When thinking of buying a new turnout rug for your horse, the possibilities can seem endless.
Choosing the right weight will depend greatly on the environment your horse is kept in and his condition. A Thoroughbred turned out 24/7 may need a thicker rug to get through winter than a Welsh Section D that is stabled overnight.
Once you've chosen the weight of rug you need you need to consider the appropriate neck. Again, this will be largely dependent on your horse and personal preference, you can choose from a Standard, Combo, or a Detach-A-Neck (which really is the best of both worlds).
Your budget will play an equally important factor. A general rule of thumb is to buy the best you can afford. Turnout rugs that are more expensive will have additional features for your horse's comfort and will typically last longer.
But why do turnout rugs that cost more tend to last longer? The answer is denier.
Denier is the thickness and weight of the fibres used to make the fabric of the rug. The strength of the fabric, and subsequently the rug, is determined by its denier. Common thicknesses of denier you will find are: 600D, 1200D, and 1680D. The higher the denier number, the thicker the weave, and the stronger the material.
WeatherBeeta rugs are available in a range of deniers from 600D to 1680D to match the needs of every horse.
WeatherBeeta Denier Guide
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1680 Denier Ballistic Nylon Our strongest rug on the market. Made from super strong nylon with added Teflon® coating woven in a tight ballistic basket weave for the ultimate strength. |
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1200 Denier Triple Weave Three dimensioned weave interlocks to offer extra strength and durability. Suitable for the horses that need medium durability in their rugs. |
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1200 Denier Ripstop A durable weave technique which prevents tears from spreading. |
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Green-Tec 900 Denier Waterproof and breathable plain weave made from over 340 plastic bottles. Our most environmentally friendly rugs. |
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600 Denier Ripstop Yarns are woven in a crosshatch pattern to add strength to the fabric and stop the spreading of tears. A better suited rug for the sensible horses who are gentler on their rugs. |
Which denier should I choose for my horse?
There are a few factors when considering which rug to choose. Consider your budget, your horse’s nature, and his natural environment.
What is your horse’s behaviour in the field? If your horse is calm and relaxed when turned out, a 600 denier will be perfectly suitable. If your horse likes to destroy or attempt to escape the rug, a minimum of a 1200 denier rug is sure to save you money in the long run. At WeatherBeeta we refer to these two horse types as either a “Rug Wrecker” or a “Rug Houdini” – and we’ve all known at least one of those in our time.
How long does your horse have in the field each day?
If your horse has limited turnout each day for a simple leg stretch, then it’s likely that a 600 denier rug would be perfectly suitable. The WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Classic Standard Neck Medium offers a warm polyfill of 220g, a 600 ripstop denier outer which is waterproof and breathable, and reflective strips for extra visibility on the darker evenings.
Shop WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Classic Standard Neck Medium here
For horses that live in the field 24/7 or that are turned out for longer periods during the colder months, a higher denier rug is a MUST to ensure durability. You may also wish to consider a rug with a detachable neck, for versatility.
The WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Ultra Cozi II Detach-A-Neck Heavy offers maximum protection against the elements, with a 1680 denier outer, detachable neck cover, and 360g fill to keep your horse warm in the winter months.
Shop WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Ultra Cozi II Detach-A-Neck Heavy here
For many, a 1200 denier rug is the perfect choice, offering a great level of durability and affordability. The WeatherBeeta Premier Free II Detach-A-Neck Medium has a robust 1200 denier outer and a warm 200g fill. What’s more, the Premier Free II is also compatible with the WeatherBeeta Liner system, so that you can adjust the thickness of your rug for the ultimate versatility.
Shop WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Premier Free II Detach-A-Neck Medium here
Now you can shop with confidence knowing how to pick a rug with a suitable denier for your horse. Be sure to share this blog with your friends so they can learn about denier too!
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