Cooler Rugs

How does a cooler rug for horses work?

Every horse owner should have a cooling and wicking rug in the stable. This is because after training, when the horse is sweaty, it is susceptible to cool draughts. Wicking rugs, as their name suggests, help the horse to wick off perspiration - they support the drying process by absorbing moisture. However, this is not stored as with cotton, but is quickly wicked away to the outside. The more moisture a wicking rug can absorb and the faster it can release it, the better. As a result, evaporative cooling and chilling is prevented and thus no wet rug remains on the horse. The effect can be seen on the rug when small water droplets form on the surface while the horse is warm and dry underneath. In the case of highly perspiring horses, it may be advisable to replace the cooling rug with another one until the horse is completely dry.

When should a cooler rug be used?

A cooling and wicking rug are breathable, lightly insulating and quick-drying and therefore a great benefit for the horse's health. During transport in the trailer, a wicking rug protects the sensitive kidney area from draughts and thus prevents hypothermia. After riding or lungeing, when the horse has perspired, a cooling rug aids the drying process while also protecting it from getting cold. Old, sick, easily cold or arthritic horses can be warmed by a wicking rug if a rug with filling is still too heavy for the outside temperatures.
Wicking and cooling rugs can also be used as light exercise rug because of their heat-insulating properties. To ensure that the horse has enough shoulder room, you can find fleece walker rugs with generous shoulder recesses in our shop.

How long should cooler rugs stay on the horse?

If the cooler rug is used after riding, the rug should be left on the horse until it is completely dry. As the amount of perspiration depends on the horse, the thickness of the coat and the intensity of the work, the length of time a cooling rug should be left on the horse will vary.
If the wicking rug is used in the transition period to winter to keep the development of a thick winter coat in check, the horse can be rugged overnight. However, it is important to remember that the wicking rug must not slip when the horse lies down. Therefore, when strong>buying a wicking and cooling rug for your horse, make sure that it has cross surcingles on the belly, a secure chest closure and possibly leg cords. In the field or paddock, the horse should then wear a light turnout rug. Wicking and cooling rugs are completely unsuitable for paddocks because of the risk of rolling in mud.

What materials are used for cooler rugs?

As a rule, cooling rugs are made of easy-care and breathable fleece. It is very absorbent and transports moisture to the outside. The breathability of fleece is much higher than that of cotton, for example. It releases moisture instead of storing it. This makes fleece an excellent wicking rug for horses. Meanwhile, there are also coolers made of terry fleece material.
Some manufacturers still use wool. However, wool rugs are less suitable for perspiration than for transport or the transitional period, as wool absorbs too much moisture instead of wicking it away into the atmosphere. This means that there is a risk of a heavy, wet rug lying on the horse, which can lead to chilling in cool ambient temperatures.

How do I prevent static charge with cooler rugs?

Wicking and cooling rugs for horses are usually made of fleece, i.e. polyester. Due to the friction on the horse's back, the material can become statically charged, especially in dry winter weather. You can already see this in the mane hairs when they lie flat against the horse's neck. If you then want to touch your horse or take off the rug, it will crackle loudly. This can be problematic for skittish horses that get a small electric shock when touched, because they then no longer want to be touched.
The best way to prevent static charging of the horse rug is moisture. Only in a very dry state under friction will the material become charged. For example, you can spray and lightly wet the inside of the rug before putting it on. Horses that are already wet or have sweated are less affected by the danger of static charge. Before removing the rug, you can moisten your hands with water before touching the rug. Care sprays that have a dirt-repellent and anti-static effect can also be sprayed on the horse when the wicking rug is to be put on a dry horse.
Another tip is to rub the horse with a dry cloth before touching or removing the rug. The fibres will then remove the charge.
When washing, avoid the spin cycle as much as possible. It is best to hang the wet cooler rug wide so that there is no friction and no build-up of charge.