Which horse rug is best for me ? - 600 denier, 1200 denier or 1680 denier

by J Brazier

The denier rating refers the the thickness of the thread used to manufacture the fabric. A higher denier rating will result in a thicker fabric but is a higher denier better.


Some stores only stock a single denier horse rug like 1200 denier and will claim that this rug will last much longer than 600 denier rugs. This is not the case and our testing has shown that the life of a 600 denier rug can be just as good as a 1200 denier or even higher denier.


Gohorse and other major manufacturers stock a range of ratings so that you have can select a product that suits you and your horse.


The denier rating will make little difference to the warmth provided, windproof protection or waterproof performance. All the fabrics also contain a riptop thread to limit the extent of any tears that occur to make repairs possible.


The waterproof membrance used on our rugs is the same on all fabrics and provides equally outstanding waterproof and breathable performance.


So why the different ratings. The 600 denier rugs are lighter which means they are easier to handle and lighter on your horses back so there is increased comfort. The fabric is also lower cost and you can have a high performing horse rug at a lower price.


The higher denier rating rugs have a thicker fabric and this is somethimes important if you have a horse that is rough on rugs and seems to find ways to rub against anything around or finds other ways to damage your rug. Where horses are paddocked together you can also get one horse that wants to bite and pull on anothers horse rug and cause damage.


Based on your experience with your horse the right answer can sometimes mean a 600 denier, a 1200 denier or even a 1600 denier rug. In any case you will always get a quality long lasting horse rug from Gohorse.