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 or your horse feels the cold.
We’ve put a selection of heavyweight turnout rugs to help keep your horse warm and comfortable during winter turnout. They start at 300g fill, but some are compatible with liners so you can increase the fill to suit your horse if needed. If you are looking for a rug with less fill take a look at our best medium weight turnout rug and lightweight turnout rug guides.
Best heavyweight turnout rugs: H&H’s quick guide
Best heavyweight turnout rug for a rug-wrecker: Bucas Power Extra Turnout
Best heavyweight turnout rug with a detachable neck: WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Plus Dynamic II Heavy
Best value heavyweight turnout rug: Rhinegold Aspen
Best heavyweight turnout rug for a broad fit: Premier Equine Titan
Best heavyweight turnout rug for tiny ponies: Swish Equestrian 300g
Best heavyweight turnout rugs for every budget
Bucas Power Extra Turnout
Fill: 300g
Style: Detachable or high neck
Outer: 1680D
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft2in
Colours: Silver
RRP: £258 (detachable), £276 (high neck) £99 (neck cover)
Reasons to buy
- Really strong outer denier
- Can be used on a damp horse
- Heat reflective inner coating
Reasons to avoid
- The neck cover is sold separately making the initial outlay for the rug and neck cover pricey
The Bucas Power 300g Turnout Rug has a waterproof 1680D ballistic nylon outer; this material is durable and less prone to tearing making it ideal for those rug wreckers. It features a heat-reflective aluminium inner coating, which combined with the sun reflective outer, extends the temperature range in which the Power Turnout can be used and keeps your horse cosy and warm.
It also has a Stay-Dry antibacterial lining which means the rug can be put on a damp horse the same way as you would a cooler rug. This lining will quickly dry the horse and can be left on, thus avoiding extra rug changes and saving time! It fastens at the chest with a magnetic snap-lock T-bar closure, has shoulder darts, generous tail flap, cross surcingles and a deluxe tail cord, Compatible with Bucas liners and neck covers, which are available separately.
Also available with the same features with 0g or 150g fill.
WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Plus Dynamic II Heavy
Fill: 360g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 4ft – 7ft3in
Colours: Maroon
RRP: £164.99
Reasons to buy
- Really strong outer denier
- Liner compatible
Reasons to avoid
- If you are looking for a fixed neck design
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. WeatherBeeta offers a three-year warranty on hardware, waterproofness and breathability on turnouts.
Also available 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.
H&H’s senior news writer Becky Murray tested the medium weight version of this rug and awarded it H&H Approved – she was very impressed with it’s durability and it kept her horse dry and warm throughout the test – read the full WeatherBeeta ComFiTec Plus Dynamic II review.
Rhinegold Aspen Turnout
Fill: 350g
Style: Fixed neck
Outer: 1000D
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in
Colours: Black
RRP: £82.95
Reasons to buy
- If you’re looking for a rug with more than 300g fill
- Available in a good range of sizes
Reasons to avoid
- Fixed neck design might not be suitable
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 easy and quick loop through touch tape fastenings and strengthened surcingle guides.
Premier Equine Titan Turnout with Snug-Fit Neck Cover
Fill: 300g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1680D
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft3in
Colours: Brown or Black
RRP: £232
Reasons to buy
- Really strong outer denier
- Provides good coverage
- Extra protection due to added features
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price tag but worth the investment
Created from 1680D ballistic nylon, with a teflon coating applied to the outer fabric for stain resistance and moisture protection. The dual-membrane design enhances the rug’s waterproof capabilities and protects the 300g fill, extending the rug’s use. It is designed so the neckline falls comfortably in front of the shoulder for a comfortable fit. Features a mid-height elasticated shoulder gusset, double quick release chest clip closures, low cross surcingles, PVC coated tail strap, detachable leg straps and a large lengthened tail flap. Included is a detachable snug fit neck cover with an elasticated poll for a closer fit and the rug is compatible with Premier equine liners allowing you to quickly adapt the rug according to your horse’s needs.
