As their fur has exceptional thermal insulation qualities, our horses naturally possess a built-in winter jacket. However, our horses aren't left in the wild. In addition to riding them, we also brush, clip, and rug them.
What does this mean, then? We change their coats, so occasionally they require a little additional assistance to be cozy and cool. Although you already know that your horse needs a cooler rug, which one is the best?
I understand. It might be challenging to choose the ideal cooler rug for your horse's comfort. If they are too light, they might not be warm enough; if they are too thick, you might find that they perspire, which would cause them to chill. The entire cycle is restarted! Don't worry; I've done the legwork and identified the top horse coolers available.

Types of Cooler Rugs for Horses

Just like our own jumpers and coats, cooler rugs for horses come in various types tailored for different horse care needs and weather conditions.

Here’s a look at some of the cooler rugs you can choose from:

String vest cooler: Consider this the classic of the old school. After an exercise, they perform wonders at wicking away moisture and perspiration to keep your horse cool and comfortable.

Mesh cooler: The most well-liked of them, a mesh cooler is ideal for hot weather or just after taking a bath. It makes the most of airflow to keep your horse cool and comfortable.

Fleece cooler: There are alternatives here ranging from thick to thin from affordable to expensive. Fleece coolers serve as your horse's trusted all-arounder, serving both summer and winter purposes.

Jersey cooler: In essence, these are fleece coolers with a smoother, more fashionable exterior. They still have the same moisture-wicking properties as standard fleece, but they also won't gather hay and shavings.

Original Therma Tex/Waffle/Quilted cooler: The textured or honeycomb designs of these cooler carpets provide more air spaces for improved ventilation and moisture elimination.

Specialty cooler: Some coolers that go by fancy names like Dry Flex, Air Move, or MaxCool (I made those up, but you get the idea) may be encountered. The guiding ideas won't change. It should work if it fits nicely, looks excellent, and complements the season. 

6 Best Cooler Rugs for Horses

Now, let’s get into what you really came here for – the best cooler rugs for your equine companion…

1. Best Overall – Weather-beaten Anti-Static Fleece Cooler

• Neck Style: Regular neck
• Material: Lightweight anti-pill polyester fleece
• Colors: Navy, Black/Silver, Maroon, Green with pictures of sloths (definitely my favorite!)

When determining which of the others was best, Wetherbee's Anti-Static Fleece Cooler was the clear winner. This cooler rug, which is made of lightweight anti-pill polyester fleece, is filled with elements to guarantee your horse's comfort and wellbeing in addition to making it feel snug.
The airy fleece material with anti-static qualities is my favorite feature. With its wicking qualities, it not only keeps your horse warm and dry but also protects them from those irksome static shocks. A nice touch are the lined shoulders. The finest comfort is provided by this cooler rug, so there's no need to worry about straining or rubbing.

But in addition to being useful, it also has style. A dash of flare is added around the neckline and down the chest by the nylon fabric on the exterior. There are three attaching points: a tail cord, two low, adjustable cross surcingle straps beneath the belly, and two buckle straps on the chest. All in all, it feels and looks fantastic and keeps your horse cozy and cool after a hot ride.

Pros

• Soft and comfortable to the touch
• High quality at an affordable price
• Great overlay feature at the shoulder to prevent rubbing
• Anti-pilling polyester fleece means it’s easy to clean

Cons

• No full-neck version so may not be ideal for winter or horses that break a full-body sweat

2. Best Budget Cooler – Tuff rider Cooler Sheet Combo

• Neck Style: Combo neck
• Material: Soft fleece
• Colors: Black, Deep Wisteria (Blue)

I understand how crucial it is to properly chill and warm my horses in order to preserve the health of their muscles and soft tissues since I am a horse owner. The Cooler Sheet Combo from Tuff Rider shows that you can do it even on a tight budget! This cooler sheet is a need in any barn, whether it's for pre-workout warming up or post-workout cooling down. Made of soft fleece, it effectively wicks moisture away for much-needed evaporative cooling while being kind to your horse's skin.

