E3laan Horse Blankets

Fetlock Boots Liners

Protection from Rain

Horses don't mind rain showers. The problems begin during prolonged wet weather, which creates the ideal environment for conditions such as rain scald and mud fever.

If there is no access to shelter from the rain, lightweight horse rugs made of waterproof and breathable material are perfect for keeping equine coats dry without overheating them.

Horses accustomed to a warm stable part of the time will benefit from this type of rug when turned out in even light rain, as they get cold more easily than animals which stay out all the time.

Protection from the Cold

Two factors dictate what type of turnout rug is needed in cold weather: the condition of the horse (including his age) and his coat. Together these determine his critical temperature - the temperature below which he has to increase his metabolism to stay warm.

If the horse is clipped, it's a good idea to rug him up at around 60° F (15.5° C). Generally speaking, old horses, thin horses, youngsters and those with short coats need horse rugs at around the 40 - 45° F (4 - 7° C) mark. But a horse carrying enough flesh to cover his ribs won't need one until a drop to 30° F (-1° C).

That same horse with a full winter coat has a critical temperature of 15° F (-9° C) and my experience supports this. Used to being outside all the time, my horses grow heavy coats and go into the winter months with a modest layer of fat. The temperature drops to the mid-teens before they get cold and need horse rugs.

Protection from Rain, Wind and Cold Combined

The criteria change when it's windy, cold and raining.

The horse's winter coat traps a layer of warm air on the skin's surface, which insulates the horse. So long as he remains dry and his coat is not flattened, this is an excellent system.

Once his coat is flattened by driving wind and/or rain, the horse no longer has an effective barrier against the cold. As a result he can lose up to twenty times more body heat than when dry, and uses much more energy to stay warm.

Now he needs a rug even if the outside temperature is above his normal critical temperature.

What Weight Horse Rugs Should You Use?

Some horses need heavier rugs than others. There are two weights you can choose from in addition to the lightweight rug mentioned earlier. These are the medium and heavy horse rugs, insulated to keep warmth in. The best ones are breathable and waterproof so you can use them in all winter weather conditions.

A medium rug will usually have around 180 to 200 grams of fill and a heavy rug contains between 340 to 370 grams. The difference to the horse is appreciable.

Using Layers

If you aren't sure which weight will best suit your horse, err on the lighter side. It's easier and less expensive to add layers under thinner rugs than waste money buying heavy rugs which you then can't use because they're too thick. Keep adding layers until your horse's body and ears stay warm to your touch but he's not sweating.

Horse equipment manufacturers have designed a three piece layering system. It comes with a fleece rug liner which can be used alone or as an under layer for the medium weight stable rug. The lightweight turnout sheet placed on top of this turns the whole into a turnout rug.

The only danger of using this arrangement is the temptation of leaving the under layers on the horse throughout the whole winter, while removing and replacing just the top rug before and after turnout. I've witnessed such laziness many times.

This is the equivalent of wearing your pyjamas for months on end, without taking them off, and having an overcoat thrown over them every day. You'd get itchy, sweaty and very uncomfortable!

If you adopt this system remove all the layers often and groom your horse to stimulate his circulation before replacing the rugs.

Additional Horse Equipment

Hoods and Neck Covers

If you're able to ride during the winter and your horse is turned out during the day, use neck covers and hoods for extra protection.

Make sure they attach to your rug properly and be prepared for your horses to look at each other anxiously when they're turned out with hoods on. They drastically alter the horses' appearance!

Brushing Boots

In general it's a good idea to use protective boots if you turn your horse out for a few hours a day. Besides shielding the horse from tendon injuries and splints, an additional benefit to the rider is keeping the horse's legs clean for applying exercise boots.

Keep the two sets of boots separate: field boots will get muddy, and the horse shouldn't be turned out in the same sweaty boots he wore when working.

Rug Holders

Rugs are bulky pieces of horse equipment which need to be dried and stored out of the way.

A good system for drying and storing rugs is the swinging metal 'arm' attached to the wall. The rug is draped over the arm and dries out quickly, before the rail is laid flush against the wall.

One convenient storage method is a rail on the horse's stable door. But unless there's a grille over the top half, your average horse will tug at the rug with inquisitive teeth before dragging it into his stable and ruining it. If you use this type of rail, put it out of equine reach.

Turnouts are vital items of horse equipment, together with their accessories, but there are easy ways to find the most cost and time effective rugging system for your horse.

The author currently works for an EquestrianClearance.com an Online Equestrian Retail company selling lots of horse equipment and horse rugs. The company has vast experience and knowledge in the equestrian market. Please check out the company equestrian blog for information and guides about horses and all thing equestrian!

Roma Fetlock Boots $16.95 Roma Fetlock Boots. Roma Fetlock Boots feature a hard out shell to protect the fetlocks with a soft neoprene lining for comfort and shock absorption.

WOOF WEAR Pro Fetlock Boots $49.95 WoofWear Pro Fetlock Boots provide superior leg protection for your horse. Fetlock Boot ia ideal when protection of the hind fetlock is needed.

Roma Airvent Fetlock Boots $31.49 Keep your horses leg protected with the Roma Airvent Fetlock Boots. These boots come with airvent technology to keep your horse cool, and are ideal for schooling and jumpers

Roma Fleece Lined Fetlock Boots $18.95 Rome Fleece Lined Fetlock Boots. A well made and economical Fetlock Boot from Roma. Easy to put on and cozy for your horse or pony the Roma Fleece Lined Fetlock Boots are a great choice for providing maximum protection.

Roma Equiwool Fetlock Boots $27.99 Roma Equiwool Fetlock Boots feature a protective outer shell with genuine wool lining that allows air to circulate while regulating temperature.

Roma Illusion Fetlock Boots $36.95 Offer your horse superior leg protection with the Roma Illusion Fetlock Boots. Designed with a synthetic leather outer with neoprene, a hard molded shell and gel inner for extra protection.

Horze Leather Fetlock Boots $66 Ideal for the horse that interferes behind the Horze&reg Leather Fetlock Boots keep your horse sound and protected.  Pair with leather tendon boots for a complete set These boots are leather with velcro and overlapping closures. Z -embroidery on the left bottom corner. Neoprene lining with punched airholes.

WOOF WEAR Sport Fetlock Boots $29.95 WoofWear Sport Fetlock Boots provide your horse with superior ankle protection. Double Touch and Close straps for secure fit.

Roma Collection Gel Fetlock Boots $27.95 Roma Collection Gel Fetlock Boots - Neoprene with gel layer that molds to legs for a comfortable secure fit.

Crosby Leather Fetlock Sheepskin Boots $96.95 Give your horse ultimate protection with the Crosby Leather Fetlock Sheepskin Boots. Ideal for jumping, these boots offer superb tendon and ligament protection

Amerigo Professional Hind Fetlock Boots $250 The Amerigo Professional Fetlock Boots are designed to encourage the horse to react quicker with its hind legs. Best used as a training tool, not for daily attention.

Equilibrium Tri Zone Fetlock Boots $77.95 Equilibrium Tri Zone Fetlock Boots. Intelligent targeted protection from Equilibrium. Made from high impact resistant TPU the Tri Zone Fetlock Boots from Equilibrium are tough and durable yet stylish and simple eto ensure an easy fit. Three protective zones and a unique corrugated EVA lining for increased impact proection make the Tri Zone Fetlock Boots an excellent choice in equine leg protection.

Crosby Leather Fetlock Hampa Style Boots $30.95 Keep your horses leg protected with the Crosby Leather Leather Fetlock Hampa Style Boots. These boots come with neoprene lining and are ideal for schooling and jumpers