Prepare
your rugs for winter
At Horse Rug Service, we are only too aware that horses are an expensive hobby, the cost of rugs and tack
alone can run into several £100's. Yet every year we are presented with
mud encrusted, top of the range rugs, that have been left all summer in
the corner of a tack-room to fall victim to mildew and rodents. Rug
linings are often matted with sweat and/or shed hair and many rugs have
minor damage that is hidden by grime.
Sometimes the need for cleaning and repair does not become apparent
until the end of the year when the rugs are brought out again for
re-use. The problem is then, the best rug cleaning company's, who are
already busy with their other workload, get inundated with
"urgent" last minute requests that they are are unable to
process orders in such a short space of time.
The best time to send your winter rugs to be cleaned is in the
Spring and Summer, when they are no longer needed. They can be allowed
to dry naturally in the open air rather than rushed through dryers. They
can then be returned to you in
a restored condition and neatly packed ready for storage.
This is also a good time to check for any alterations or adjustments
that may need doing.
Please be specific when asking for repairs, unless
instructed otherwise ALL repairs will be undertaken. Likewise, if
repairs are not requested then none will be done.
To proof or
not to proof?
Even if your rug is not very old, if your horse rolls a lot and/or
rubs against walls and fences, these actions all contribute to breaking
down the waterproofing properties. Soil and sand contain abrasive
particles that get into the fibres and rubs & scratches damage the
outer. - For a small outlay you will have extra protection and
peace of mind.
Please remember that no amount of proofing will protect 100% against
prolonged exposure to the British weather, such as the excessive rainfall
we had during the winter of 2000. It is always advisable to have a spare
and not to expect to go through the winter with just one rug.

Whatever you
decide to do with your rugs - We will be happy to advise
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