|
The Turnout Rug is designed to keep the horse clean and dry when out in the field, and also warm during the winter. Turnout Rugs are made from synthetic material, with winter Turnout Rugs often padded for warmth. Turnout Rugs are more lightweight than the traditional New Zealand Rug and so less prone to rubbing on the shoulders, chest and withers of the horse. However, the Turnout Rug should not be too tight round the neck and chest area.
To ensure that the Turnout Rug gives maximum protection against the weather the rug should be sufficiently long that none of the horse's belly is visible and the front should have a good overlap. Some Turnout Rugs have pleats in the shoulders which allow for more freedom of movement and some also have optional attachments such as neck covers to give extra protection from the winter elements.
Turnout Rugs are available in different thicknesses and weights from lightweight Summer Turnout Rugs with no filling and lightweight to heavyweight Turnout Rugs for winter with varying degrees of filling. There are also Under Blankets or Liners available to be used with Turnout Rugs to provide extra warmth. Turnout Rugs are often available in a variety of colours.
In the past, the synthetic material of Turnout Rugs has been more prone to tearing on small branches, barbed wire, etc than traditional New Zealand Rugs but now many modern Turnout Rugs are made of "Ripstop" material designed to be less prone to tearing.
Turnout Rugs are usually held in place by a cross surcingle on each side which is passed from the front of one side, under the belly and fastened towards the rear on the other side. This is accompanied by a fillet string attaching both sides of the Turnout rug at the rear over which the tail is pulled through.
Some Turnout Rugs may have hind leg straps and these should be fastened by passing one strap between the hind legs and fastening it to the back onto the same side to which it is attached to the rug. The second strap is then passed between the legs, through the first strap, and fastened to the same side to which it is attached. This way the leg straps are linked between the hind legs. The leg straps should be adjusted to allow a hand's width to be placed comfortably between the back of the horse's leg and the strap. If the leg straps are too tight they can cause rubbing, and if too loose the horse may get its hooves caught in the straps when lying down.
Turnout Rugs are breathable and so allow perspiration to evapourate and unlike New Zealand Rugs, Turnout Rugs do not normally need to be reproofed in order to retain their waterproof qualities.
| 
