Heavyweight turnout rugs are an essential item in any clipped horse’s winter wardrobe. Heavyweights typically have 300g+ of insulation, so are not needed until the temperature really drops. Rugs with a waterproof outer that give the option to use different weight liners throughout the year have become much more popular as it allows you to be flexible in a cost-effective way, so some heavyweights are actually a combination of a lighter weight rug with rug liners to add the warmth.
The best heavyweight turnout rugs will not only keep your horse warm, but will protect him from the elements, whether it be heavy rain, wind or snow. Rugs that are both waterproof and breathable are what everyone is looking for, although different types of horses will suit particular cuts, designs and neck configurations. Many heavyweights come with fixed necks as it’s less likely you’ll opt for a detachable if the weather is really cold – but some do still offer this, and a few are available with a standard neck, too.
How to choose the best heavyweight turnout rug
There’s a lot to consider when choosing a rug, but buying a new heavyweight is very similar to choosing a new lightweight turnout rug or medium weight turnout rug. Think about the…
- Weight – how much filling do you need?
- Outer shell – how tough does the rug need to be? If your horse is a known rug wrecker, or is turned out with one, look for a higher denier
- Cut – do you need a neck? Are you after a particular shape?
- Extra features – do you have a preferred type of fastening? Or would the rug benefit from reflective strips?
Manufacturers are constantly innovating and introducing new features to their turnout rugs, such as shaped padding to protect the withers and new designs of shoulder gusset to allow additional freedom of movement.
Choosing between neck styles – standard with no neck, detachable or integrated – is mostly down to what suits your horse best, but detachable is certainly the most versatile, allowing you to remove the neck when the weather’s a little warmer or if your horse is prone to rubbing. Many of the best turnout rugs, however, feature special anti-rub linings that should go some way to help prevent this.
Fastenings are important because there’s nothing more annoying that having to find a spare buckle or replace your leg straps. Good quality, easy to fasten and comfortable for your horse are what you’re looking for here. Some rugs will have elasticated and/or detachable leg straps, while others will have clips rather than buckles at the front – have a good think about what you prefer and what will work for your horse because you’ll be using them daily during the coldest periods.
Best heavyweight turnout rugs for every budget
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Plus Dynamic II Heavy
Fill: 360g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
RRP: £164.99
This rug features a memory foam wither relief pad that contours to the horse’s shape and lifts the rug off the wither to reduce rubbing and provide added comfort, a quick clip front closure offering maximum adjustability and an extra-large tail flap for maximum protection.
It also has reflective strips to make your horse easier to spot in the dark, traditional side gussets for natural movement, low cross surcingles and elasticated, adjustable and removable leg straps for a secure and comfortable fit.
Also available at with the same features with 0g fill, 100g fill or 220g fill, and is compatible with the WeatherBeeta liner system so you can increase the fill weight if you need to add extra warmth.
We tested the medium weight version of this rug and awarded it H&H Approved – read the full WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Plus Dynamic II review.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the US? View now at amazon.co.uk
Shires Tempest Original 300 Turnout
Fill: 300g
Style: Standard neck, combo or detachable
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 48–87in (4ft – 7ft3in)
RRP: £77.99 (standard), £92.99 (combo), £103.99 (detachable)
This Shires turnout features adjustable buckle chest straps, adjustable cross surcingles and fillet strap. It is fully lined with taped seams and is compatible with Shires WarmaRug liners. The rug is also PFC-free, which means the water-repellent finish outer offers sustainable protection without the use of environmentally harmful PFCs.
In the UK? View the standard neck now at viovet.co.uk, gsequestrian.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
In the UK? View the combo now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
In the UK? View the detachable neck now at gsequestrian.co.uk
Swish 300g Turnout
Fill: 300g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 4ft3in – 7ft6in
RRP: £101
H&H review: 8/10
This 1200D turnout from Swish is compatible with Swish rug liners and comes with a detachable neck cover that fastens with two double-locking Velcro straps. It is designed to sit higher on the neck and shoulders to prevent the rug from slipping back and rubbing. It has reflective strips on the front, rear and tail flap, as well as large shoulder gussets, cross surcingles, a tail flap and removable, elasticated leg straps.
Also available with the same features with 0g, 50g, 100g, 200g, 360g or 450g fill. Compatible liners in a range of weights available on Amazon – 50g, 100g, 200g or 300g.
We tested the lightweight version of this turnout – read the full Swish turnout rug review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
JHL Essential Combo Turnout
Fill: 300g
Style: Fixed neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
RRP: £129.99
This combo turnout from JHL has a ripstop outer and nylon lining. It also features adjustable cross surcingles, adjustable and removable leg straps, plus fleece wither and poll protection.