I use Premier Equine rugs on my 17hh Irish Draught and found they come up big in size so I always buy a size down in this brand for him. Georgia has found the same when shopping for her 13.3hh Fjord. I love the fit and coverage their rugs offer him. I really like the full length Velcro at the front to keep the rug from turning back on itself on his chest. The neck covers easily attach with strong velcro and I have never had a problem with them rubbing his mane. The self-righting technology is ideal for when he is turned out for longer periods. I also find the liners easy to attach and great if you need to add a bit of extra weight to the rug.
Swish Equestrian 300g Turnout
Fill: 300g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 4ft3in – 7ft6in
Colours: Turquoise
RRP: £109.99
Reasons to buy
- Really strong outer denier
- Liner compatible
- Neck cover included
Reasons to avoid
- Clip front fastenings might not suit everyone
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.
The lightweight version of this turnout rug was tested by international para dressage rider and trainer Tasmin Addison and her team – read the full Swish turnout rug review.
Shires Highlander Original 300 Turnout Combo
Fill: 300g
Style: Standard neck, combo or detachable
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft – 7ft3in
Colours: Green
RRP: £73.99 (standard), £83.99 (combo), £91.99 (detachable)
Reasons to buy
- Durable Waterproof Repellent (DWR) finish prevents saturation
- Liner compatible
Reasons to avoid
- If your horse is a rug wrecker you will need a higher denier outer
This Shires turnout features twin quick clip chest fastenings, 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.
Also available with the same features with 0g, 50g, 100g or 200g fill.
Gallop Trojan Combo Turnout
Fill: 350g
Style: Fixed neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
Colours: Navy
RRP: £59.99
Reasons to buy
- Cheaper option
Reasons to avoid
- If you don’t need a rug with 350g fill
This combo turnout from Gallop has a ripstop outer and nylon lining. It is fastened with double adjustable front buckles, adjustable cross surcingles and features elasticated breakaway detachable leg straps, should pleat to reduce rubbing and a tail flap. Ideal for horses who need more insulation to keep them warm.
Mackey Lugnaquilla Plus
Fill: 360g
Style: Combo or high neck
Outer: 1680D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
Colours: Black
RRP: £152.25 (combo) £137.50 (high neck)
Reasons to buy
- Really strong outer denier
- Adjustable features to get a good fit
Reasons to avoid
- If you’re looking for a standard neck
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.
LeMieux Kudos Thermo Layer Turnout Rug
Fill: 300g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1680D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft
Colours: Navy
RRP: £229.95
Reasons to buy
- Really strong outer denier
- Liner compatible
- Provides good coverage
Reasons to avoid
- Higher price tag but worth the investment
This rug focuses on warmth where it’s needed the most while reducing bulky rugging. It’s designed to protect key muscle groups yet versatile for cross-seasonal wear. With 300g fill it is cleverly quilted to concentrate over your horse’s topline, then a layer of 150g fill extends further, to wrap around the horses sides while a single layer of 100g fill runs down to the hemline to prevent unnecessary bulk.
It features a silky antibacterial, antistatic lining to efficiently self-right in any weather. A two-part skirt system, patented angled T-bar front closure system. It also features three cross-surcingles with removable central strap, extended shoulder gusset, elasticated leg straps, PVC coated fillet strap and detachable neck cover.
Compatible with LeMieux liners 100g or 200g sold separately to layer up the rug to the desired weight for your horse. Also available with the same features with 100g fill.
Masta Ventomasta Heavyweight Combo Turnout
Fill: 300g
Style: Fixed neck
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft6in
Colours: Green
RRP: £105
Reasons to buy
- Wide range of sizes
- Anti-rub lining
Reasons to avoid
- If you’re looking for a higher denier outer
This rug is made from a 600D ripstop, waterproof and breathable fabric. It has taped seams, anti-rub polyester lining, front twin surcingle fastenings, adjustable cross surcingles and fillet string. The rug also features shoulder gussets and ergonomic neck insert for freedom of movement while grazing.
