A Practical Guide to Fit, Friction Control and Protecting Skin Health
Rug rubs are not minor cosmetic issues. They are early warning signs of pressure imbalance, friction, moisture build-up or poor fit. Left unchecked, small rubs can develop into open sores, thickened skin and chronic hair loss.
Rug rubs are preventable in most cases. Prevention requires correct sizing, regular monitoring and understanding how friction develops.
This guide explains how rug rubs occur and how to prevent them effectively.
Why Rug Rubs Happen
Rug rubs are caused by:
- Repetitive friction
- Excess pressure
- Trapped moisture
- Poor fit
- Excess layering
- Constant movement in ill-fitting fabric
The most common locations include:
- Shoulders
- Withers
- Mane line
- Hips
- Chest
Rubs develop gradually — rarely overnight.
1. Correct Fit Is the Foundation
Most rubs stem from incorrect sizing.
A rug that is:
- Too small → pulls across shoulders
- Too large → shifts side to side
Both create friction.
When fitting a rug, ensure:
- Chest closes without strain
- Shoulder has full freedom of movement
- Rug sits level along the spine
- Tail flap aligns correctly
Even high-quality rugs cause rubs if incorrectly sized.
2. Shoulder Freedom Matters
The shoulder is the most common rub site.
If the rug restricts forward leg movement:
- Fabric pulls backward with each stride
- Repeated friction occurs
- Hair weakens and breaks
Watch the horse walk while rugged.
Movement should look natural, not shortened or stiff.
3. Manage Moisture Carefully
Sweat significantly increases friction.
Damp skin under a rug:
- Softens hair
- Weakens follicles
- Encourages bacterial growth
Check daily for:
- Damp chest
- Sweaty neck
- Moist lining
Overheating is one of the biggest triggers for rub development.
4. Choose the Right Fabric Lining
Lining materials influence friction levels.
Common options:
- Smooth nylon — reduces drag
- Polyester linings — durable and low friction
- Cotton — breathable but can increase resistance
- Silk-style shoulder linings — useful for sensitive horses
Horses prone to rubbing often benefit from smoother linings that glide over the coat.
5. Rotate Rugs Where Possible
Wearing the same rug continuously creates repetitive pressure patterns.
Rotating between:
- Two turnout rugs
- Stable and turnout rugs
- Different liner combinations
Allows subtle variation in contact points and reduces cumulative friction.
6. Avoid Excessive Layering
Layering increases:
- Bulk
- Pressure at shoulders and withers
- Heat build-up
- Fabric movement
More layers do not automatically mean better comfort.
If layering is necessary:
- Check fit carefully
- Remove liners when temperatures rise
7. Monitor High-Risk Horses
Certain conformations are more prone to rubs:
- Broad-shouldered warmblood types
- High-withered thoroughbreds
- Native types with thick necks
- Horses with sensitive or fine skin
Fit must account for body shape — not just rug size.
8. Use Protective Accessories Carefully
Shoulder guards, bibs and liners can:
- Reduce friction
- Protect vulnerable areas
- Support healing
However:
- They must fit correctly
- They should not wrinkle or bunch
- They must be kept clean
Accessories assist — they do not replace correct rug fit.
9. Keep Rugs Clean
Dirt and dried sweat increase friction inside the rug.
Regularly:
- Remove dried mud
- Brush out lining
- Wash rugs when heavily soiled
- Inspect stitching and seams
Clean fabric moves smoothly over the coat.
10. Address Early Signs Immediately
Early warning signs include:
- Hair lying flat or disturbed
- Slight thinning
- Warm skin patches
- Small bald areas
Do not wait for skin damage.
Act early by:
- Adjusting fit
- Changing rug
- Reducing layers
- Monitoring temperature more closely
Early intervention prevents escalation.
If a Rub Develops
If the skin is intact:
- Remove or adjust the rug
- Apply a protective barrier cream
- Allow airflow
- Monitor closely
If the skin is broken:
- Remove rug temporarily if possible
- Clean gently with mild antiseptic
- Keep area dry
- Seek veterinary advice if sore is deep or inflamed
Never continue rugging over an open sore without adjustment.
Environmental Factors That Increase Risk
Rubs are more likely during:
- Seasonal temperature swings
- Clipping transitions
- Rapid weight changes
- Wet weather causing sweating
- Increased movement in muddy turnout
Be extra vigilant during these periods.
The Core Principle
Rug rubs are a management issue — not an inevitability.
Prevention relies on:
- Correct sizing
- Daily hands-on checks
- Moisture control
- Thoughtful layering
- Fabric awareness
- Prompt adjustment
Comfort should never be compromised for convenience.
A properly fitted rug should feel almost invisible to the horse — allowing free movement, stable temperature and healthy skin.
Small adjustments today prevent larger problems tomorrow.
Knowledge Hub: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/knowledge-hub/
Category: https://jsm-equestrian-supplies.co.uk/category/rugging-seasonal/
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