Horse Rug Q & A
Mirotec answers some of your most common questions about the use and care of Mirotec rugs for your equine partner.
Does My Horse Need a Rug?
Your horse needs a rug because the natural oils and dirt that keep him warm in the wild are removed each time you curry or vacuum. Then, when you clip your horse, say "so long" to that additional layer of warm hair. Since most stables are not heated, it's essential that you compensate for what's been taken away in the form of a rug, which has two purposes: The outer layer of the stable rug is for protection, the inner, is for warmth. If your horse goes outside in very cold weather, you'll need a turnout canvas cover rug for that scenario, too.
What Size Rug Does My Horse Need?
Need help measuring your horse for a rug? It's really simple. HorseRugs are
sized at 3-inch intervals and to measure your horse to ascertain the size of
rug needed you should measure from the centre of the chest, around one side
of the horse to the point of the buttock. HorseRugs are measured in the same
way - along the side from the front to the back. If your horse measures, for
example, a 6' 3", buy that size. If you think you'd like to buy the next larger
size, just to be safe, why not check with Mirotec
to make sure that you're not going to purchase a garment that will be too loose?
Belly straps don't secure the rug to the horse the way a girth secures a saddle to the horse's back. The two diagonal belly straps equalize the weight of the rug over the horse's back, to prevent displacement by wind or activity. Tighten belly straps with at least a hand's width fitting comfortably between the horse's belly and the straps, tight enough to prevent getting a hoof caught when the horse plays or rolls.
Leg straps should not be so tight as to cause friction nor placed dangerously low near the hocks. We recommend looping around each other between the legs and snapping back on the same side, not diagonally crossing. Tests show this helps avoid rubbing.
To Wash or Not to Wash?
Mirotec products should be hand-washed, or sponge-wiped to keep clean. If particularly dirty they can be gently machine washed on a cold cycle only. DO NOT SPIN DRY. Hang up to dry only. We recommend that you use commercial front-loading machines, otherwise, agitators can damage linings and insulations. We also recommend a mild Hand Wash detergent. The stronger the detergent, the more likely you'll degenerate the rug's protective coating. Dry Cleaning is also suitable but not too often.
Follow our washing directions, but beware, if you've ever washed your rug at home, you know that the resultant residue of hair and dirt in your washer takes two more cycles just to clean the machine...and then there's that penetrating odor of wet horsehair. But, perhaps it's better to spend £20 to get the rug professionally cleaned. Many local rug repair services will gladly pick up your rug and handle the housekeeping details.
Fitting the Mirotec Horse Rug
Follow this five-step checklist to make sure your horse's Mirotec rug fits properly.
When you receive your new Mirotec HorseRug, take a minute to check the fit of
his rug. Mirotec rugs are designed to fit all horses, however any changes in
your horse's body condition can cause a cover that fit perfectly previously
to be ill-suited for his present profile.
The following five-point rug check will make sure your horse is both warm and comfortable this winter:
- Can you slip your hand easily between the rug and his withers? Continual pressure in this area can produce discomfort or even lasting injury.
- Is there room to slide a hand up into his shoulder area? Too tight a fit here will rub off hair and cause painful friction injuries.
- Is the neck cut so your horse can graze without pain? Place a tempting treat at floor level and watch for pressure from the front buckles as he reaches for it.
- If the rug is too long ensure the tail flap lifts easily when your horse passes manure? A too-long tail cover will get in the way of falling manure and become a crusted mess.
- Do the belly straps have to be adjusted tightly to keep the rug in place? A rug cut for your horse's body shape will stay in place without tight, uncomfortable belly straps.
A "yes" to one or more of these questions means that your horse and his rug are a poor match. Simple alterations and creative use of fleece can fix some minor fit problems but the best solution may be to replace the rug altogether. Measure your horse before you order or contact Mirotec directly about the right size for your horse's particular body shape and size. If you have to make a return because of poor fit we are happy to replace it with a suitable size. Try each purchase on your horse over a bed sheet so that it will be clean and hair-free.
