Rug reproofing made easy

We’re halfway through winter and are rapidly approaching the brighter, sunnier days of spring, so it’s the ideal time to check how well your rugs are doing. This winter, the UK has certainly lived up to its reputation weatherwise, as it’s been very wet and windy so far, which means your horse’s rugs have probably taken a battering. If that’s the case, we have a few points that may help you get your rugs back on the road to recovery and ready to keep your horse dry for the rest of winter and into the spring showers.

How do I know when I need to reproof my rug?

A good first indication that your rug may need reproofing is your horse will be incredibly wet underneath it. So, when it’s raining, take a moment to watch your horse out in the field in his rug. If the water is no longer ‘beading off’ the rug, you can be sure it’s in need of some TLC. The age of the rug will also be a good indicator, as using it for a long time without ever having it reproofed will eventually take its toll.

What’s the best method for reproofing a rug?

There are two options. One is to have it washed and reproofed by a professional, and there are plenty of companies around offering this service. The second option is to reproof it yourself, and the key to success is making sure it’s clean before you start. To do this, hose off the mud and give the rug a good scrub to get it as clean as possible or take it to an industrial-sized washing machine but use water only to wash it. For the reproofing itself, you can buy either a special spray or paint to apply to the rug but make sure you read the instructions carefully before starting the application process to ensure a good result.

How long is it recommended to use a rug before reproofing?

To ensure your rugs are kept in waterproof condition, it’s best to reproof once a year. The best time to do it is when you aren’t using them, but, of course, if you notice during winter that water is no longer beading off a rug, you may need to do a reproof top up so your horse stays dry.

Does reproofing a rug invalidate the manufacturer’s warranty?

Every company selling horse rugs has its own warranty rules, so after buying a new one, it’s always best to read these carefully before reproofing to avoid invalidating your warranty. You could even find, under the terms of the guarantee, that you are eligible to have the rug reproofed for free or exchanged for a new one.