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Frequently Asked Questions

HORSE RUG - FAQs

 

WHY DO YOU NEED AN UNDER RUG?

We think of under rugs as "underwear" for your horse.  We wear underwear to keep us and our clothes clean and hygienic. It's the same for horses. Under rug's keep your top rugs free from hair, scuff and dirt buildup and they are easy to remove and wash regularly to keep your horses coat clean and their skin in healthy condition.

In summer the under rugs are light and cool enough for them to wear on their own and in winter they provide another layer of warmth and keep your top rugs in good condition so they last longer.  Being the first thing against your horses skin all day long it is very important to get a good fitting rug that doesn't rub.  If our under rug rubbed, slipped or irritated our skin we would throw it in the bin!  Our horses obviously cannot do this, so it is important we make good choices on their behalf so they can be clean , comfy and happy.

WHY DO WE OFFER A CHOICE OF MATERIALS?

Every horse is different. Some horses can be "hot", "thin skinned", "allergic", "very active" or "easy care".  The Australian climate varies from state-to-state, day-to-day, so we need different fabrics for these ever changing weather conditions, then take into consideration whether your horse is stabled or not.  We are pleased to offer you a choice of materials to suit your horses individual needs.

Also beware of other companies that say their rugs are "cotton" rugs when in some cases they have little or no cotton at all.  We are totally upfront about the exact percentage of each of our materials so you can make an informed decision for your horse.

ARE WOOLLYBUTT UNDER RUGS SUITABLE AS SUMMER RUGS?

Yes, all 4 materials are fine as a protective "cooling" rug in the warmer summer months.  They provide excellent protection against biting insects and the sun's rays as well as keeping the coat clean and cool.  Each material has it's pros and cons depending on your horse and it's needs (which is why we offer a choice!) If you have a "hot" horse or live in a hot climate you're best choice for summer is the Ripstop or Heavyweight 100% cotton drill in a light colour. If you have a horse who is tough on rugs or paddocked with other horses we suggest the poly Ripstop as this is the most durable of the the four.

WHY DO BLACK OBJECTS ABSORB MORE HEAT (LIGHT) THAN LIGHTER COLOURED OBJECTS?  WHAT DO WAVELENGTHS HAVE TO DO WITH IT?

Heat and light are both different types of energy. Light energy can be converted into heat energy. A black object absorbs all wavelengths of light and converts them into heat, so the object gets warm. A white object reflects all wavelengths of light, so the light is not converted into heat and the temperature of the object does not increase noticeably.

Different wavelengths (colors) of light have different amounts of energy. Violet light has more energy than red light. If we compare an object that absorbs violet light with an object that absorbs the same number of photons (particles of light) of red light, then the object that absorbs violet light will absorb more heat than the object that absorbs red light.

The amount of heat absorbed is also affected by how light or dark an object is. A dark object of a given color will absorb more photons than a light object of the same color, so it will absorb more heat and get warmer.

Note about how the color of an object appears: The color an object appears is the complementary color to the color the object absorbs. If an object absorbs yellow light, then it will reflect all of the other colors of light and it will look violet. 

 WHAT SIZE RUG DO I NEED FOR MY HORSE?

Just like clothing, each company's sizes can vary.  We strongly recommend you measure your horse before placing an order with us.  That way we can check your horse's measurements against our patterns to make sure you get the perfect fit.  We can also mix and match neck sizes and lengths to suit different shaped horses if required.  A good fit is very important for your horse's comfort and worth taking the time to measure.

 YOUR PRICES SEEM HIGHER THAN OTHERS?

You've heard the saying "you get what you pay for".  Well quite simply our under rugs are the best fit and quality on the market.  Your horse can wear it's under rug all day long, year in year out, so a good fit that lasts well and doesn't rub is very important.

We also choose not to "price strip" by quoting a less amount and then making you pay extra for things like lining, tail flaps and shoulder pleats (all the things that make the rug work in the first place).  We prefer to offer our rugs 'all inclusive' of all the things that make it fit and work so well.  All our rugs are custom made here in Australia (not mass produced overseas), which is why we can offer more choices, made to measure options and the highest level of workmanship.

If you look closely at our rugs you will find we have used the best of everything, no compromise.  From the unique design and shaping, right down t the webbing and stitching, everything was designed to fit and last.  Giving you value for money in the long term.  Wouldn't you rather buy one good rug that fits every five years rather than one cheap rug that doesn't fit, every year?

WHATS THE ADVANTAGE OF REMOVABLE LEG STRAPS?

Your rug only lasts as long as the fittings and straps.  And lets face it - straps do get worn and some buckles can break (its a horsey fact of life!). So we've made it very easy for replacement strap sets to be purchased from us and simply looped straight onto your rug to use it again immediately.  No more time wasting trips to the rug repairer and the life of your rug is extended easily.

 

TAIL BAGS - FAQs

 

WHAT MAKES OUR TAIL BAGS SO SPECIAL!

