With winter around the corner many retailers are trying to offload excess stock, launching cut-price sales of horse rugs and other equipment to tempt owners to dig deep and open their wallets. However, with the pinch of the credit crunch still very much apparent, many owners are looking for ways to cut back on expenditure and can no longer afford to invest in smart new rugs. The fact is you shouldn’t have to buy new rugs every year. Even horse rugs that appear totally wrecked at the end of the season can come back looking brand spanking new if they are repaired and laundered.
Many horse rug laundries offer a repair and reproofing service at a fraction of the cost of buying a new rug. Shop around and find out who is offering the most competitive deal - you may have to deliver the rugs yourself but some laundries offer a free pick up and drop off service.
As the autumn and winter progresses you may find that you need to make some small repairs. Some horses have a habit of investigating thorny hedges when trying to reach some tender grass on the other side of their field and this can snag or tear rugs, but iron-on patches, a needle and thread and some gaffa tape may be all it takes to make the rug serviceable again. Rug repair kits are also available, complete with webbing, lining, material samples to cover holes on outdoor and indoor rugs and spare surcingle and buckle fittings. It’s a good idea to use waterproof fabric glue or spray over any repairs with rug reproofer to make sure the rug stays waterproof and always allow plenty of time for the glue to dry thoroughly before use.
If you decide to wash a horse rug yourself make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions and invest in a bottle of rug wash that will revitalize insulation and water repellency. If in doubt, take the rug to a specialist horse rug cleaner. Many domestic laundries keep a special machine for ‘dirty washes’ such as horse rugs, and this can be an inexpensive and convenient way of washing fleeces or stable rugs. Some rug reproofers can be applied by machine washing or soaking.
It is always a good idea to have one or two extra turnout and stable rugs in case one does get destroyed or becomes extremely wet. Rather than buying new rugs to keep as spares save money by looking in your local paper or tack shop noticeboards to see if there are any second-hand ones for sale. Alternatively, search on the Internet for good quality used rugs for sale or place a ‘wanted’ notice of your own.
Finally, horse charities are struggling with the credit crunch as well, so don’t throw old rugs and headcollars away – get them cleaned and repaired and make a donation. Even older rugs can be useful for adding extra layers on a chilly winter’s night.
Author: Andrea McHugh
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