The best cooler rugs are typically multi-purpose. Their main purpose is to aid gradual cooling after exercise, but are often also used to maintain an ideal temperature while travelling and to speed drying and prevent chilling after bathing.
It is absolutely essential that a cooler rug is breathable and possesses effective wicking ability to do a good job. Some are designed to be used in particularly cooler or warmer environments, so it’s worth considering when you expect to be using your new purchase most.
Here’s a selection of some of the best cooler rugs (listed alphabetically) we think are worth a browse…
Equine Products UK mesh and fleece cooler
Colours: Navy | Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft | RRP: £40.50 |
This smart and lightweight mesh cooler from Equine Products features a wicking fleece lining with double belly straps. It is also machine washable.
Eskadron Pro-Cover fly sheet
Colours: Navy/red or white/navy | Sizes: S–XXL | RRP: £63.95 |
Ideal for summer, this rug is made from an extremely lightweight close-knit polyester mesh, which is highly breathable and moisture-wicking. It has detachable cross-surcingles and an integrated full-length back panel made of a breathable anti-sweat fabric. Sizes span 5ft9in – 7ft.
View now at rideawaystore.com
Herbb Elite Body Hugger rug
Colours: Royal blue, noir, peacock teal, rouge or white | Sizes: 5ft3in – 7ft | RRP: £58 |
Made of 100% organic cotton this Herbb rug is highly breathable and especially useful if your horse is particularly sensitive or fine coated as it moves with your horse. It can also be used wet in hot weather and is buckle-free for added comfort. This Herbb rug scored 7/10 when reviewed as part of our independent testing scheme – read the full review.
Horseware Rambo Airmax cooler with disc front closure
Colours: Black/tan or orange/black | Sizes: 5ft – 7ft3in | RRP: £89.95 |
This very lightweight rug from Horseware is made of airmesh fabric has a soft, absorbent inner to wick moisture – the 3D construction keeps the horse warm in cold weather but is breathable in hot weather. The smooth outer means it doesn’t attract bedding or hay. It features detachable surcingles, a disc front closure and fillet string. The design has been updated to feature a front leg arch for improved fit, and a smooth airmesh shoulder lining has been added.
View now at equus.co.uk
Mark Todd Coolex cooler
Colours: Navy/white, navy/red, black/silver, grey/plum or burgundy/white | Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft | RRP: £69.99 |
This smart, versatile rug from Mark Todd features triple-layer quilted fabric that effectively wicks moisture away to help maintain an optimum temperature. It is ideal for use when travelling, as a cooler after exercise or to dry a wet horse after washing. It features front chest buckles, low cross surcingles, and a fillet string.
View now at viovet.co.uk
Premier Equine Arisca scrim cooler
Colours: Burgundy or navy | Sizes: 5–7ft | RRP: £44 |
A combination of solid and mesh knit formation, this technical cooler from Premier Equine is a combination of solid and mesh fabric, which aids the absorption and dispersion of moisture while allowing heat to escape. Highly breathable, this rug also helps prevent overheating and can help to speed up drying times after training.
Protechmasta therapy cooler rug
Colours: Black | Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft6in | RRP: £169 |
This Masta cooler uses far infrared radiation, which is a natural process that gently and safely assists blood circulation. It’s made of a highly wicking airmesh outer., which is lightweight and breathable to allow optimum airflow. The ceramic-infused lining helps to regulate temperature.
View now at ebay.co.uk
QHP Utah cool mesh rug
Colours: Marine, atlantis or flame | Sizes: 5ft5in – 7ft1in | RRP: £54.95 |
This bright cooler from QHP’s Q-Cross eventing collection is made of lightweight fabric and finished with a cord along the edge and a braided tail cord. It features T-bar closures in the front, removable surcingles and elastic leg straps.
View now at rideawaystore.com
Ruggles standard triple layer wicking rug with tail flap
Colours: Port Royal | Sizes: 2ft9in – 7ft6in | RRP: From £45 |
This rug from Ruggles is described as really handy in the colder months, particularly when you’re short of time. Not to be confused with a standard fleece, this quilted rug is triple layered and wicks moisture from the coat while keeping your horse warm. It features a nylon chest lining, generous tail flap and adjustable chest straps with quick-release clips. It is machine washable.
View now at ebay.co.uk
Shires Tempest Original mesh cooler rug
Colours: Navy | Sizes: 5ft – 7ft | RRP: £29.99 |
The lightweight, breathable and airy mesh of this Shires rug creates a micro-climate that allows moisture and heat to escape without causing chilling. It is fastened with T-bar chest straps, adjustable cross surcingles and a fillet string.
View now at naylors.com, rideawaystore.com or viovet.co.uk
StormX Original MeshX rug
Colours: Navy/grey | Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft | RRP: £32.99 |
Made from lightweight breathable mesh, this rug made by Hy will wick moisture away from the skin while preventing chilling and ensuring optimum comfort. It features a fleece wither area to prevent rubbing, front T-bar chest closure, adjustable surcingles and a fillet string.
View now at viovet.co.uk
Thermatex SHRL multi-purpose cooler
Colours: 23 options, with a choice of 23 binding options | Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in | RRP: From £143.15 |
Thermatex rugs are known for having exceptional wicking abilities and this is a lightweight version of the Original SHR. The distinctive quilted squares and the insulation layer of polypropylene has been removed creating a cooler rug for use during the spring, summer and autumn. It has no joining seam and molds to your horse’s body shape. A Thermatex rug made of the same material scored 10/10 when reviewed as part of our independent testing scheme – read the full review.
WeatherBeeta Wick Dri II combo neck cooler
Colours: Charcoal/blue/white | Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in | RRP: £74.99 |
This lightweight, breathable and wicking cooler from Weatherbeeta has a mesh-covered Cooldry fleece upper to offer additional protection to the major muscle groups and a mesh lower for optimum airflow. It has a combo neck style with hideaway neck pocket with touch-tape closure so that you can easily fold the neck away if desired. The fleece wither relief panel provides additional comfort, while the single adjustable buckle front closure, single hidden adjustable surcingle and tail cord keep the rug smart yet secure.
View now at equus.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or rideawaystore.com
Yaris mesh cooler rug
Colours: Black, bottle green, burgundy, emerald green, navy, red, royal blue, sky blue or white, with a wide range of binding and piping options | Sizes: 4–7ft | RRP: From £95 |
Manufactured in the UK using extremely strong, yet lightweight British-made polyester mesh, this versatile rug from Yaris will wick sweat away while protecting your horse from flies. It features internal neck strengtheners and darts at the rear, and is fastened with a side-squeeze buckle. For a completely bespoke look, embroidery with lettering or logos can also be added.
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What is wicking material?
Wicking material draws moisture away from the body and is frequently used in technical clothing as well as rugs and saddle pads. Wicking allows the body to cool itself down – if you (or your horse) is exercising and the moisture (sweat) isn’t removed, the body won’t be able to cool itself, while if you stop exercising and the moisture stays on the skin, the body will get cold. The moisture is moved to the top of the fabric where it can evaporate.
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