RUG maintenance is not something that should be overlooked. Firstly keeping rugs clean and well-maintained is very important for the health and comfort of your horse. Secondly, rugs are generally not cheap so it is worth spending some money each year in order to save yourself from having to buy a whole new rug.

If rugs are not kept clean they may harbour bacteria and fungus which may lead to skin irritation and potential infection.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

There are a number of professional rug cleaners around the country. These professional cleaners offer a range of services including re-waterproofing, repairing stitching or damage to the rug, and general cleaning.

After such a muddy and wet winter most outdoor rugs are in need of a decent clean before they are put away for the summer and these professional services are very often the most effective and convenient option.

DIY OPTIONS

If you are watching your pennies then there are also more cost-effective ways of keeping your rugs in order, although you may not always achieve the same professional results.

A number of petrol stations around Ireland now have pay-as-you-go industrial size washing machines, these are ideal for fitting rugs into. If you repeatedly wash rugs without re-waterproofing them they may lose some of their ability to keep out the rain.

It may be worth combining washing the rugs yourself and maybe get it professional re-waterproofed as needed.

It is possible to wash lighter rugs and coolers in a domestic washing machine, especially if they are not too dirty. Even though these lighter rugs are unlikely to get as muddy winter rugs they are just as likely to harbour bacteria.

If you are using a domestic washing machine for lighter rugs make sure to brush off as much of the hair as possible before putting it in the wash and use a rinse cycle after the wash is finished before the machine is used for clothes again.

STORAGE

Once rugs have been washed and repaired it is important to make sure they are stored carefully if they are not going directly back into use. Often rugs that have been professional cleaned are delivered back in tightly packed plastic bags, making them very easy to store.

Try to avoid leaving rugs anywhere that rodents may have access to them as they can often chew through them and leave them in an unusable state. A wooden or heavy-duty plastic box with a secure lid can be the best place to store rugs until you need them again. Hanging rug racks are useful for rugs that you are using regularly and can be an ideal place for drying rugs. Paying a small amount each year to maintain your rugs makes sense. Not only will it save you money on buying new rugs every year, but it will also help keep your horse healthy.