Preventing Shoulder Rubs in Horses: Why Shoulder Guards Make a Difference
Understanding Shoulder Guards: The Simple Fix for Rug Rubs and Coat Damage
Updated September 2025
An expert breakdown of how shoulder guards protect sensitive coats, prevent friction, and extend rug life - especially in Australia’s harsh climate.
Shoulder rubs are one of those nagging problems every Aussie rider dreads. One week, your horse looks sleek and comfortable, the next you’re staring at bare patches, rough skin, or even open sores where the rug has shifted. Not only does it ruin coat condition right before show season, but it also makes your horse uncomfortable and can take months to grow back. The reality? Most shoulder rubs can be prevented with smarter rugging choices and the right protective gear.
Why horses get shoulder rubs
Shoulder rubs aren’t just about “bad rugs.” They usually come down to a mix of factors:
- Rug fit: Too tight across the chest or too loose through the shoulders means constant shifting and rubbing.
- Sensitive coats: Fine or changing coats (like during seasonal sheds) are especially prone to friction.
- Fabric texture: Stiff or coarse rugs rub faster, especially when new or dirty.
- Horse shape: Broad shoulders, upright builds, or high withers change how a rug sits.
- Movement: Horses that graze low, roll often, or play hard generate more rug friction.
Why shoulder rubs matter more than you think
It’s easy to dismiss rubs as cosmetic, but they can trigger bigger problems. Exposed skin is more prone to sunburn, fly irritation, and even infection. Discomfort changes how a horse moves, leading to stiffness or resentment under saddle. And for show horses, patchy coats are the last thing you want in the ring.
Practical ways to prevent shoulder rubs
A few small changes can dramatically reduce rubbing:
- Recheck rug fit each season, horses change shape with work, condition and age.
- Wash and rotate rugs. Sweat and grit act like sandpaper if left to build up.
- Pick smooth linings, such as satin or nylon shoulder panels, that reduce friction compared to stiff cotton.
- Add a protective barrier, such as shoulder guards (or bibs) is one of the simplest and most effective fixes.
How shoulder guards actually work
A shoulder guard is like a base layer for your horse. Worn under the rug, it provides a smooth, low-friction shield across the shoulders and chest. Benefits include:
- Stops rubbing before it starts: Absorbs rug movement and protects the coat.
- Keeps horses comfortable: Especially useful for sensitive types and fine-coated breeds.
- Versatile use: Works under turnout rugs, stable rugs, or even for travel and show prep.
- Practical and durable: Easy to wash, quick to dry, and long-lasting in daily use.
Prevention is always easier than cure
Once a rub develops, you’re stuck waiting weeks (or months) for hair to regrow. Prevention is far simpler. Adding a shoulder guard at the start of rugging season keeps coats glossy, show-ready and your horse far more comfortable. For horses with a history of rubbing, making guards part of your rugging kit is a game-changer.
The Delzani difference: Shoulder guards made for Aussie conditions
Delzani Horse Bib Shoulder Guards are designed specifically for Australian horses. Lightweight, breathable and built tough, they feature:
- Single-layer poly-cotton with smooth anti-rub lining
- Fleece wither padding for comfort
- Reinforced chest loops and dual-stitched bindings for durability
- Fast to fit, easy to wash, quick to dry
Whether for daily turnout, float trips, or show prep, Delzani shoulder guards keep your horse protected, coat-friendly, and ready for work or competition.
Don’t wait for rubs to appear, prevent them. Explore our full range of Delzani Shoulder Guards today and give your horse the comfort they deserve.
Written by Jane Griffiths - An experienced Australian horse owner and product developer with over three decades immersed in equestrian life. Jane has spent years refining horse rugs, tack, and riding apparel to better suit Australian climates. She has enjoyed countless weekends at gymkhanas, show jumping events, and pony club competitions with her daughter, and still loves hitting the trails with friends whenever she can. Her lifelong passion for horses and hands-on understanding of equine comfort continue to shape her practical, rider-first approach to horse care and product design.
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