The combination neck is my favorite because it gives horses that work up a sweat full covering. This feature also makes it an excellent cooler for cold weather, preventing your horse from being chilled. Considerate details like low cross surcingle and metal T-hooks make it simple to fasten and guarantee a tight fit. It is affordable, practical, and efficient—a winning combination for any owner of a horse.

Pros

• Effective fleece moisture-wicking material
• Budget-friendly but still great quality
• Combo neck cover which allows to change from regular to full neck

Cons

• No fillet string, but not really a dealbreaker
• Material may not be as durable as other options

3. Most Versatile Cooler Rug – Bucas Shamrock Power

• Neck Style: Regular or full neck
• Material: Stay-Dry fleece
• Colors: Black, Navy

The most adaptable cooler rug I've found is the Shamrock Power Cooler by Bucas. Not only is it a cooler rug, but it's also a multipurpose rug that can be used as a wicking rug, travel rug, sweat rug, and light stable mat. With its two layers of Stay-Dry fabric from Bucas, it easily wicks away sweat. With this cooler rug, you can bid adieu to sweaty horses and save time and effort on rug changes by keeping them dry and happy.

In addition, the outside material repels bedding, meaning that even if your horse decides to roll about while wearing it, shavings won't attach to it. The antibacterial lining also helps to keep the rug fresh. This cooler rug is by far the most adaptable, with features like removable elastic straps to keep it in place, a fillet string, and shoulder darts for additional room.

Pros

• High-quality option with Stay-Dry fabric that delivers solid moisture-wicking
• Offers a nice choice between full neck or regular neck
• Stays fresh thanks to the anti-bacterial lining
• Serves multiple purposes

Cons

• Not budget-friendly for all horse owners

4. Best for Warm Weather – Horse ware Ireland Rambo Sport Cooler

• Neck Style: Regular neck
• Material: Cotton and polyester
• Colors: Pomegranate/Black/White, Navy/Burgundy/Teal

Horse ware’s Ireland Rambo Sport Cooler has to be the best cooler rug I’ve ever come across for warm weather days. The moment I touched this cooler rug, I understood why Houseware is such a famous brand. Honestly, the material feels better than many of my clothes! Crafted specifically for those balmy days, this cooler combines the best of both worlds. On top, you’ll find luxurious brushed cotton fabric, while the sides are made of air-textured polyester netting. This dynamic duo works wonders in preventing your horse from overheating.

This smart design really stands out. It’s like they took all the best bits from cotton and net coolers and mashed them together. The cotton top does the moisture-wicking while keeping your horse warm. The net sides, made from tough polyester, promote airflow and speed up drying. You know what that means: no more sweaty, uncomfortable horses on those hot days. If you’re after a cooler rug that’s as good-looking as it is practical, your search ends here!

Pros

• Incredibly soft and luxurious fabric to the touch
• Air-texture polyester netting provides optimal airflow for hotter days
• Stylish design, which could be a plus for some horse owners

Cons

• Lack of color and size options on top retail sites
• Cotton coolers don’t have the best reputation

5. Best Lightweight Cooler Rug – Shires Tempest Original Tech Cooler

• Neck Style: Regular neck
• Material: Cotton waffle fabric
• Colors: Navy

Shires Equestrian has always been a staple for both equestrians and their hardworking horses. They live up to their reputation, and they keep putting out great products, such as the Tempest Original Tech Cooler. First, it’s moisture wicking and thermal properties are impressive. Whether after a bath, exercise or during travel, this cooler rug is designed to regulate temperature. The breathable cushion-quilt knit fabric creates a snug microclimate, wicking moisture away while keeping your horse’s skin dry.

It’s also multifunctional. Whether you need a wicking rug for post-exercise recovery, travel, or even as a light stable rug, it fits the bill. Plus, it’s so lightweight that you can easily layer it under blankets for added warmth without adding bulk to your horse. You also know you – or rather, your horse – are getting a secure and comfortable fit thanks to the double front closures, adjustable cross surcingle, and fillet string.

