All rugged up
The strength of the outer layer of a rug – particularly a turnout rug – is an important consideration in terms of its function and is dependent on the type of weave and fabric used in its manufacture.
The density of the fibres in a given area of fabric is referred to as the ‘denier’, and will at least partly determine the rug’s strength. The heavier the denier, the more tightly woven the fabric, and therefore the more strong, whilst a low number indicates a finer fabric. Rugs are commonly available from 600 denier to over 1800 denier, with a 1200 denier rug making a good all-rounder for the average horse depending on turnout time and temperament.
However, the different blends of fibres and range of weaving methods today mean that denier alone won’t determine the strength of the outer layer. The actual material used is what ultimately affects the strength of the fabric. The two most common types of fibres used to produce the outer layer are nylon and polyester. Nylon fibres are the weaker of the two, but are also lighter, and so polyester and nylon blends tend to be found in higher denier rugs, where the higher density offsets the lesser strength.
Nylon was the first completely synthetic fibre to be developed, and when used for the outer layer of a turnout rug it must first be treated to make it both waterproof and breathable. Polyester meanwhile is ideal for waterproof turnout rugs because it provides relatively high performance at an affordable price, being lightweight, strong and resistant.
Many rugs are now made with a . Rip-stop, as its name suggests, is useful for horse rugs because if torn, the damage will not worsen, allowing it to be patched or repaired. It is a lightweight nylon fabric with inter-woven rip stop reinforcement threads that are woven in a criss-cross pattern. These reinforcement yarns are spaced at regular intervals and stop the rip spreading. Rip-stop nylon is commonly also used in yacht sails, hot air balloons, kites, parachutes and camping equipment, being strong without adding excess weight.
For higher denier rugs, ais popular and very durable. Ballistic nylon is a thick, tough synthetic nylon fabric that was originally developed as a material for flak jackets worn by World War II airmen, to protect them from flying debris and shrapnel! Ballistic nylon is now commonly used in luggage, tool belts, motorcycle jackets and, of course, turnout rugs and offers a tough finish that will resist tears. Rugs made in this manner may be more expensive, but can represent a solid investment – particularly if your horse is good at destroying rugs!
All rugs however should be designed to give under strong pressure as a safety feature. If a horse gets tangled and is unable to release himself, he is likely to panic. Manufacturers should have calculated a ‘breaking point’ for all straps and surcingles, and designed them to rip off in one piece in case of emergency without tearing the fabric.
Polyfill is a synthetic material that is often used for insulation, and is measured in grams per square metre. In general, the heavier the weight, the warmer the rug, with 300 to 400 grams of fill meaning that the rug should be suitable for even the coldest of weather. A medium weight rug of around 200 grams is a flexible option for cooler nights in spring and autumn, and can be boosted with an under rug to make it warmer during the winter. Rugs with little or no fill make good summer sheets or undergarments.
A new high-tech type of insulation is , a thermal material designed to reflect back body heat and therefore trap warmth. Lightweight, durable and breathable, the material features multi-layers of fine reflective fibres made from aluminised polypropylene, that trap warm air and reflect body heat back to the user, making it ideal for the internal lining of winter stable rugs. This material is used by NASA and is also used by the emergency services to wrap up patients suffering from shock and hypothermia.
is another synthetic material used in horse rug insulation, and is commonly used in the jackets and fleeces popular with the outdoor enthusiast. Thinsulate simulates the fine down animals grow next to their skin to keep them warm. The microfibres are much thinner than normal fibres and therefore trap more air molecules between the horse’s body and the outside. The more air trapped, the greater the insulating value of the rug. The thin fibres can also be packed more densely into a given area of fabric, providing for greater warmth without adding weight or bulk.
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