Turnout Rugs vs Stable Rugs: What's The Difference?
Updated: Sep 5
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Choosing the right horse rugs can sometimes feel confusing, especially when there are so many different weights, styles and materials available. Two of the most common types you'll come across are turnout rugs and stable rugs.
Although both are designed to help keep your horse warm and comfortable, they are made for very different environments. So, what's the difference between a turnout rug and a stable rug, and when should you use each one?
In this guide, we'll explain everything you need to know about turnout rugs vs stable rugs, including waterproofing, warmth, breathability and how to choose the right rug for your horse.
What Is a Turnout Rug?
A turnout rug is designed specifically for horses spending time outside.
Because horses turned out are exposed to rain, wind, mud and changing weather conditions, turnout rugs are made from durable, weather-resistant materials. Most are waterproof or water-resistant and designed to prevent moisture from reaching your horse's coat.
Turnout rugs are available in a wide range of weights, from lightweight or 0g rugs through to heavyweight winter rugs with several hundred grams of insulation.
Some also feature neck covers, liners and other features designed to provide additional protection in particularly cold or wet conditions. The most important thing is that a turnout rug is designed to cope with outdoor weather.
Key features of turnout rugs
A good turnout rug will generally have:
Waterproof or highly water-resistant outer material
Strong, durable construction
Breathable fabric
Secure fastenings
Leg straps or a fillet string
Freedom of movement around the shoulders
Different levels of insulation depending on the rug's weight
Optional neck covers on some designs
What Is a Stable Rug?
A stable rug is designed to be worn when your horse is inside, usually in their stable or another sheltered environment. Unlike turnout rugs, stable rugs generally aren't designed to withstand heavy rain. Their main purpose is to provide warmth and comfort, not weather protection.
Stable rugs are commonly made from softer materials and can be particularly useful for horses that are clipped, older, naturally lean or prone to feeling the cold.
They are also available in different weights, so you can choose a lighter stable rug for milder weather or a heavier one for colder winter nights.
Key features of stable rugs
Stable rugs typically offer:
Warmth and insulation
Soft, comfortable materials
Breathable fabrics
Different levels of filling
A comfortable fit for standing and resting in the stable
Lightweight options for milder conditions
The key difference is simple: stable rugs are intended for indoor use, while turnout rugs are designed for outdoor use.
Turnout Rug vs Stable Rug: What's the Difference?
The easiest way to understand the difference is to think about the conditions each rug needs to handle.
Feature | Turnout Rug | Stable Rug |
Designed for | Outdoor use | Indoor use |
Waterproof | Usually yes | Usually no |
Protection from rain | Yes | No |
Wind protection | Yes | Limited |
Durability | Designed for outdoor wear | Generally designed for indoor use |
Insulation | Available in many weights | Available in many weights |
Breathability | Yes | Yes |
Neck covers | Available on some rugs | Available on some rugs |
While there can be some overlap between the two, you shouldn't assume that a stable rug can be used as a turnout rug simply because it looks similar.
Can You Use a Stable Rug Outside?
Generally, a stable rug should not be used as your horse's main outdoor rug.
Stable rugs aren't normally designed to deal with sustained rain and wet conditions. If the rug becomes soaked, it can lose its insulating properties and leave your horse cold and uncomfortable.
A stable rug may be perfectly suitable inside the stable, but if your horse is going out into wet or unpredictable weather, a properly waterproof turnout rug is usually the better choice.
Can You Use a Turnout Rug in the Stable?
You can physically put a turnout rug on a horse inside, but that doesn't necessarily make it the best choice.
Turnout rugs are designed to withstand outdoor conditions, so they can be more robust and less suited to the indoor environment than a stable rug. Depending on the design, they may also be less comfortable for extended periods indoors.
If your horse is staying inside, a stable rug may be more appropriate because it is specifically designed with indoor comfort and warmth in mind.
That said, the correct choice will depend on your individual horse, the rug itself and the temperature and conditions.
What About Rug Weight?
Whether you're choosing a turnout rug or stable rug, the weight of the rug is just as important as the type of rug.
You'll often see rugs described as:
0g – no insulation, generally used for protection from rain or in milder conditions
Lightweight – usually around 50g–100g
Mediumweight – often around 150g–250g
Heavyweight – commonly 300g and above
These are broad categories rather than strict rules. The right weight depends on much more than the outside temperature.
