***UPDATE - Pictures have now been uploaded. Due to the fact that my postcode and house number are painted on the side of my rugs for security, I have edited the pictures to obscure this.***
There is a distinct chill in the air at the moment, and it is at this time of year that horse and pony owners start to think about rugs. This is especially true for those of us that keep our animals out 24 hours a day in all weathers. You need something comfortable for your horse (or in my case, pony) that doesn’t leave a hefty dent in your bank balance, and that is hardwearing enough to withstand a British winter (which can be extreme in terms of rain if nothing else!). Thank goodness for Horseware Ireland! They make a range of different rugs, but the one I wanted to tell you about is the Rhino Pony Turnout Original.
FEATURES
This rug comes in three weights - heavy, medium and lite (their spelling). The heavyweight has a 370g thermobonded fibrefill, the medium has 200g and the lite has no filling (making it ideal for the milder autumn /spring weather). All weights have a 1000 denier ripstop polypropylene outer in a navy/green/purple check pattern, and they are made using ‘barrier technology’, meaning the waterproof ‘Aquatrans’ (trademark) coating is applied to a carrier fabric layered underneath the outer fabric. This helps the rug to keep its waterproof properties even if it gets a hole in it. It also has a nylon lining which helps polish the coat. Other features include twin breast straps (not adjustable, but this shouldn‘t matter if you buy the right size), cross surcingles, a tail flap and a fillet strap, all in a self-righting breathable design. The pony range of rugs come in sizes 4’3” - 5’6”.
I haven’t been able to find a price for the heavyweight version of this rug. Although featured on the manufacturers website (www.horseware.com) it doesn’t seem to be freely available from any of the usual on-line shops. I can’t comment on this one, as I don’t need it for my pony and I haven’t used one. Just as well, since I can’t find it for sale!
I bought the mediumweight rug for £61:00, and the lightweight for £55:00, which I think compares well with similar rugs. Prices seem to vary by about £5 either way depending on which shop you use.
BENEFITS FOR THE PONY
My pony has been wearing Rhino Pony Turnout Original mediumweight rugs for the last three winters, and lightweight for one (since they became available).
Fit: The fit is exceptional - no rubbing on the shoulders, no tightness around the neck and no slipping at all. She appears to be very comfortable when wearing them and has never tried to get them off, and her freedom of movement does not seem restricted in any way.
Durability: In the coldest and wettest of weathers these rugs have kept her warm and dry, with no leaks at all. In fact I find sticking my hands under her rug a really good way to warm them up on cold winter mornings! Despite the few small holes she has managed to make in them (and all equines seem to be masters at this) the waterproofing has not been affected, and where other rugs have ended up with huge rips these have not.
BENEFITS FOR THE OWNER
Ease of use: The Rhino rugs are very light and easy to put on and take off my pony, even when wet. The front fastenings are hook and eye (like surcingle straps) rather than buckles, which makes life much easier when my fingers are numb on frosty mornings.
Money-saving: My feed bill has been kept down using these rugs. Since they keep her so warm and dry, my pony doesn’t need to waste energy on maintaining her body temperature, which saves me money.
Easy care: The rugs are machine washable, and providing you follow the instructions on the label, they don’t lose their waterproofing. Mine have been through the wash several times and come out looking very good. They don’t lose their shape and they dry quickly on a washing line.
So that is what I think of Rhino Pony Turnout Original rugs. I would highly recommend them, and personally will never waste money trying any other make. The last time I did that it fell apart within three months!
More information on the full range of Horseware Ireland rugs can be found at www.horseware.com.
