An innovative rug has been designed to prevent grazing horses barging through electric fencing.
Guardian Equestrian has launched the “field safety” rug, which features a material sewn into the chest of the blanket that conducts the current of electric fencing.
The Cornwall-based firm said the rug is designed to stop horses breaking through electric fence tape, giving horse owners “peace of mind” while their animals are turned out.
The inspiration for the rug came from Lucy Roberson, owner of Guardian Equestrian, who had to have her thoroughbred stallion put down after he escaped through electric fencing and sustained a fatal injury.
“The accident with my horse Barny was awful. He had his rug on and went straight through the electric,” said Lucy.
“It’s taken us about 18 months to develop and we even used my arm to test the materials on to start with.
“The way it’s designed it conducts the same output as your electric fence through to the horse’s shoulder. It’s like they’re not even wearing a rug.”
As well as the patent-pending technology, the rug also features 1200 denier rip-stop polyester outer, 250g padding, breathable nylon lining and adjustable straps.
The rug costs £169.99, reduced to £149.99 for the first 300 orders, and is available online from www.guardianequestrian.com.