Weatherproofing and Repairing
FAL-PRO dual purpose rugs are made using ultra tough hi-tech fabrics which are then coated with a micro-porous formula making the fabric 100% waterproof. This means that the outer fabric will resist the penetration of rain through the outside and still allow sweat or condensation caused by the horse’s body heat to slowly evaporate through at the rate of 150-200 millilitres per hour depending on the rug. Therefore it is beneficial to leave the rug on the horse until all of the moisture has had time to evaporate through the outer fabric. This stops the horse from getting a chill and ensures the heat from the horse allows the micro-porous coating to do its job.
A horse rug is the same as any other item of clothing in that if it is removed when it is still wet or damp it should be hung up in a dry, well ventilated area. Occasionally, in heavy rain, some moisture penetration may occur in the sewn areas of the rug.
This is not significant and due to the positioning of the stitching will not affect the performance of the rug — that is to keep even the most adverse weather out!
All FAL-PRO rugs are designed so that there is a “breaking point” for your horse’s safety and it would be dangerous to the horse to make a rug so strong that it would not give away in the event of your horse getting caught or trapped in an obstacle.
It is advisable to have stable rugs cleaned regularly; dirty rugs may cause skin irritation. Outdoor rugs may only need hosing over a gate to clean the worst of the mud and dirt off – Nylon or Equitex® linings tend not to collect dirt and grease and may only need a sponge down. All FAL-PRO rugs are fully machine washable, however avoid detergent. Use a proprietary rugwash or product similar to Lux or Soap flakes. Repair kits are available from your nearest stockist should they be required.