Horse Rugs
Horse rugs fall into a few main types: turnout rugs (waterproof, for the field), stable rugs (warm but not waterproof, for indoors), fly rugs (light mesh for summer), and coolers and fleeces (to dry a hot or wet horse after work or travel). Within turnout and stable rugs you then choose a weight — lightweight, medium or heavyweight — to match the weather and how much coat your horse has. Just Horse Riders stocks hundreds of rugs from brands including WeatherBeeta, Shires, Rhinegold, Gallop, John Whitaker and Premier Equine, from around £19.
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Rug buying advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed June 2026.
Rugs are one of the most confusing things to buy — turnout versus stable, what weight, what size, and a different word on every label. We've fitted and sold thousands, so this guide gets you to the right rug fast, whether you've got a hardy native who lives out or a clipped competition horse who feels the cold.
Shop horse rugs by type
- Turnout rugs — waterproof, for horses living out or turned out in the field.
- Stable rugs — warm and breathable for the stable (not waterproof).
- Fly rugs & sheets — light mesh to keep flies and midges off in summer.
- Coolers & fleeces — wick away sweat and moisture after work, travel or washing.
- Exercise sheets — keep a clipped back warm while you ride in winter.
Which horse rug do I need?
| Situation | Rug to choose |
|---|---|
| Lives out / turned out in wet, windy weather | Waterproof turnout rug (weight to suit the temperature) |
| Stabled and needs warmth overnight | Stable rug (not waterproof) |
| Hot, sweaty or wet after work, travel or a bath | Cooler or fleece |
| Bothered by flies and midges in summer | Fly rug |
| Clipped and ridden in cold weather | Exercise sheet under the saddle |
What weight rug should my horse wear?
"Weight" is the gram (g) filling inside the rug — more grams means more warmth. Treat it as a guide, not a rule: a clipped or fine-coated horse needs more than a hairy native standing in the same field.
| Weight | Filling | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| No-fill / lightweight | 0–100g | Mild, wet or breezy days; keeping a horse dry without overheating |
| Medium | 150–250g | Cold winter days and nights — the most-used weight for most horses |
| Heavyweight | 300–400g+ | Hard frost and bitter cold, clipped horses, and those who feel the cold |
Tip: many people keep one lightweight and one medium/heavy rug and layer a liner underneath, rather than buying every weight.
Turnout rug or stable rug — what's the difference?
A turnout rug has a waterproof, breathable outer for use outside in the field. A stable rug is not waterproof — it is made for warmth indoors. Don't use a stable rug outside in the rain, as it will soak through. Many turnout rugs come as a "combo", which means the neck cover is built in.
What do "denier" and "combo" mean?
Denier (for example 600D, 1200D, 1680D) describes how tough the outer fabric is — a higher denier resists rips better, which matters for horses who play or live out in a herd. Combo (or "full neck") means the rug includes a matching neck cover for extra coverage.
How do I measure my horse for a rug?
UK rugs are sized in feet and inches (for example 5'9", 6'0", 6'3"). Measure from the centre of the chest, along the side, to the point of the buttock (the very back of the bottom). Round to the nearest size; if your horse is between sizes or broad, size up. Pony sizes typically run 4'0"–5'3" and horses 5'6"–7'0".
Which are the best horse rugs?
<\n\nWhich are the best horse rugs?
\nThese are the rugs our customers reach for most, by job:
\n- \n
- Best lightweight turnout: Shires Typhoon Lite Turnout (from £48.59) — tough, waterproof and a reliable everyday choice. \n
- Best value turnout: Rhinegold Capri 100gsm Outdoor Rug (from £32.56) — great-value lightweight for mild, wet days. \n
- Best combo (with neck): Shires Typhoon Lite Combo Turnout (from £61.19) — full-neck coverage for extra protection. \n
- Best stable rug: John Whitaker Rastrick V2 Stable Rug (from £30.11) — warm, well-made indoor warmth. \n
- Best cooler / fleece: Rhinegold Full Neck Fleece Rug (from £30.15) — dries a hot or wet horse and doubles as a smart travel rug. \n
- Best for flies: Gallop Fly Mesh Combo Rug (from £25.01) — or see the full fly protection range. \n
Frequently asked questions
\nWhat is the difference between a turnout rug and a stable rug?
\nA turnout rug has a waterproof, breathable outer and is made for the field. A stable rug is not waterproof — it gives warmth indoors only. Using a stable rug outside in the rain will leave your horse cold and wet, so keep stable rugs for the stable and turnouts for outside.
What weight rug does my horse need?
\nAs a guide: lightweight (0–100g) for mild or wet weather, medium (150–250g) for cold winter days, and heavyweight (300g+) for hard frost. Go heavier if your horse is clipped, fine-coated or feels the cold, and lighter for a hardy native with a full coat.
How do I measure my horse for a rug?
\nMeasure from the centre of the chest, along the side, to the point of the buttock, and match that to the nearest size in feet and inches (e.g. 6'0"). If your horse is between sizes or broad across the shoulders, size up.
Are turnout rugs waterproof?
Yes — turnout rugs have a waterproof, breathable outer designed for the field. Over time the waterproofing can wear, so a once-a-year reproofing wash keeps an older turnout shedding rain.
What does "combo" or "full neck" mean?
A combo (full-neck) rug includes a matching neck cover built in, so it protects the neck and shoulders as well as the body. A standard rug stops at the wither and can be paired with a separate neck cover if needed.
How do I stop my horse getting sweet itch in summer?
A close-weave fly rug acts as a physical barrier that helps protect against the midges that trigger sweet itch. Look for a sweet-itch-specific combo with belly and neck coverage, and pair it with fly protection — it helps manage the problem rather than curing it.
Not sure which rug or size your horse needs? Tap the WhatsApp button at the bottom of the screen and one of the team will help — we rug our own horses too.