Sunday, January 19, 2014

When To Use Amigo Horse Rugs

By Marissa Velazquez


Amigo horse rugs are made by Horseware Ireland Ltd. Established in 1985, this company quickly became the industry standard. Their policy is "innovation, not imitation". Products are continuously reviewed to make sure blankets are made of the best materials, comfortable for the horses, easy for the customer to handle, and with an affordable price tag.

Blankets protect from cold, rain, dirt and mud. Some protect from insects or ultraviolet rays. A properly fitted blanket doesn't slip or leak. Turnout blankets must be waterproof. Blankets must be the right weight and fit to protect from the elements while allowing complete range of motion. Sheets are for protection from dust and dirt, but don't add warmth. Cooler sheets insulate against chills after exercise on cold winter days.

Protect your horse with a stable blanket while it's in the stable. When you turnout your horse, change to a durable, waterproof turnout blanket. All Amigo brand turnout rugs are waterproof with a breathable nylon liner. They come in 3 weights, with or without a hood. If extremely cold, use a stable blanket as a liner.

A blanket keeps show animals from growing a thick winter coat. It also keeps the coat clean. Of course any animal visibly shivering should immediately be covered. Like people, colts and fillies and the elderly get chilled easier than healthy adults. An animal with a clipped coat, or one recently moved from a warmer climate, may need a blanket when other local animals are comfortable without.

Horses should have at least a sheet and 1 turnout blanket. In very cold weather horses need an outer layer for protection from the elements, and an inner layer for warmth. If you can afford extra blankets, then blankets can be washed while others are worn. Every horse should have his own set of blankets to avoid any expensive spread of skin infections.

Measure from the center of the chest to the tail along the side of the horse. Order the same size as inches measured. For odd sizes or if your horse has a thick coat, round up. Check fit by slipping your hand between the blanket and withers. You should be able to reach the shoulder. Be sure the horse can lower his head to graze comfortably, and lift his tail to eliminate without obstructions. Too small blankets leave skin exposed, irritate the skin, and are uncomfortable to wear. Too large a blanket can rub blisters. The blanket can slip causing the animal to stumble. Insects and mud get underneath and become trapped.

Use a blanket when it rains or when the thermometer dips below 55 degrees. Start with a lightweight blanket. Between 30-40 degrees, most horses are more comfortable with a medium weight rug. Below 30 degrees, add a liner. Below 20 degrees, use a heavy weight rug with a stable rug as a liner.

With Amigo horse rugs, expect Horseware Ireland's quality and design at a budget friendly price. They offer a wide selection of equine fashions and tack for pleasure, schooling, low level showing, everyday work and play. Check out the Amigo line of stable blankets and sheets, turnout blankets, and coolers. They come in a variety of colors with halters, boots, and accessories to match. Buy online or visit your local tack shop.




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