Also available with the same features with 0g fill, 80g fill, 200g or 250g fill
In the UK? View now at gsequestrian.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Heavy
Fill: 360g
Style: Fixed neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
RRP: £199.99
The WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Essential Combo Neck Heavy features a strong and durable 1200 denier ripstop outer shell with Guard-Tec coating that is both waterproof and breathable with 360g of polyfill. Featuring a 210 denier strong and durable lining is smooth, providing less friction and rubbing of the coat while enhancing shine with antibacterial properties which assist to ensure it doesn’t absorb sweat and moisture. Offering traditional side gusset for natural movement, twin adjustable buckle front closure, adjustable & removable leg straps, twin low cross surcingles and standard tail flap. Hydrostatic pressure tested to 2000mm plus. Moisture vapour tested to 3000g/m2 plus. 3 year warranty on hardware, waterproofness and breathability on turnouts.
Also available at with the same features with 0g fill, 500g fill or 220g fill.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
Mackey Lugnaquilla Plus
Fill: 360g
Style: Combo or high neck
Outer: 1680D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
RRP: £152.25
With a strong ballistic outer and polyester anti-rub lining, this rug is described as waterproof and breathable. It features a double buckle and clip front fastening, shoulder gussets, detachable leg straps and reflective strips on the front, back and tail flap.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk
Mark Todd Combo Turnout
Fill: 350g
Style: Fixed neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
Colours: Navy/jade/beige
RRP: £129.99
Made from a sturdy 1200D polyester ripstop outer, this Mark Todd rug has a 350g fill in the body and 250g in the neck. It has taped seams, nylon lining, adjustable double front buckles with quick release clips, cross surcingles and removable leg straps. The rug also features fleece wither and poll protection, reinforced nylon anti-rub shoulders and deep shoulder gussets ensure your horse has free movement, while the large tail flap also has a reflective strip. Also available in 0g or 250g fill.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Rhinegold Glacier Turnout
Fill: 320g
Style: Fixed neck
Outer: 1000D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
RRP: £88.90
This Rhinegold turnout has a ripstop, waterproof and breathable outer, with a breathable nylon lining. It is fastened with double chest straps and features front shoulder gusset, cross surcingles with strengthened guides, legstraps and tail guard. The fixed neck cover is fastened with twin easy “click-in” buckles.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk or ebay.co.uk
Mackey Wicklow Turnout
Fill: 360g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1680D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
RRP: £169.95
The detachable neck on this rug has a rouched hood for a good fit around the head. It features adjustable double clip chest closures, generous shoulder gussets, cross surcingles, detachable leg straps and reflective strips front, back and tail flap.
Also available with the same features with 50g or 200g fill.
In the UK? View now at viovet.co.uk or gsequestrian.co.uk
LeMieux Kudos Turnout Rug
Fill: 350g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1680D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
RRP: £225.95
This rug has been designed to offer ultimate comfort and protection. It features an advanced front cut and front neck pads for greater comfort, and has a two-part patented skirt system and new angled shoulder gusset to help relieve tension and allow a greater range of movement. The central panel helps to self-right the rug if it slips, while the angled front closure system is designed to evenly balance and distribute any pressure, which helps to prevent rubbing on shoulder and across the chest.
Also available with the same features with 50g fill, 100g fill or 200g fill, and is compatible with LeMieux Arika rug liners.
In the UK? View now at oakfield-direct.co.uk
WeatherBeeta Green-Tec 900D Detach-A-Neck Heavy
Fill: 360g
Style: Fixed neck
Outer: 900D
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
Colours: Black/green
RRP: £199.99
Created using recycled plastics for the waterproof, breathable outer and diamond weave lining, each of these Weatherbeeta rugs saves more than 340 plastic bottles from going into the ocean or landfill. It has a detachable neck for versatility and a traditional side gusset for natural movement. The quick-clip and buckle front closure offers maximum adjustability, with twin low cross surcingles, large tail flap for protection and removable, adjustable leg straps.
Although this rug is no longer widely available, it is still stocked by some retailers – and we think it’s still worth mentioning in our guide.
The lightweight version of this rug was awarded the “H&H Approved” seal of approval – read the full WeatherBeeta Green-Tec review.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk, viovet.co.uk or sportsdirect.com
In the US? View now at amazon.com
Swish 450g Ultimate Heavyweight Turnout
Fill: 450g
Style: Combo or detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 4ft3in – 7ft6in
RRP: £119.99
This Swish rug is designed to sit higher on the neck and shoulders to prevent it from slipping back and rubbing. With a new clip front fastening system, the rug has a ripstop outer and reflective strips on the front, rear and tail flap. It also features large shoulder gussets, cross surcingles, a tail flap and removable, elasticated leg straps.
In the UK? View now at amazon.co.uk
You might also like:
A pick of the best lightweight turnouts for changeable weather
Best medium weight turnout rugs for chillier days
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7 winter riding coats we’ve tried, tested and awarded H&H Approved status
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