Keeping your horse cool and comfortable in summer

Article from 'Straight from the Horse's Mouth' - November 2009

Zilco has truly revolutionised the way we keep our horses warm and dry, cool and comfortable, with rugs to match all weather conditions all year round.

Zilco Synthetic rugs are lightweight and yet surprisingly strong; and are well known for their roomy design catering for horses and ponies with large shoulders.

Zilco's 10 Top Tips

• Always try before you buy!
• When trying your rug for size, use an old cotton bed sheet under the rug so if it doesn't fit, you can return it in new condition.
• Place the rug forward and in front of the wither. The chest buckle should be fastened on the first or second hole, further back than this and your horse may need a larger size.
• To ensure a really good fit, measure your horse from the middle of its chest to the middle of his tail. This measurement takes into consideration the size of the shoulder.
• Surcingle Straps should be firm under the belly. You should be able to place the palm of your hand between the belly and the surcingle, but no more gap than that.
• The rug making process is very sophisticated but no rug will keep a horse 100% dry. Nor is it 100% tear proof in an outdoor situation.
• Natural (Canvas) rugs need to be broken in properly and it's important to know that they don't become leak-proof until they are exposed to the wet a few times and the cotton swells. You can speed up this process by placing the rug on a fence or your horse, if he will stand still, and wet for 5 minutes and then allow to dry.
• Some synthetic rugs, particularly those that do not have any fill, may cause condensation on the horse's back, which can sometimes be mistaken for a leaking rug. Just think about houses in the winter and single glazed windows!
• Legstraps should be looped and loose enough to prevent chafing, but not loose enough to hang anywhere near the horse's hocks.
• To help prevent mane rub, clean the satin lining on the neck cover once a week and spray the mane with a conditioner or detangler.
• Zilco do not use Velcro or plastic clips on their rugs.

Size Does Count

For best performance, ensure the rug is the right size for your horse. Once you have decided on the rug to best suit your horse, it's time to measure your horse as follows:

When choosing a Zilco Rug, you must consider the measurement of the horse in relation to the size of rug that it needs. This is important to ensure an optimal fit, comfort and ease of movement. Therefore, before choosing from the Zilco rug range, we recommend that the horse be measured from (A) the centre point of the chest, over the high point of the shoulder, and then to (B) the rear of the hind leg.

It's all about TLC

The Zilco range of rugs are made from technologically advanced synthetic materials. To ensure the waterproof quality and other properties are retained, take note of the following:

• If the rug is removed whilst still wet or damp, it should be hung up in a dry and well ventilated area.
• Zilco rugs may be washed in cold water on a gentle cycle or by hanging over a clothes line and washed with cold water.
• Washing detergents, fabric softeners etc may damage or destroy waterproofing; therefore do not scrub.
• When not in use, rugs should be stored in a dry place with good ventilation.

For further information and advice on your rug choice, talk to the team at your local RD 1 store - they will be happy to help.

Some products may not be available in all stores but can be ordered on request. Disclaimer:Any views and comments expressed in this article are not necessarily the opinions of RD1 Limited nor associated agencies. This content is copyright of RD1 Limited.