Horse rugs through the ages, from tribal blankets to fashion statements

Used to keep your steed nice and snug during the winter and fly-free during the summer, horse rugs have evolved considerably since its Native American founding.

Used initially to keep the rider warm by the tribes of the Native Americans, horse blankets were the only thing between horse and rider and were attached by string or rope around the horse, much like a girth on today's saddles. Blankets were used almost like currency; they were commonly given to other tribes or outsiders in return for other possessions.

Hand woven from wool cloth, the blankets were not easy to make and certainly did not last as long as the rugs of today. Before it could be woven, the wool had to be cleaned and spun and dyes had to be created from a mixture of vegetables and plants to form the vivid colours they are still so well renowned for to this day.

Although not available in quite as many colours or designs as the Native American horse blankets, the horse rug of today comes in a variety of styles and shapes to suit a variety of different functions. From stable rugs to turnout rugs, pony fly rugs to horse travel rugs, today horse blankets can be found for every occasion. Far from the primitive woollen creations that the tribes would create, modern rugs are a feat of engineering with their antibacterial linings and waterproof outer fabric. Some rugs even incorporate therapeutic silver technology to help promote better blood circulation and to reduce any swelling.

Today's horse blankets are often items of style and luxury as well as items of necessity. The horse's or owner's name can be embroidered onto the sides and the colour is often chosen to compliment the horse's colourings. Celebrities such as Katie Price have even commissioned their own unique range of horse rugs reflecting how fashion for horses has become almost as important as fashion for people.

Horaffe

The Mongolians are probably best known for their founder Genghis Khan, however there’s now a new kid on the block that may well supersede him as Mongolia’s most famous ever inhabitant. The Horaffe, or should that be Girorse, has seen the first ever successful cross-breeding of a Giraffe and a horse. The actual conception has been shrouded in secrecy; so it’s not clear whether it’s the offspring off a mare and male giraffe, or female giraffe and stallion. Here at Dogwood we’d like to think that it’s a female giraffe as try as we might we can’t get round the fact that giraffe’s always look feminine, with their long legs and eyelashes et al. You can see that the Horaffe has taken attributes from both species, the ears, legs and partial colorings of a Giraffe and the body and head of a horse. The question is will anyone dare ride it? Already standing at an impressive height, this foal (or goal) is going to need some seriously big horse tack and horse rugs…let alone a ladder so it can be mounted! We can’t help be a bit skeptical about this, but if they can cross a zebra with a horse, then why not! We’ll leave it for you to decide, what do you think…?

A guide to the various types of horse boots

Horse boots are used to protect the horse's legs whilst being ridden or while travelling. Many equestrian activities place heavy demands on the muscles and tendons in the horse's legs so boots are used to give extra support.

Boots can also be used to correct problems such as over reaching, cutting and brushing. There is a wide array of boots available to suit all equine disciplines, each providing protection to a different area of the horse's leg.

Brushing Boots
Also referred to as splint boots, these are for horses with the tendency to brush their legs together whilst being ridden. With strong 'strike pads' running up the inside of the boot to absorb the shock, brushing boots protect the legs from injury. The boot should start just below the knee and finish just below the fetlock or ankle joint. Leather boots are stronger than synthetic versions but must be cleaned regularly to maintain their condition.

Tendon boots
As the name suggests, these boots protect the horse's tendons which run down the back of the lower foreleg, so are normally open-fronted. They should sit high enough to protect the tendon and extend low enough to protect the fetlock joint. They have a thick pad sewn into the boot which can both correct over reaching and support weak tendons. They are also used in wet, muddy or extreme conditions when extra support is needed to protect the leg from injury. Open-fronted boots are normally favoured by show jumpers as they provide the protection needed whilst still allowing the horse to feel the poles of the jump.

Over reach boots
Some horses are prone to 'over reaching'. This occurs when the toe of the hind foot strikes into the heel or coronet of the front foot which can cause injury. The over reach boot prevents this by forming a protective shell over the front hooves. Non-fastening rubber overreach boots can be hard to get on but once in place, they will stay put. However, they can flip up which prevents them providing any protection.

Fetlock boots
Similar to the tendon boot, fetlock boots are designed to give specific protection to the vulnerable fetlock area. Fetlock boots are shorter than tendon boots and are normally only fitted to the back legs.

Cross Country Boots
These boots offer all round protection which is necessary for hard impact and demanding equestrian sports such as cross country. Also suitable for hunter trials, national hunt racing, team chasing, eventing and hunting, these boots support the cannon bone, tendon and fetlock as well as giving protection from brushing.

Travel boots
Travel boots offer protection from the knocks and bumps that can occur in the horsebox or trailer and are easier to put on and less time consuming then travel bandages. Travel boots are either made from simple square pads or from shaped boots which run from the coronet up to the knee and hock and so are much longer and more padded than other horse boots.

Race goers swap horse riding gear for haute couture

The Gold cup meeting, or Ladies Day as it is more familiarly known, is one of the most famous horse races in the world and brings together style, elegance, haute couture and the downright bizarre as the focus switches from racing to fashion. Muddy horse riding gear should be left at home and riding jackets swapped for fancy dresses as style is the name of the day.

On Ladies Day, all attention is focused on the ladies' hats. From simple and elegant to bold and flamboyant, the hat is the centre of attention on ladies day. Although hats only have to be worn in the Royal Enclosure, most women choose to wear one regardless of which enclosure they are in. Previous hat designs have included a big block of stilton cheese on a cheese board, a plate of sandwiches, a race track with moving horses, a wicket and a hat adorned with a bathroom.

Depending on which enclosure you have tickets for, there are very stringent dress codes, and failure to dress appropriately can result in a refusal of entry. The Royal enclosure has the strictest of dress codes and tickets can only be obtained by invitation only.

Dress codes for The Royal Enclosure:

Dress code for Ladies

• Off the shoulder, halter neck, spaghetti straps and dresses with a strap of less than one inch are deemed unsuitable, as are dresses that do not reach below the knee.


• Trouser suits can be worn but midriffs must be covered and suits must be of a matching colour and material.


• Hats or substantial fascinators should be worn.

Dress code for Gentlemen

• Black or grey morning dress must be worn.


• Waistcoats must be worn underneath the morning dress.


• Top hats must be worn but can be removed within a restaurant, private box, private club or that facility's terrace, balcony or garden and any enclosed external seating with the Royal Enclosure Garden.

Dress code for foreign visitors


• Overseas visitors are welcome to wear the formal national dress of their country or Service dress.

The Grandstand Admission Dress Code
Although more relaxed then the dress code for the Royal Enclosure, visitors to the Grandstand are still expected to dress smartly and many still adhere to the Royal Enclosure dress code. Ladies are required to dress "in a manner appropriate to a smart occasion." Many wear hats although this is not compulsory.

Gentlemen in the Grandstand Admission are obliged to wear a shirt and tie and preferably with a suit or jacket. Any one wearing sports attire, jeans and shorts are will not be admitted.

Silver Ring ticket dress code
The Silver Ring area at Ascot has a much more relaxed and informal atmosphere as it has a separate admission area that does not provide access to the Parade Ring or the main Grandstand. Race goers are still encouraged to wear smart clothing in this area but there is no formal dress code.

No matter where you are positioned, there is no doubt that Royal Ascot provides the perfect occasion to doff your horse riding gear and reveal the more glamorous side of you.

Image © divemasterking2000 via Creative Commons Licence