Competition rug Softshell Shine chocolate

Softshell is not completely waterproof, but water-resistant. This means that light rain, splashes, or damp weather are reliably kept out without the blanket getting soaked right away. For everyday riding, this is perfectly sufficient in many situations.

The major advantage of softshell is that it combines weather protection with breathability. While a completely waterproof rug is often less breathable, softshell allows excess heat and moisture to escape more easily. This keeps the climate under the rug comfortable even while riding.

One of the biggest advantages of softshell is its excellent wind protection. Especially when riding, the movement creates a noticeable headwind that can quickly cool down the sensitive back and lumbar muscles.

A softshell kidney rug significantly reduces this cooling effect. At the same time, the material remains flexible and pleasantly lightweight, allowing your horse to move freely. Especially during longer rides or on windy fall and winter days, softshell helps keep the muscles comfortably warm.

The combination of wind protection and breathability makes softshell one of the most popular materials for everyday use in equestrian sports.

High-quality softshell was specifically developed to combine protection from wind and light moisture with good breathability.

While your horse is working, it generates body heat and, depending on the intensity of the workout, may also sweat. A breathable kidney rug helps wick moisture away and maintains a comfortable climate under the rug. This reduces the risk of heat buildup.

Softshell is the ideal choice for changeable weather. Especially in spring, fall, and on mild winter days, the material offers reliable protection against wind, cool temperatures, and light rain.

Many riders deliberately choose softshell when conditions change throughout the day. While it may be cool and windy in the morning, temperatures often rise as the day progresses. Thanks to its breathable properties, softshell adapts well to these changes.

Wool can also be an excellent choice for dry, cold, and windy conditions, while softshell really shines when wind and changing weather are the main concerns.

Softshell is particularly easy to care for and therefore ideal for regular use in everyday stable life. After riding, it’s often enough to simply brush off loose dirt or let the blanket air dry. If it gets very dirty, it can be washed in the washing machine according to the care instructions.

Softshell is an extremely versatile material and is particularly well-suited for the transitional season as well as for mild winter days. It provides reliable protection against wind and light moisture without being unnecessarily heavy.

Softshell combines several advantages in a single material. It is lightweight, flexible, wind-resistant, water-repellent, and breathable all at once. This makes it suitable for a wide range of weather conditions and various applications.

Riders who regularly go on trail rides or train their horses even in changeable weather particularly appreciate this versatility. The rug reliably protects the horse’s sensitive back muscles without putting unnecessary strain on the horse.

Thanks to its high durability and easy care, softshell is also an excellent choice for everyday use.

A kidney rug, often referred to as a trail blanket, protects your horse’s sensitive back, lumbar, and hindquarters muscles from cold, wind, and moisture while riding. These areas in particular lose heat very quickly in low temperatures or when exposed to strong wind. If the muscles cool down, they can lose elasticity, which can impair the horse’s well-being and willingness to perform.

Kidney rugs are therefore used primarily during the cooler months—for example, when warming up, during a ride, or when cooling down after training. They keep the muscles comfortably warm without interfering with the saddle or the rider’s aids. Thanks to their special cut, the saddle area remains uncovered, while the back and hindquarters are reliably protected.

Climbed horses, older horses, or horses with sensitive back muscles benefit particularly from a well-fitting kidney rug. However, even unclipped horses may need additional protection on cold or windy days, especially if they are worked intensively or spend extended periods walking outdoors.

A kidney rug is used whenever you want to protect your horse’s back muscles from cooling down while riding. It is particularly useful in low temperatures, cold winds, damp weather, or during longer walking phases when the horse produces less body heat.

Many riders use a kidney rug as early as the warm-up phase. This allows the muscles to warm up slowly and remain at a comfortable temperature even during the first few minutes of training. The kidney rug has also proven useful during a trail ride, when the horse is exposed to wind and weather for an extended period.

Kidney rugs are also frequently used at competitions—for example, between events or during longer waiting periods. Horses that have just been clipped or those with sensitive backs benefit from additional protection in such situations.

No—provided the kidney rug is high-quality, properly cut, and selected to fit your horse. Modern kidney rugs are specifically designed to protect the back and hindquarters without restricting the horse’s natural movement.

The saddle area remains unobstructed, allowing the rider to control the horse as usual. At the same time, fasteners on the saddle or stirrup leathers, as well as a tail strap, ensure that the rug stays securely in place even while riding. This prevents it from slipping or chafing.

A well-fitting kidney rug follows the horse’s movements without tightening or creating pressure points. That’s why the right size is important. It should completely cover the sensitive back area, but be neither too long nor too short. A good fit pays off, especially during longer rides or intense training sessions. The horse can move freely, while its muscles are reliably protected from wind and cold. It is precisely this combination of freedom of movement and functionality that makes the kidney rug an essential companion during the cold season.

It is often assumed that only clipped horses need a kidney rug. In fact, many unclipped horses also benefit from additional protection—especially in cold winds, damp weather, or during longer rides.

Although the winter coat provides natural insulation, the back muscles can still become chilled in low temperatures, damp weather, and strong winds. The body produces moisture, especially during longer walking phases or after training. At these times, a kidney rug helps keep the muscles at a comfortable temperature and wick away moisture.

Older horses, horses with sensitive backs, or animals being brought back into condition after extended breaks also often benefit from additional thermal protection. The kidney rug does not replace the winter coat, but rather complements its natural function under demanding conditions.

The best kidney rug depends primarily on the weather, temperature, and intended use. Each material has its own strengths and is suitable for different conditions.

• Wool is one of the most high-performance natural fibers available. It regulates temperature, is highly breathable, and helps manage moisture. As a result, it keeps the back muscles comfortably warm without causing heat to build up. Even when the wool gets slightly damp, it retains a large portion of its insulating properties. This makes it particularly ideal for cooler days, longer rides, and demanding training sessions.
• Softshell is especially effective in changeable weather. The material reliably protects against wind and light rain while remaining breathable. That’s why it’s perfect for everyday use in the fall, spring, or on windy winter days.
• Fleece is particularly lightweight, soft, and comfortable to wear. It offers good thermal performance and dries very quickly after washing or getting wet. Fleece is therefore an excellent choice for dry, cool days or for walking your horse.

Which material is ultimately the best fit, therefore, does not depend on which one is fundamentally “better,” but rather on the conditions under which you ride your horse. Many riders therefore own several kidney rugs for different weather conditions.