Also available in 0g or 200g fill with the same features.
Hy StormX Empra 300 Combi Turnout
Fill: 300g
Style: Combi
Outer: 600D
Sizes: 4ft6in – 7ft3in
Colours: Red
RRP: £87.99
Reasons to buy
- Wide size range
- Integrated neck cover
Reasons to avoid
- Buckle clip chest fastening might not suit everyone
Designed using a waterproof and ripstop 600D outer material, this rug features a 300g fill to keep your horse snug, plus an integrated contour neck cover for extra protection. It is also lined with a smooth and breathable lining to offer optimum comfort and is complete with adjustable cross surcingles, twin buckle clip chest fastenings and adjustable leg straps to keep the rug securely in place. It is finished with reflective StormX logo for added visibility and a generous tail flap for extra protection.
Also available in 50g, 100g or 200g fill.
Horseware Amigo Bravo 12 Plus Turnout
Fill: 400g
Style: Detachable neck
Outer: 1200D
Sizes: 5ft6in – 7ft3in
Colours: Green, shadow, navy or black
RRP: £189.95
Reasons to buy
- Neck cover included
- Extended belly coverage
- Two year warranty
Reasons to avoid
- If you’re not looking for a rug with 400g fill
The heavyweight turnout rug has a strong 1200D polyester waterproof and breathable outer. Detachable neck cover included with a contoured design, V-Front Closure and leg arches combine to alleviate pressure points and restriction and offer greater freedom of movement and better fit with extended belly coverage. With three straight adjustable surcingles provide a snug, adjustable and safe fit.
Also features reflective strips for increased visibility, a silky-feel shine-enhancing lining and a wipe-clean tail cord. Plus, it is compatible with Horseware’s extensive range of liners enabling you to upgrade on warmth as and when needed. All Horseware products come with a two year warranty if deemed faulty at the point of purchase.
Also available with the same features in 0g, 100g or 25og and as a standard neck (original) in 100g or 25og.
How to choose the best heavyweight turnout rug
Selecting the right rug for your horse involves careful consideration, especially regarding rug weight and weather protection to ensure your new rug meets your horses specific needs. Manufactures are innovating and introducing new features to their rug ranges all the time so it’s important to understand how these can improve your horse. There’s a lot to consider when choosing a rug. Think about the…
- Weight – the fill of the rug determines how warm it is. How much filling do you need?
- Denier – measures the strength of the outer fabric. If your horse is a rug wrecker, or is turned out with one, you will need to look for a higher denier of 1200 or more
- Neck – standard, detachable, combo (fixed) or half neck. Do you need a neck cover?
- Extra features – do you have a preferred type of lining? Do you like detachable leg straps? Or would the rug benefit from reflective strips?
A popular choice for some owners are turnout rugs with the fixings for liners so you have the option to be able to add additional liners to the rug to increase the weight throughout the year offering a flexible cost-effective way of rugging your horse, this means you could use a combination of a lighter weight turnout rug with rug liners to add warmth to make it a heavyweight rug.
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. Many heavyweights come with fixed necks. For an in-depth guide to choosing the best heavyweight option for your horse, check out our expert guide to buying a new turnout rug.
What is a turnout rug?
Turnout rugs are designed to keep horses warm and dry by protecting them from the harsher elements, such as rain, cold, wind and snow allowing your horse to enjoy time outdoors. Turnout rugs have a waterproof and breathable outer layer to help keep your horse dry during wet weather. Turnout rugs come in different thicknesses and weights of polyfill to provide varying levels of warmth and protection
What weight turnout rug does my horse need?
The weight of turnout rug your horse needs is completely dependent on the temperature, your horse’s environment, their physiology. Here’s some more information about what rug your horse needs.
You might also like:
A pick of the best lightweight turnouts for changeable weather
Best medium weight turnout rugs for chillier days
From racoons to tractors and Thelwell ponies – here’s 33 patterned rugs you’ll want to kit your horse out in
7 winter riding coats we’ve tried, tested and awarded H&H Approved status
Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round
Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.