Pros

• Incredibly lightweight while still keeping your horse warm with its thermal properties
• Feature packed with chest straps, adjustable cross surcingle, and a fillet string

Cons

• Limited size range
• Only available in one color, but not really a dealbreaker

6. Best for Therapy – Protechmasta Therapy Cooler Rug

• Neck Style: Regular neck
• Material: 3D air mesh fabric
• Colors: Black

The Protechmasta Therapy Cooler Rug isn’t just another addition to your tack room; it’s a solution that could take your horse’s care to the next level. It’s part of an award-winning collection, after all! How, you ask? With Far Infrared Radiation (FIR) – a natural process that’s been scientifically proven to boost blood circulation, promote joint health, and ease muscle tension. Thousands of threads are carefully infused with special ceramic powders, creating FIR and effectively reflecting the FIR naturally emitted by your horse’s body.

Believe it or not, this isn’t a bunch of techy words without promise. In fact, it has glowing reviews from numerous horse owners who swear by its effectiveness (including myself)! Whether you’re aiming to improve circulation, reduce swelling, or prepare your horse’s muscles for exercise, this rug delivers. Its super-wicking material and lightweight, breathable design provide year-round optimum comfort. And, with convenient features like a single front chest strap and cross surcingles, it’s effortless to put on and fits like a dream.

Pros

• Far Infrared Radiation is proven to help with horse therapy
• Great for promoting blood circulation for both pre- and post-workout
• Solid airflow and lightweight comfort thanks to the 3D air mesh fabric

Cons

• Quite pricey, but you certainly get what you pay for

How to Choose the Best Cooler Rug for Your Horse?

Now that you have a rundown of all the best cooler rugs for horses, how do you choose? Trust me, it’s not as easy as liking a couple of the features and clicking “add to cart”. There are a few key factors you’ll need to consider first if you want your horse to get the most out of its cooler rug.

Does your horse need a cooler?

Some of you may be wondering whether your horse needs a cooler. Not every horse needs a cooler, especially if you take into consideration your climate.

Think of it this way – imagine working up a sweat and then being left in the cold while you’re still damp. Not a cozy thought, right?

If you’re exercising your horse during the winter, and even in the summer, and it’s a breaking sweat, then you need a cooler.

A cooler is much more versatile than you may think. For example, if you’ve just given your horse a bath and want to dry them off in a jiffy, a cooler can help. Sure, you could towel-dry it, but trust me, a cooler does the job better, especially if you’re managing a whole stable of horses.

Materials

Horse coolers come in a range of materials and fabrics, each with their own set of features and benefits. Ideally, a cooler rug made from breathable fabric is best to help keep your horse’s coat dry.

Take fleece coolers, for instance; they’re super warm and cozy while still maximizing breathability. On the other hand, coolers made from nylon, polyester, or mesh are cooler, water-resistant, and built to last.

Nowadays, you can find cooler rugs in various materials like cotton, acrylic, microfiber and high-tech materials like DuraTech. Each material brings its own properties to the table, whether it’s UV protection, bug-repellent, or even FIR, like the Protechmasta Therapy Cooler Rug.

Features

One of the most important factors to consider when shopping for a cooler rug is its features and ease of use. For example:

• Neck style – When it comes to neck style, you’ve got options: regular neck (ends just at the withers, perfect for warmer days), full neck (for cooler days), or a combo neck (a detachable neck cover for versatility).
• Straps and buckles – There should be enough to keep the blanket securely in place, such as a chest or belly strap(s). Some rugs even have nylon or elastic shoulder and leg straps to stop annoying shifting.
• Types of closures – Closures matter too. You’ll find different types like front closures or quick-clip closures. This depends on your horse’s comfortability.
• Gussets – Gussets are a neat feature that gives your horse the freedom to move without any restrictions.
• Tail flap – A simple but essential feature, some cooler rugs have a tail flap to protect your horse’s tail.
• Additional features – Pay attention to any extra features, too. Some rugs come with a wither pad for sensitive withers, a fillet string to keep the rug from flapping in the wind, or satin-lined shoulders to prevent rubbing.