Consider your horse's:
Natural coat
Clipping status
Age
Body condition
Breed and type
Health and individual needs
Access to shelter
Activity levels
Living arrangements
A horse with a thick natural winter coat may need considerably less insulation than a fully clipped horse living outside.
Does a Clipped Horse Need a Different Rug?
Clipping removes some or all of the horse's natural winter coat, which can affect how well they are able to stay warm.
As a result, clipped horses often require additional protection during colder weather.
This doesn't automatically mean that every clipped horse needs the heaviest rug available. Instead, consider the individual horse and the conditions they're experiencing.
A clipped horse turned out in cold, wet and windy weather may need a different turnout rug from an unclipped horse with a thick winter coat.
Do Horses Need Turnout Rugs in Winter?
Not every horse needs a turnout rug during winter.
Horses have evolved to cope with cold weather and can naturally grow thicker winter coats. Some horses may be perfectly comfortable without a rug, particularly if they have good shelter, forage and appropriate body condition.
However, rugs can be useful in certain circumstances.
For example, you may consider using a turnout rug if your horse:
Is clipped
Is older
Has difficulty maintaining weight
Has a naturally fine coat
Is exposed to particularly cold, wet or windy conditions
Has limited access to shelter
Gets wet and struggles to dry off
The important thing is to assess your horse rather than simply following a temperature number.
How Do I Know If My Horse Is Too Hot or Too Cold?
Checking your horse regularly is one of the best ways to make sure they're comfortable.
Signs that your horse may be too cold can include shivering, although you shouldn't rely on shivering alone. On the other hand, a horse that is sweating under their rug may be too warm.
Feel your horse underneath the rug rather than judging their temperature from their ears alone.
If they feel comfortably warm and dry, that's generally a good sign. If they're noticeably sweaty, damp or excessively hot, their rug may be too warm for the conditions.
If you're unsure, speak to your vet or an experienced equine professional for advice specific to your horse.
What Rug Should My Horse Wear in Winter?
There isn't one universal winter rug that is suitable for every horse.
Instead, think about where your horse is going to be, what the weather is doing and what your horse needs.
For example:
Turned out in heavy rain:A waterproof turnout rug is likely to be more appropriate than a stable rug.
Stabled overnight:A stable rug may be suitable if your horse needs additional warmth.
Cold and dry weather:The amount of insulation required will depend on your horse and their individual circumstances.
Cold, wet and windy weather:A suitable waterproof turnout rug can help protect your horse from the elements.
Can You Layer Horse Rugs?
Horse rug layering can be useful because it allows you to adjust the amount of insulation as conditions change.
For example, a rug liner can sometimes be added underneath a compatible turnout rug to provide additional warmth without requiring a completely different outer rug.
However, rugs should always fit correctly when layered. Too many layers can restrict movement, cause rubbing or create excessive warmth.
Always check that the combination of rugs is appropriate and that your horse remains comfortable.
How Should a Horse Rug Fit?
Whether you're buying a turnout rug or stable rug, fit is extremely important.
A poorly fitting rug can cause rubbing, discomfort and restricted movement.
A well-fitting rug should allow your horse to move naturally while sitting comfortably across the chest, shoulders and back.
Pay particular attention to:
Chest fastenings
Shoulder area
Withers
Back length
Belly straps
Leg straps
Neck cover, if fitted
If you notice rubbing, hair loss, pressure marks or restricted movement, it's worth reassessing the fit.
Turnout Rugs or Stable Rugs: Which One Do I Need?
Ultimately, the choice comes down to where your horse will be wearing the rug and what protection they need:
Choose a turnout rug when your horse needs protection from outdoor conditions such as rain, wind and mud.
Choose a stable rug when your horse is indoors and needs additional warmth without the need for waterproof protection.
And remember, the type of rug is only part of the decision. The weight, fit, and your individual horse's needs are equally important.
Quick Summary
Turnout rug:
✔ Designed for outdoor use
✔ Waterproof or water-resistant
✔ Protects against rain and wind
✔ Available in different weights
✔ Designed to be durable
Stable rug:
✔ Designed for indoor use
✔ Provides warmth and insulation
✔ Generally not waterproof
✔ Available in different weights
✔ Often made from softer materials
The right horse rug can make a big difference to your horse's comfort throughout the colder months. By considering the weather, your horse's individual needs and where they'll be spending their time, you can make a much more informed choice.
Looking for a horse rug? Browse our selection of horse rugs at Hot-To-Trot Shop and keep an eye out for the right size, weight and style for your horse.
Turnout Rugs & Stable Rugs On Hot-To-Trot Shop
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