Mediumweight Turnout Rugs
Mediumweight turnout rugs carry roughly 150–250g of fill — the middle ground between a lightweight (0–100g) rain sheet and a heavyweight (300g+) winter rug. They suit the changeable UK autumn and spring, and cold-but-not-freezing winter days, typically when temperatures sit around 0–10°C. Just Horse Riders stocks mediumweight turnout rugs from brands including Shires, Gallop Equestrian, Saxon, John Whitaker, Rhinegold and Weatherbeeta, with waterproof outers from 600 up to 1200 denier.
In a hurry?
- What weight? Mediumweight = about 150–250g fill, for roughly 0–10°C.
- When to use it: Damp, breezy autumn/spring days and milder winter spells — the UK's most common turnout conditions.
- Look for: A higher denier (600D everyday, 1200D+ for rough play or hedge-diving horses) and a waterproof, breathable outer.
- Prices from £28.74, with free UK delivery over £50.
What is a mediumweight turnout rug?
A turnout rug is a waterproof rug worn outdoors in the field. "Mediumweight" refers to the grams of polyfill insulation sewn inside — usually 150g, 200g or 250g. That fill traps warmth without overloading a horse, so a mediumweight rug helps keep a clipped or fine-coated horse comfortable through the damp, unsettled weather that makes up much of the British year. Many mediumweight rugs, such as the Shires Typhoon 200 and Gallop Equestrian Trojan Duraproof 200G Combo Turnout, come as a combo (with an attached neck cover) for extra coverage.
When should I use a mediumweight rug?
As a general guide, mediumweight (150–250g) suits roughly 0–10°C, lightweight or no-fill sheets suit milder days above about 10°C, and heavyweight (300g+) is for hard frost and freezing nights. Clipping, age, condition and whether your horse is stabled overnight all change the picture, so treat weight charts as a starting point rather than a rule. If you are unsure, your vet or a knowledgeable yard manager can advise on what suits your individual horse.
How do the rug weights compare?
| Weight | Fill (approx.) | Rough temperature guide | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lightweight | 0–100g | Above ~10°C | Mild, wet days; rain protection with little warmth |
| Mediumweight | 150–250g | ~0–10°C | Changeable autumn/spring and milder winter days |
| Heavyweight | 300g+ | Below ~0°C | Hard frost, freezing nights, clipped horses out in winter |
Browse the full range in our turnout rugs collection, or see every option across horse rugs.
What does denier mean, and which should I choose?
Denier measures the toughness of the outer fabric, not its warmth. A 600 denier ripstop outer — as on the Shires Tempest Original and Saxon Defiant — is a sensible everyday choice. If your horse plays hard, lives out full-time, or tends to find every hedge and fence, a 1200 denier outer (as on the DefenceX System rugs) offers more abrasion resistance. Higher denier is generally harder-wearing but can feel a little heavier; the right balance depends on your horse's turnout habits.
Which mediumweight turnout rugs do we recommend?
A few in-stock favourites for the changeable season:
- Shires Typhoon 200 Combo Turnout Rug — 200g combo with attached neck cover for extra coverage. From £68.39.
- John Whitaker Rastrick V2 250g Combo Turnout Rug — 250g fill at the warmer end of mediumweight. From £69.78.
- Saxon Defiant 600D Combo Neck Medium — practical 600 denier combo for everyday turnout. From £46.29.
- Gallop Equestrian Ponie Duraproof 200G Turnout Combo — 200g pony combo, hard-wearing and good value. From £49.01.
- StormX Original 200 Combi Turnout Rug — 200g combi turnout with a waterproof outer, hard-wearing and great value. From £39.77.
Fit matters as much as weight: a rug that slips or rubs can cause sores. Measure your horse before ordering, and ask a saddle-fitter or experienced yard manager to check the fit if you are unsure.
How do I measure my horse for a rug?
Measure in a straight line from the centre of the chest, along the side of the body, to the point of the buttock (the edge of the tail). In the UK this length is given in feet and inches — for example, 6'0" or 6'3". If your horse falls between two sizes, most owners size up. A correctly fitted rug sits comfortably at the chest and withers without pulling across the shoulders.
Frequently asked questions
What temperature is a mediumweight turnout rug for?
As a rough guide, a mediumweight rug (about 150–250g fill) suits temperatures around 0–10°C. Clipping, age, condition and whether your horse is stabled all affect this, so use it as a starting point and adjust to your own horse. Your vet can advise if you are unsure.
What is the difference between a mediumweight and a heavyweight rug?
The main difference is the amount of insulating fill. Mediumweight rugs carry roughly 150–250g and suit milder, changeable weather, while heavyweight rugs carry 300g or more for hard frost and freezing nights. Many owners keep both and switch as the forecast changes.
How much do mediumweight turnout rugs cost?
At Just Horse Riders, in-stock mediumweight rugs start from around £28.74, with combo and higher-denier options up to roughly £85. Pony sizes tend to sit at the lower end. Free UK delivery applies on orders over £50.
What does denier mean on a turnout rug?
Denier describes how tough the outer fabric is, not how warm the rug is. A 600 denier outer suits everyday turnout, while 1200 denier and above is more abrasion-resistant for horses that play hard or live out full-time. Warmth comes from the fill weight, measured separately in grams.
How do I stop a turnout rug from rubbing?
Correct sizing is the first step — measure your horse and choose a rug that sits smoothly without pulling at the shoulders or chest. Shoulder gussets or pleats help freedom of movement, and a well-fitted rug should not slip. If rubbing continues, ask a saddle-fitter or your vet to check the fit and your horse's skin.
Do you deliver turnout rugs for free?
Yes — we offer free UK delivery on orders over £50, with next-day dispatch on eligible items ordered before 4pm. All rugs are covered by our 90-day returns policy.
Free UK delivery over £50 · Next-day on eligible items before 4pm · 90-day returns · Family-run UK retailer since 2010.
Rug and turnout advice from the Just Horse Riders team — last reviewed 12 July 2026. General guidance only; for individual sizing, health or fit concerns please consult a professional fitter or your vet.