rug in 50gsm or 100gsm as your horse won't mind getting a bit wet while their body remains dry, and they are less likely to overheat if the weather changes quickly.
Summer downpours & spring floods
In spring and summer, cold isn't really the main issue for horses. They can preserve their body temperature down to 5 degrees Celsius without issue, unless they are older, extremely lightly furred, or unwell.
In warmer months, don't be distracted by how much water falls from the sky!
What you really need to consider is a) what the ambient temperature is, b) how much wind chill there is and c) how long the downpour goes on.
A torrential downpour mid afternoon in February will not bother many horses and most will be happy as Larry completely naked. Here are scenarios where your horse may really appreciate a horse rug:
- The wind is brisk and chilling
- The rain is expected to fall for half a day or more (especially over night)
- Your horse is unwell or older, or is clipped
- There is no natural shelter in the field (ie a paddock shelter or dense trees)
We often get asked how to rug your horse when the weather is warm but there is heavy rain or light rain with high winds. The answer is the same for both scenarios. Choose a rug that is waterproof (this will also be wind-proof), but does not have heavy fill (look for unlined or 50gsm horse blankets).
Horse blanket options we love for storms and heavy rain or intense wind during warmer months, from least warming to most warming are:
- The Mesh Crossover Horse Rug - these rugs were literally MADE for this weather! With no fill in the lining, the unlined rug will not overheat your horse in bad weather, and the breathable mesh sides and neck panels release any heat from the horse's body, while the waterproof blanket areas along the back, shoulder, over the tail and top of the neck keep off wind and water.
- Our unlined rugs are the same kind of solution for Turnout Rugs in warmer months - you get all the benefits of waterproof windproof cover, without overheating your horse.
- Level up your unlined horse rug or Mesh Crossover with the addition of a cotton rug underneath - this layer of light non-heating fabric helps the horse stay warm even if the unlined rug is chilled by wind and rain.
- Standard-neck covers give your horse a warm dry core to stabilise their body temperature, while their bare neck lets them regulate their body temperature more easily. Choose 50gsm for most horses in most of New Zealand, but older horses or southern horses may do well in 100gsm.
- A 50gsm combo Turnout Rug is the warmest horse cover we would recommend and this would most likely be when its cool enough that you need a jersey on while you're inside.
If in doubt, check if your horse is warm
Slide a hand under their rug and feel if they are warm and dry. They don't need to be 'cosy' warm, just not too cool. If your horse is naked and wet, you can also watch for shivers, as this is a sure sign that their body is chilled and they are shaking to try and stay warm.
Need to rug a horse who is already wet and cold?
Horse Turnout Rugs are designed to let moisture evaporate out through the rug while preventing it coming in, but you can help speed up this process by scraping the horse drier with a sweat scraper, and also by placing a cotton liner or stable rug on the horse first to create an extra layer of insulation to help facilitate evaporation.
Still have questions about the best horse rug weight?
Ask us - we're happy to share our experience!