Quite simply it is the carefully thought out design and shape. It worked so well we decided to patent it!!  Basically the narrower shape at the top helps to smooth down the hair beautifully making your horses tail look fabulous (and tamed) whether it is for a competition, a lesson or just a hack down the road!  The zip opening means easy access to keep hair sitting in the right direction and makes it much easier to put on.  The tapered design at the bottom allows the tail to hang fully in a larger area.  If you have a thin tail the bag will actually help create the appearance of a thicker tail.  If you are lucky enough to have a thick tail already then our tail bags give you enough room for it hang nicely without squishing it up at the bottom.

Oh, and on top of this we only use the best and strongest waterproof thread, and PVC panel to protect the material from pilling, seam taping to prevent any rubbing, zip protector to stop hair from getting caught in the zip and a ready made Velcro attachment. Did I forget to mention fantastic and experienced customer service, Australian made quality and a choice of fabric colours and binding to choose from?

CAN THE HORSE STILL SWISH ITS TAIL?

Yes - the material is very light and the horse can easily swish the files.

MY HORSE CAN GET HIS TAIL OUT OF OTHER TAIL BAGS, WILL YOUR DESIGN STOP THAT?

Absolutely - if the tail bag is correctly attached to a well fitting rug that doesn't slip then it is virtually impossible for the horse to bend it's dock up and out of the top of the tailored design.  After all what's the point of a tail bag that comes off? (Especially the night before a competition after you have spent hours washing and combining it to look fabulous).

WHY DO I NEED A TAIL BAG?

Lets face it - the tail is a rather noticeable part of a horses.  It also helps to create balance with the horses outline and movement and can accentuate the horses's hindquarters. When a horse has thin, dry, damaged, stained or bleached tail it is very noticeable and greatly effects your horses overall appearance.

 CAN MY HORSE WEAR A TAIL BAG EVERY DAY?

Yes - for the best results we recommend your horse wear our Woollybutt "Day Bag" when ever they are wearing their rug.  This will give you maximum protection against sun bleaching, damage and staining.  Also, the more you wear the bag, the less combing your tail needs so the less hair you remove accidentally.  The hair becomes stronger and is less likely to break.  If you just want to keep your tail clean the night before a show then the 'Day Bag' is also your first choice.  However, we don't recommend you keep the 'Travel Bag on every day as the neoprene part is similar to a bandage and constant extended us could create circulation damage to the tailbone.  The 'Travel Bag' was designed for just that  - superior cushioning protection against damage and staining whilst in transit.

WILL THE NYLON DENIER MATERIAL MAKE MY HORSE SWEAT?

 Not at all - the material has a showerproof coating on one side and as it is not 100% waterproof it still allows air to pass through the fabric whilst still providing good showerproof protection.  The bag is open at the top and bottom and still has plenty of space to allow air to circulate.  All our internal seams around the tailbone are covered with a soft taping so no rubbing whatsoever occurs.

THE NYLON MATERIAL SEEMS A LITTLE STIFF WITH A NEW TAIL BAG?

That's true - once washed the material loosens and softens nicely but still keeps it's strength, showerproofing and colour (see care instructions before washing). No longer do we have to put up with sodden wet cotton bags that provide no rain protection at all and get filthy and stained in the mud. YUK!

CAN I WASH THE TAIL BAG?

Yes, absolutely - we believe you should spend your time riding your horses, not bent over scrubbing stains in the laundry tub! Cold wash only though, as hot water damages the showerproof coating.  Another advantage of our bags is that when you get to a show they can be wiped clean with a sponge (or rinsed in a bucket for major stains) and will be dry by the time you're ready to go home (we all know you can't do tht with the old cotton bags).

WHAT SIZE SHOULD I GET?

Please refer to our sizing chart as this will give you all the information you should need as well as an advice on how to measure you horse.  Still confused?  Please call or email us and we can help you make the right choice.

CAN I MIX AND MATCH DOCK SIZES AND LENGTHS?

Yes - Sometimes ponies with big bushy tails may need a Warmblood dock size but only a pony length.  Quarter horses and some Draught types and Andalusian breeds have large tails and need bigger dock sizes.  We realise horses come in all sizes and although we have attempted to provide a comprehensive sizing system, you just can't fit all of the horses, all of the time!  Please call or email us and we would be happy to customise your order to your exact measurements.

CAN YOU DO MINATURE AND DRAUGHT HORSE SIZES?

Yes, we can custom make to suit all sizes.

I AM NOT SURE HOW TO GET THE VELCRO ATTACHMENT ON THE RUG?

Not everyone is born with sewing skills but don't worry this is reasonably easy. See Measurement Chart - Tail Bags for sewing instructions. Still not sure? Please call us and we will happily talk you through it.

DO HORSES MIND WEARING TAIL BAGS!

No - we've never known any horses to object to wearing tail bags, just like most horses don't object to wearing rugs.  There is the odd horse that will dislike it but usually they don't like rugs either! Some mares can be a little protective of lifting their tail to put on the bag on (we call these mares 'clampers') but once the bag is on they are usually happy.