Fit

Of course, the right fit is paramount. An ill-fitting cooler won’t do the job effectively. You can check out this guide on how to measure a horse for a rug to ensure the perfect fit.

Ideally, for a spot-on fit:

• The top of the front closure should align perfectly with your horse’s shoulders, and the neckline should rest smoothly without any pulling or tugging.
• The cooler rug shouldn’t be too tight; you should be able to slide a hand comfortably between the sheet and your horse’s withers.
• Lengthwise, the sheet should fully cover your horse’s barrel.

By nailing the fit, you’ll ensure that your horse stays comfy and gets all the benefits of their cooler rug.

 

Fitting a horse rug

You can check the fit of your new horse rug in 5 easy steps:

• Step 1 – Check the front: The rug should be 2-4" in front of the withers and easily fit around the shoulders. Make sure the area around the withers is free of any indications of needless pressure or rubbing. If there isn't enough room for your hand to go down the front of the rug, it's excessively tight and might make mobility difficult.
• Step 2 – Check the back:A rug that fits a horse properly should cover the top of its tail. The rug is too long and may injure the animal if it hangs down the tail; if it stops short of the tail, it is too short. If it's a turnout rug, the length is very crucial; even when the horse's head is down and grazing, the rug should still reach the top of the tail. If it doesn't, your horse won't have the complete protection from the wind and rain that it needs.
• Step 3 – Check the surcingle:The majority of rugs have cross surcingle, which form a cross beneath the horse's belly where the front surcingle on one side joins to the rear fastening on the other. Certain coolers have just one surcingle, whereas some fly rugs have three straight surcingle. When fastening surcingle, leave a hand's breadth between the strap and the horse's belly. Overly long surcingle may trap your horse's legs, while overly tight surcingle may rub your horse or make it difficult for them to roll or lie down.
• Step 4 – Check the leg straps (where applicable):Most rugs are now offered with simply a fillet strap to keep the rug down at the back; very few still include leg straps. Leg straps are optional on your new rug, but if they are, make sure the horses' legs and the straps are fitted appropriately, leaving a hand's breadth apart. After securing the first strap around the horse's leg, clip it in. The second strap should form a figure of eight by looping around the second leg and inside the first strap.
• Step 5 – Check the tail fillet string:Make sure the fillet string on your rug is firmly tied and the right length for your horse. It should not be pulled taught and should fit comfortably behind the tail without forming an injury-causing loop. When a fillet string is attached correctly, a rug won't flap in the wind and will stay put when your horse rolls or rests down.

FAQs

What are the benefits of a cooler rug for my horse?

For your horse, a cooler rug has several advantages. First off, it facilitates efficient regulation of your horse's body temperature. They aid in quicker evaporation by drawing moisture from your horse's skin and bringing it to the surface. This allows your horse to cool down without becoming too cold. Cooler carpets are very helpful and necessary in the winter or during the sweltering summer months following an intense workout.

Should I choose a cooler rug with or without a built-in neck cover?

You may choose either, but it will rely on the requirements of your equine, the weather, and the accessibility of a rug that fits properly. A horse will usually stay warm when their body is heated, just like humans do when our cores are warm. On the other hand, a cooler rug with a neck cover works best if your horse is fully clipped. The best of all worlds may be achieved with a cooler that has a detachable neck cover, if you're looking for something more adaptable.

How long can you leave a cooler rug on a horse?

A cooler rug may usually be left on your horse for 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the temperature and the level of exercise. It might take your horse up to an hour to cool down fully in hotter weather or after a strenuous workout. On the other hand, twenty minutes can be plenty in milder climates or following a less strenuous activity.
However, a word of caution: do not leave a saturated or damp cooler on your horse for more than a few hours, such as overnight. This could provide a wet environment that fosters the growth of infections or skin discomfort.

CEO:

 Ali Sabir

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