Here comes summer! Summer rugs

Masta’s Aztex Light Turnout is waterproof and has no filling

Come rain or shine, there’s the perfect rug for your horse this summer. Horse Deals looks at the latest designs on offer

Having survived one of the most challenging winters on record, owners are keeping their fingers crossed for a horse-friendly summer. And with the weather experts forecasting "bar-b-q" months, we’ll be on the lookout for effective coolers and summer sheets that deliver quality and performance.

But with hot weather also comes the threat of insects, so owners need to be reassured that their horse has the best bug-busting protection while turned out.

Sherwood Forest has unveiled its Vespa Combo fly rug made from a durable, soft polyester mesh outer to protect from insects. This innovative close weave rug features an action gusset, twin chest straps, belly flap and full neck coverage without the need for a headcollar to keep it in place.

Masta’s collection of fly rugs includes its popular soft mesh full neck rug in heat reflecting white, with additional Lycra mask. This improved design offers neck reinforcement and mini gusset belly wrap.

Snuggy Hoods, manufacturer of the original sweet itch rug, has taken this classic and reworked it for 2010. The Sweet Itch Body incorporates a hood and rug set, offering built in ears, fly fringe, belly band, tail guard and tail flap and shoulder saver.

New aspects include an adjustable nose fastening for easy fitting, a water repellent breathable fabric, plus seamless internal hood lining to help prevent mane rubs. The sets, which have proved popular with showing professionals, also help protect against sun bleaching and stains, making them a good choice for non-sweet itch sufferers too. Additional protection includes detachable leg, udder and sheath covers.

The award-winning Rambo Helix cooler uses technology to dry the horse

Snuggy Hoods Sweet Itch Head features generous eyeholes with attached or detachable fly fringe and full ear coverage, plus a protective lining behind the poll. Manufactured from breathable “slightly stretchy” machine washable fabric with seams that avoid pressure on poll and muzzle areas, it has a double Velcro fastening behind the poll.

With the competition season now in full flow, summer sheets, coolers and fleece rugs that are smart but effective during travel are top of the shopping list.

Caldene’s Fleece rug is a useful piece of kit when it comes to show preparation. It is anti-static to help smooth down your horse’s coat and its anti-pill properties help keep it looking smart after washing. It features single-buckle front fastening, cross-surcingles and a fillet string.

Battles’ Hy Waffle machine-washable rug is made from quality cotton and is ideal for travelling or after exercise, as well as being a lightweight stable rug. It features adjustable cross-surcingles, double front buckles fastening at the chest, fleece wither protection, tail flap and fillet string.

As the name suggests, the Bucas Sun Shower works in rain and sun

But rug companies don’t just churn out the same every season. Richard Lawrence, sales and marketing director for the Caldene and Masta range, says a collection takes more than a year to design and manufacture.

“It’s an extensive process that looks at current and future trends, research into the most durable and appropriate fabrics and the requirements of today’s horse and owner,” he explains. “Over the years, the Masta team has looked into exactly what owners require from their rugs. The findings showed they want high-quality, durable rugs that fit the horse well, are comfortable and make rugging as easy as possible.

“Caldene represents premium quality and has a strict philosophy to design products to meet the needs of riders and their horses. We listen to any feedback to try to ensure the range constantly looks to the future.”

Bucas also plans its new collection well ahead, with customer feedback again a priority.

“We started collating data in the spring of 2009 and held board meetings with our international sales team, PR and designers to see how the range was going, where improvements could be made and discuss trends,” says Eleanor Courtney, sales and marketing manager. “More and more owners are looking for a dual-purpose rug they can use in the stable and field, which is where our Smartex rug fits so well.

“New designs are always extensively tested on a variety of horses of all sizes and breeds locally to our base in Ireland first. They’re adjusted and tweaked in-house before being sent out for road testing. Constant contact with the users is essential in making the best products and we always take on board comments from retailers and consumers.”

Caldene’s fleece helps smooth down the horse’s coat

Bucas interviewed horseowners across the UK to find out consumer trends and gain an insight into spending habits.

“The results showed that more than ever horseowners are looking to save money, but that they are prepared to invest in brands and products offering value for money AND quality. This why I think we’ve continued to have bouyant sales figures despite the economic downturn,” says Eleanor. “We’ve also noticed a lot more people going for our top end rugs, as over the long term they outperform cheaper brands.”

An inner view of Intelligent Horsecare’s Cool Heat rug, showing the flexible inserts that lift it off the horse’s coat

New technology has played a big part in rugs offering comfort and protection, especially when the temperatures rise unexpectedly.

The RAMBO® Helix cooler, runner-up in the horsecare products and equipment category at this year’s BETA trade fair, uses the same Nanotech system as the company’s Newmarket Blouson Jacket — in reverse. In this case hydrophilic (water loving) molecules are chemically bonded to an advanced fabric on the inside of the rug, which lifts moisture away from the horse and quickly transfers it to a wide area, where it will then dry much quicker. Soil-release chemicals are also dyed into the rug to help make it come out of the washing machine looking like new.

Another high-tech design is Intelligent Horsecare’s Cool Heat rug, which is designed to prevent overheating and excess humidity by allowing the horse to regulate his temperature naturally. Smooth flexible inserts lift the rug off the coat, allowing air to circulate or the hair to be raised to trap warm air. The rug can also be put on a wet horse while the coat dries, so is ideal for use during and after competition.

Horseowners are prepared to invest in brands and products offering value for money AND quality – Eleanor Courtney

Much as we’re looking forward to sunny days, those unpredictable summer downpours are also on the horizon, so lightweight turnout rugs that offer breathable, comfortable materials are in demand.

Caldene’s Excel lightweight zip neck turnout rug is perfect for the changeable summer months. Waterproof and breathable in 1,680-denier strong nylon outer material, it will protect from showers and be comfortable on warm days.

Masta’s Aztex Light Turnout is ideal for the cooler spring weather. It has no filling and is extremely durable, with waterproof and breathable qualities. It features easy front fastenings and a new gusseted tail flap designed to prevent it blowing up in windy conditions. A higher neckline helps avoid rubbing.

If you’re looking for a lightweight turnout blanket that caters for rain and sun, the Bucas Sun Shower Rug could be the answer. It features a waterproof, breathable coating with an additional Teflon outer shield and sun-reflective silver for perfect climate control. A mesh lining helps circulate air, while shoulder darts, a generous cut around the shoulders and elastic leg straps make this is a truly practical summer rugging solution.

The Snuggy Hoods Sweet Itch set has also proved popular with showing professionals

Lightweight stable rugs are also useful for cooler summer evenings, especially if you want to keep coats looking good. Caldene’s Classic 90 Stable rug is manufactured in 1,000-denier polyester with double waved quilting and a 90g (3oz) thermal insulating filling. It has a ripstop nylon lining, one-click front fastening and surcingle patches.

Another useful addition is Masta’s cotton summer sheet, made from heavyweight cotton, with cross-surcingles, a wither pad and twin front-fastening strap. It also features an anti-rub chest lining.

This is just a fraction of what’s on offer, so whatever the weather throws at us, you and your horse will be spoilt for choice when it comes to updating his summer wardrobe.