Why The Use Of Horse Rugs Is Important
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For the horse lover at heart, there is no greater thrill than having that big head come up and nuzzle against one's chest. At that point the cost and personal investment holds little meaning and all that's important is ensuring they know they will be taken care of as if they were a member of the family. However, many fail to realize that animals are as susceptible to environmental conditions as humans are. Just as their owners may need a coat in cold or wet weather, the steeds in the family also require protection in the form of horse rugs to ensure they are protected from conditions which could cause illness.
Horse shows are very popular throughout the world, but to ensure the animal makes the best first impression, special care is often taken to show off their greatest assets. This might include clipping the hair, braiding the mane, and even polishing the nails. It provides a rare glimpse into the power, strength, and beauty of these animals as muscles ripple when they prance around the ring or leap over barriers. However, these treatments can also leave them vulnerable to environmental elements that can cause havoc. With little hair a horse can easily get sunburned when in the open or can develop chills and fever in cold weather.
Products on the market today take not only the animals needs into consideration, but their work routine and the environmental conditions they live in as well. Horse blankets are becoming evermore popular for their multiple uses and varied styles, sizes, and weights. For those with clipped horses, summer sunburns can be prevented with the use of rugs that provide protection against the suns rays as well as provide ventilation so their normal cooling system can continue to function as designed.
A new use for the lighter weight covers are to protect during cool-downs after heavy workouts. Just as with people if, after a marathon, a runner were to just stop and stand they would succumb to the sudden cessation of stressors the body had been under over a prolonged period of time. This can result in cramping, nausea, and sudden changes in blood pressure that put stress on the heart. During the cool down covering an animal with a lightweight blanket and walking slowly until blood pressure and heart rate return to normal will ensure a safe recovery.
The products these rugs are made of vary widely depending on the conditions in which the animal will be found. For instance, some are light in weight, but waterproof for areas which are frequented by heavy rains, but are less cool seasonally. Others are made of waxed cotton, canvas, or wool to protect against extremely cold winter temperatures. These are usually made with a supple lining so as not to cause sores.
Not only are the environmental conditions important, but so is ensuring a proper fit. These rugs are often made in three inch increments so finding the right fit may take some work. It's important to fit completely around the belly in order to provide maximum protection, but should also fit from the chest to tail without being snug because it's too small or slipping because it's too large. They should feel free to bend while eating grass and run freely when the spirit strikes them.
Whether one owns a full-sized horse or a pony, the needs are the same, and the working relationship with the owner, as well as environmental conditions, need to be taken into consideration when researching horse rugs. There are many on the market today, but regardless of where one lives, it's size and shape, or it's workout routine the proper equipment should always be selected with the individual horse's needs in mind.
Article Source: Articlelogy.com
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