Horse comfort in the stable through the seasons
An unclipped horse, kept dry and out of the wind, copes well with the cold in his winter coat. A rug becomes useful when he is clipped, elderly, struggles to hold condition or lives out without shelter. In the stable, a stable rug such as the Horseware Rambo 400 g keeps him warm without a waterproof outer. In the field, you need a waterproof, breathable turnout rug, such as the Amigo Ripstop 900D or the HKM models with neck. Weights and sizes are detailed on the page for horse rugs.
Checking under the rug
Slide your hand under the rug, behind the shoulder. If the skin is warm and dry, all is well. Damp or flattened hair signals a horse that is too hot: switch to a lighter weight. Remove the rug at least once a day to brush and check the shoulders, withers and hips, where it rubs. The HKM chest protector limits rubbing at the front, and the Amigo HFI chest extender gives more room to broad-shouldered horses.
Flies in summer
The fly mask covers the eyes, sometimes the ears and the end of the nose. The HKM Lissabon and the Amalfi are worn in the field, whereas the HKM Sports fly veil and the Equiline fly mask are used during work. Remove the mask every day to check the eyes and clean it. The whole range is gathered in the fly masks.
Legs at rest
After exertion, travel or during a few days of box rest, stable bandages applied over bandage pads protect the legs and keep them warm. They are applied evenly, without tightening, and redone every day. Prima bandages, the HKM fleece bandage, bandage pads and stable boots are kept with the stable bandages.