What Rug Should I Put on My Horse?
- Your horse's age & condition (health, body fat, coat thickness)
- Breed (some breeds are naturally more resilient)
- Weather conditions (chilly winds, rain, or snow)
- Living environment (stable vs. field and available shelter)
Our horse rug weight chart is designed to help you select the ideal rug based on the current temperature. Correct rugging can keep your horse comfortable and healthy throughout the changing seasons. Keep in mind that every horse is unique so use this guide as a rough reference, but trust your knowledge of your horse's specific requirements.
Horse Rug Weight Chart by Temperature
Turned Out – Clipped Horses
- 15°C and above – No rug needed
- 10°C to 15°C – No rug / Sheet / Lightweight: 0g - 50g (weather-dependent, especially if wet and windy)
- 5°C to 10°C – Lightweight: 100g - 150g
- 0°C to 4°C – Medium weight: 200g - 250g (plus neck cover)
- 0°C to -10°C – Heavyweight: 250g - 400g (plus neck cover and liner)
- Below -10°C – Heavyweight: 300g - 500g (plus neck cover and liner)
Turned Out – Unclipped Horses
- 15°C and above – No rug needed
- 10°C to 15°C – No rug needed
- 5°C to 10°C – No rug / Sheet / Lightweight: 0g - 100g
- 0°C to 4°C – No rug / Lightweight / Medium weight: 150g - 200g
- 0°C to -10°C – Medium weight / Heavyweight: 200g - 300g
- Below -10°C – Heavyweight: 300g - 400g (plus neck cover)
Stabled – Clipped Horses
- 15°C and above – No rug / Sheet
- 10°C to 15°C – Lightweight: 0g - 150g
- 5°C to 10°C – Medium weight: 150g - 250g
- 0°C to 4°C – Heavyweight: 300g - 400g
- 0°C to -10°C – Heavyweight: 300g - 500g (with neck cover)
- Below -10°C – Heavyweight: 300g - 500g (with neck cover and liner)
Stabled – Unclipped Horses
- 15°C and above – No rug needed
- 10°C to 15°C – No rug / Lightweight: 0g
- 5°C to 10°C – Lightweight: 100g - 150g
- 0°C to 4°C – Medium weight: 200g - 250g
- 0°C to -10°C – Medium weight / Heavyweight: 250g - 300g
- Below -10°C – Medium / Heavyweight: 250g - 400g (plus neck cover)
Does my horse need a rug?
The question of whether your horse needs a rug often divides opinion at the yard… The simple answer is not always. Whether or not a horse requires a rug depends on factors like age, breed, and living environment. Many horses cope well with cold weather, especially if they are a hardy breed and have access to shelter and plenty of forage.
That said, there are times when rugging is necessary. For example, clipped horses lose their natural insulation and may need extra warmth. Additionally, extreme weather conditions or specific health concerns may mean your horse requires a rug to stay warm and comfortable.
In the wild, horses have thrived for centuries without rugs. Their ability to move freely helps them maintain body heat naturally. However, domesticated horses often have limited space and less access to natural shelter, making them more vulnerable to the wet and cold.
Don’t Be Tempted to Over-Rug: A Little Fill Can Beat the Chill
What Horse Rugs Will You Need?
- Lightweight Turnout Rug
- Medium Weight Turnout Rug
- Heavyweight Turnout Rug
- Lightweight Stable Rug
- Medium Weight Stable Rug
- Heavyweight Stable Rug
- Stable Sheet, Horse Cooler or Fleece
- Fly Sheet
Top Tip: Opting for a rug bundle like the Horseware Rambo Duo can help you through all the seasons as the layering system allows you to customise the rug warmth depending on the weather.
Where to Buy Horse Rugs Online?
As autumn and winter approach, now is the perfect time to assess whether you have the appropriate rugs to protect your horse through the changing seasons. From rain sheets to heavyweight turnouts, you'll find a range of quality horse rugs at Country & Stable to keep your horse comfortable all year-round.
