John Whitaker Rastrick V2 UV Protect Multi-Purpose Rug – White

UV Protection for Summer Horse Coats

Strong summer sunlight can cause dark and richly coloured horse coats to fade, particularly when the horse spends extended periods turned out.

The John Whitaker Rastrick V2 UV Protect Rug provides a lightweight protective layer between the horse’s coat and direct sunlight. Its UV-protective upper helps shield the coat during warm and sunny conditions without the weight of a traditional turnout rug.

This makes it particularly useful for black, bay, chestnut and other dark-coated horses whose coats may become faded or bleached by repeated exposure to sunlight. It can also provide valuable coverage for show horses when maintaining a smart, even coat colour is important.

The detachable neck allows protection to be extended along the horse’s neck when required. It can be removed during warmer conditions or when a standard-neck fit is preferred.

Although no rug can completely eliminate the effects of prolonged sunlight, combining appropriate rug use with shade, regular checks and sensible turnout management can help protect the horse’s coat during summer.

Breathable Comfort in Warm Weather

A summer horse rug needs to provide protection without trapping excessive heat around the horse.

The John Whitaker Rastrick V2 features a lightweight and breathable upper that encourages air circulation around the body. This helps make it more suitable for warmer conditions than a heavy turnout or stable rug.

Its smart white finish also makes the rug a practical choice for sunny weather because lighter colours generally absorb less heat than dark fabrics. The material provides coverage while remaining light enough for regular spring and summer use when conditions are appropriate.

The rug may be useful for horses that require protection from sun exposure, dust or brief light showers while travelling, attending shows or spending time outside.

Because temperatures and individual horses vary, regular monitoring remains essential. Check underneath the rug throughout the day and remove or change it when your horse feels excessively warm or begins sweating.

The detachable neck provides additional flexibility, allowing the level of coverage to be adjusted as conditions change.

Shower-Resistant and Adaptable Design

British spring and summer weather can change quickly, moving from bright sunlight to passing showers and breezy conditions within a short period.

The John Whitaker Rastrick V2 Multi-Purpose Rug has a shower-resistant upper that provides light protection during brief showers while maintaining the breathable qualities required for warmer weather.

This makes it more adaptable than a basic cotton summer sheet when there is a possibility of light rain. However, shower resistance should not be confused with full waterproofing. The rug is not designed for prolonged rain, heavy downpours or sustained wet weather.

The detachable neck cover allows owners to adapt the rug to suit the conditions. Use the neck for greater coat and sun coverage or remove it when less coverage is required.

Detachable elasticated leg straps help keep the rug positioned during windy or breezy weather. They can also be removed when they are not required, allowing the rug to be adjusted around the horse’s needs and intended use.

This combination makes the Rastrick V2 suitable for changing warm-weather conditions when breathability, light protection and flexibility are priorities.

Comfortable Fit and Freedom of Movement

The John Whitaker Rastrick V2 has been designed to provide coverage without unnecessarily restricting the horse’s natural movement.

A tall shoulder gusset creates additional room through the front of the rug. This allows the shoulder to move more freely when the horse is walking, grazing or travelling.

At the withers, a soft faux-fur pad cushions the area where pressure and friction can occur. It helps improve comfort and may reduce the risk of soreness around the withers during regular wear.

The detachable elasticated leg straps help stabilise the rear of the rug, particularly in breezy conditions. They should be adjusted evenly and securely without being tight or hanging excessively low.

A protective tail cover extends coverage across the top of the hindquarters, while the detachable neck allows the front coverage to be adapted according to the horse and weather.

For the best fit, choose the horse’s normal UK rug size and check that the front closes comfortably. The shoulder gusset should sit in the correct position, the wither pad should remain centred and the rug should finish neatly at the hindquarters.