How to Fit a Horse with a Rug Correctly

Putting horse rugs on horses is an essential skill for any horse owner. It is important that your safety and your horse's safety are ensured throughout the procedure of fitting a horse rug. Follow these simple tips to get it right.

Firstly ensure that the horse is tied up, using a headcollar and leadrope, with a quick release knot to a piece of breakable string. This allows you to put the rug on in safety, without the horse moving off, however if the horse was to panic, the string would break and prevent further panicking. Ask a helper to help you to keep the horse still if he fidgets. It is always advisable to ask someone to supervise if you are unsure or new to putting horse rugs on.

Firstly take the rug and fold it in half, then lay it carefully over the horse. Make sure that you don't simply throw the rug over the horse as this could frighten the horse and could result in injury to yourself or the horse.

Unfold the rug, ensuring that each part of the rug covers the correct area; the wither pad should sit at the withers, the tail flap starts at the point at which the tail starts and if the rug features a neck cover this should cover the neck. Always place the rug slightly further forward than necessary and then pull the rug back into position, this ensures that the coat lies in the direction of growth which is more comfortable for the horse.

Move to the front of the horse and stand to one side - outside the reach of front hooves! From here do up the chest straps on the rug. There are usually two of these straps on horse rugs, which are done up using clips or buckles. You should be able to fit a hand's width between the horse and the rug all round the chest and neck. This prevents chafing and allows the horse to move his neck freely, especially essential when the horse is grazing or feeding from the floor.

Next move towards the horse's stomach and attach the cross surcingles. To do this, ensure that they are hanging freely on the right hand side then bend down (never kneel) and grab one from the left hand side. You could ask your helper to pass the surcingles underneath the horse's stomach to make this easier and safer. The cross surcingle at the front of the rug should attach to the rear clip and vice-versa. You should be able to fit a hand's width between the surcingles and the horse's stomach. This prevents the straps from rubbing the horse, but won't allow enough room for the horse's hoof or leg to become caught if he lies down or kicks.

If the rug features leg straps, do these up next. Take the left hand leg strap, pass it through the two legs carefully, watching incase the horse moves his legs, and attach it to the d-ring on the same side. Next, pass the right hand leg strap round the right hand leg and thread it through the left hand leg strap. This keeps the leg straps away from the horse's legs, thus preventing them from rubbing the inside of the horse's hindlegs.

Finally, if the rug features a filet string, carefully lift the tail over the fillet string, so that it lies beneath the tail to help keep the rug in place. Ensure that you stand to one side and not directly behind the horse whilst you do this.

If you are using a rug with a neck cover then these are usually done up with Velcro straps or clips. Ensure that you can fit a hand' women's jackets s width between the straps and the horse's neck to allow for full freedom of movement.