Headcollars and rugs are the workhorses of daily horse keeping. A well-fitting headcollar keeps your horse safe to handle, and the right rug keeps them warm, dry, and comfortable through every season.

What to Look For

• Headcollars: leather for turnout safety (breaks under pressure), nylon for everyday, with a correctly fitted noseband
• Turnout rugs: waterproof, breathable, with the right fill weight for your climate
• Stable rugs: for clipped horses and cold nights
• Fit: measure your horse — rug sizes vary hugely between brands

Our Advice

Check rugs daily for rubbing, especially at the shoulders and withers. A rug that’s too small causes sores; too big lets it slip and tangle. And always use a leather headcollar for turnout — it’s designed to break under pressure.

More in our tack room section.