Horse Rugging: 8 Common Mistakes Horse Owners Should Avoid This Summer
Smart Summer Rugging Tips for Cooler, Happier Horses
Updated September 2025
A practical guide for Australian horse owners on how to avoid the most common summer rugging mistakes - keeping horses cooler, safer, and more comfortable all season.
Rugging horses in the Australian summer is all about balance. You need to protect against UV rays, flies, and coat damage without overheating or rubbing your horse. The problem isn’t rugging itself, it’s choosing the wrong rug or managing it poorly. The right rug keeps your horse cool, safe, and comfortable. The wrong one can cause stress, irritation, and even health issues. Here are 8 rugging mistakes to avoid, plus how Delzani’s summer horse rugs solve these challenges.
Mistake 1: Thinking Lighter Always Means Cooler
Weight isn’t everything. Airflow and fabric matter more. The Barcoo mesh rug (280gsm flat weave) performs as cool as a cotton flag rug in humid Queensland but with far more durability. For extreme heat, the Barcoo Lite (130gsm) delivers maximum airflow with coat-friendly comfort.
Mistake 2: Rugging with Fabrics Not Built for Summer
Thick cottons or poor synthetics trap heat. The fix isn’t skipping rugs but choosing ones designed for Australian summers. The Barcoo, Warrego, Flag rug, or Outback PVC Combo all provide airflow, insect defense, and UV protection without overheating.
Mistake 3: Forgetting Every Horse Is Different
Dark coats heat faster, pink skin burns easily, and some horses sweat more than others. Always adjust rugging to your horse, not just the forecast. Signs like excessive sweating, agitation, or lethargy mean it’s time to reassess.
Mistake 4: Neglecting Rug Hygiene
A dirty rug traps heat, clogs airflow, and irritates skin. Regular washing and rotating rugs is essential. Delzani’s Warrego and Barcoo are made tough to handle frequent cleaning while keeping their strength and comfort.
Mistake 5: Ignoring Coat Colour and Skin Sensitivity
Dark horses absorb heat faster and do best in breathable mesh like the Warrego or Barcoo. Pink-skinned or light-coated horses need high UV protection, making the Flag rug or UV-stabilised Barcoo the smarter choice.
Mistake 6: Choosing Durability or Comfort Instead of Both
You shouldn’t have to compromise. Raised-weave Warrego is strong yet airy, Barcoo flat weave is smooth on sensitive coats, Barcoo Lite is ultra-light for extreme heat, and the Outback PVC Combo is virtually indestructible while softening with wear.
Mistake 7: Overlooking Rug Fit
Even the best fabric fails if the rug rubs. Poor fit causes pressure on shoulders, chest, and withers. Delzani rugs are cut with anatomical shaping to reduce rubs, improve comfort, and stay put in the paddock.
Mistake 8: Forgetting Complete Protection
Rugging only the body leaves horses exposed. Flies target faces, ears, and bellies, too. Pair rugs with a fly mask and add insect repellent to protect sensitive areas for all-round comfort and coat care.
Smarter Rugging with Delzani
Summer rugging isn’t about whether to rug; it’s about choosing the right rug for the conditions. Delzani’s range covers every scenario: the premium Barcoo, airflow-boosting Warrego, ultra-light Barcoo Lite, UV-defending Flag rug, and heavy-duty Outback PVC Combo. With the right rug, your horse stays cooler, safer, and more comfortable all season.
Shop the full collection of Delzani summer horse rugs designed for Australian heat, trusted by riders nationwide, and proven to keep horses healthier, happier, and better protected.
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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