Frequently Asked Questions

HOW SHOULD I WASH MY WEATHERBEETA TURNOUT RUG?

 

WHAT IS MEANT BY “WATERPROOF” AND “BREATHE EASY”?

This is the ability of your Rug to protect your horse from the elements – particularly rain - while at the same time, keeping your horse comfortable by allowing sweat and perspiration to wick’ away and pass through the Rugs fabric to the outside air. Think how uncomfortable you are in a waterproof jacket that doesn’t breathe – it becomes clammy and causes chills if moisture can’t escape!

We achieve your Rug Breathe Easy properties by applying a special ‘hydrophilic’ (water-loving) coating to the underside of each Rug. This coating prevents any water from passing through it from the outside inward, but uses the temperature differences between the horse and the air to allow perspiration molecules to travel through the fabric and evaporate, leaving your horse dry – from the inside out!
 
UK/Europe: please note, as per the BETA (British Equestrian Trading Association) Guidelines, the term ‘waterproof’ refers to the outer fabric of the Rug/Blanket, which will not allow water to pass from the outside to the horse’s skin. Describing a Rug as ‘waterproof’ refers to the fabric it is made from, not the product as a whole, as all Rugs contain stitching and fastenings that cannot be taped. It is always advisable to have a spare Rug available.

 

MY RUG SAYS IT IS “RIPSTOP” BUT IT HAS RIPPED. WHY HAS THIS HAPPENED?

The Ripstop weave within the fabric of our Rugs helps to contain rips. The distinctive ‘checkerboard’ pattern of Ripstop is actually a series of reinforced strands interspersed within standard weave fibres and these thicker, stronger areas (the borders of the ‘checkers’) help to prevent a rip from spreading once it starts. Ripstop does not guarantee that the fabric will not rip at all. Importantly, the stronger areas are actually designed to rip should your horse gets caught or stuck in any way.

 

WHAT SHOULD I DO WITH MY FAULTY GOODS?

It is unusual for products to exhibit faults, however should you feel that you have a faulty item, you must return it to the store where you purchased it. This is important, as your legal contract of sale is with the Retailer where you purchased the item.

UK/Europe: please note, as per the BETA Guidelines, all products being returned to Retailers for assessment must be clean and dry as per the Health and Safety At Work Act 1972.

 

DO I NEED TO RE-PROOF MY TURNOUT RUG?

Your WeatherBeeta Rug may benefit from reproofing every so often. The age of your Rug will dictate how regularly you need to do this. If the water no longer ‘beads off’ the Rug, this may suggest that it needs reproofing. It must be remembered however, that although re-proofing will help keep your Rug waterproof, it isn’t a permanent waterproof coating.

 

HOW DO I CORRECTLY MEASURE FOR A WEATHERBEETA RUG?

For a guide on correctly fitting your WeatherBeeta Rug, please see the ‘How to Fit’ section on this website.

 

WHAT SIZE MASK DO I NEED TO MATCH MY FLY RUG OR SHEET?

Generally, you’ll find this chart a good guide when fitting masks. Ask your Retailer for assistance if unsure.

Horse Body Sizes

UK INCH EUROPE USA Mask Size
4'0” - 5’6” 75 - 120cm 48 - 66” SMALL
5’9” - 6’3” 125 - 140cm 69 - 75” MEDIUM
6’6”+ 145cm+ 77”+

LARGE