1) Why should I use FAL Pro rugs?
2) Which FAL Pro rug should I choose for my horse?
5) What are FAL's top tips for fitting?
6) What do the different FAL Pro styles mean?
7) How do I care for my FAL Pro rug?
8) I'm confused by the technical terms and features, Help!
1) Why should I use FAL Pro rugs?
Designed for the comfort and safety of your horse, peace of mind comes as standard with every FAL Pro rug. By choosing a FAL Pro turnout you can be sure that your horse will remain warm and dry in all weathers. All FAL Pro Turnouts are tremendously breathable and are designed to offer DUAL PURPOSE FUNCTIONALITY for INDOOR AND OUTDOOR USE.
As FAL Pro rugs are made in Britain using the latest technology, you can be assured of the highest quality workmanship in this range of fully waterproof and breathable rugs that your horse will thank you for. FAL Pro also use British made fabrics in their range, which are stronger and more durable that similar fabrics which are imported from abroad.
FAL Pro dual purpose turnout rugs are made using ultra tough hi-tech fabrics which are then coated with a micro-porous formula making the fabric completely waterproof and yet fully breathable. This means that the outer fabric will protect your horse from the rain and elements while still allowing sweat or condensation produced by your horse's body to escape through your FAL Pro turnout at a rate of approximately 150-200 millilitres per hour. This means that the FAL Pro range of turnouts are one of the most waterproof and breathable available on the market today.
New this year, FAL Pro have introduced the revolutionary new Silver Interactive range of turnout and stable rugs, a new concept that combines FAL Pro's expertise in designing and manufacturing the finest quality turnout and stable rugs with X-Static®, a textile fibre that incorporates a layer of pure silver. The result is a range of rugs without equal, to offer your horse superb comfort, warmth and protection from the elements together with the natural therapeutic benefits of Silver. Click here for more information.
2) Which FAL Pro rug should I choose for my horse?
Whether you require a turnout, stable, travelling or cooler rug, FAL has a rug to suit your horse's needs.
There are many types of rug on the market, the majority of which are foreign made. The FAL Pro range of rugs, however, are British made and are designed with the comfort and safety of your horse in mind. Click here for a feature comparison of FAL Pro Turnouts..
3) What size rug do I need?
Ensuring a correct fit is vital. FAL-Pro rugs are sized in 3" increments. This measurement refers to the distance from the middle of your horse's chest to the point of tail/point of quarters - where you wish the rug to finish (A-B) - see Sizing Chart.
Horses of the same height may vary considerably in their width or in the depth of their girth, therefore a bigger barrelled horse may require a larger rug than a narrow horse. All FAL Pro rugs are cut to give your horse an extra generous depth in their rug, a factor which is extremely important for large sized/deep bellied horses and allows for extra protection, warmth and comfort.
Should you have a large fronted/heavy horse, FAL Pro advise that you measure the circumference of your horse's neck (E-F). This will provide a good indication of whether or not you require the "Extra Neck" size available from FAL Pro. A badly fitting rug will slip and rub, causing irritation and be uncomfortable for your horse.
It is advised to allow the dual purpose turnout rugs to finish beyond the point of the quarters to allow plenty of room in the rug for your horse to gallop and roll freely. FAL Pro dual purpose rugs are usually required one size larger than a FAL Pro quilted stable rug. See FAL Pro's sizing guide.
4) How do I fit a neck cover?
1. Put the rug on the horse and fasten belts. The crossover surcingles should be evenly adjusted so that you can easily slip the flat of your hand between the belly and the belt. Too loose, and the belts may become unfastened when the horse rolls.
2. With the neck cover turned back make sure that the horse has plenty of room around the neck line and the point of the shoulder.
3. Now check the length of the rug - the end of the rug should finish just past the end of the horse's quarters so that the horse is completely covered.
4. Put the neck cover gently up the neck - remember, if your horse has never worn a neck cover before, it may take him a while to get used to it, so be careful not to startle him.
5. When the horse is relaxed fasten the front fittings, these should fit without the elastic being stretched at all.
6. Now you need to check that there is sufficient room for the horse to move and graze without straining any part of the rug.
7. Adjust the fillet string and tie securely with sufficient room to allow the hind legs to extend when galloping.
8. With the horse on a lead take him for a walk and pick of grass. This will allow the rug to settle into position so that you can finally assure yourself that you have a perfect fit.
9. Check that you can slip your hand up the front of the neck to make sure that he is not straining on the neck fittings when he is grazing and that the rug has not pulled forward at the quarters exposing his bottom.
5) What are FAL's top tips for fitting?
- Time taken to make sure you have the correct fit for your horse pays dividends, ask your retailer if you can change the rug if it doesn't fit.
- Try the rug on over a thin sheet or cooler to keep it clean.
- A loose fit is better than a tight fit - like an Anorak not a waistcoat!
- Snug neck rugs will fit tighter around the neck than the same size in a classic neck, therefore you may need a larger size.
- Try a standard neck first before ordering an extra deep neck. Typically only 1% of horses require an extra deep neck size and these are broad chested breeds and heavily conditioned show horses.
6) What do the different FAL Pro neck styles mean?
- Classic neck design - the rug neck is cut the original way, so that the horse's neck remains completely uncovered.
- Snug neck design - High cut neck for extra warmth.
- Fixed Ultimate neck cover - Fully integrated neck cover for superb warmth and protection.
- Detachable Ultimate neck cover - Full coverage neck cover secured by strong and durable zip to allow for easy fitting and removing of neck cover as required .
7) How do I care for my FAL Pro rug?
A horse rug should be treated the same as any other item of clothing, if it is still wet or damp when removed it should be hung up in a dry, well ventilated area. Occasionally, in very heavy rain, some moisture penetration may occur in the sewn areas of the rug. This is not significant and due to the positioning of the stitching will not affect the performance of the rug or the comfort of your horse - that is to keep even the most adverse weather out!
All FAL Pro rugs are designed so that there is a "breaking point" for your horse's safety and it would be dangerous to the horse to make a rug so strong that it would not give way in the event of your horse getting caught or trapped in an obstacle.
It is advisable to have stable rugs cleaned regularly as dirty rugs may cause skin irritation. Outdoor rugs may only need hosing over a gate to clean the worst of the mud and dirt off - Nylon or Equitex linings tend not to collect dirt and grease and may simply need a sponge down.
All FAL Pro rugs are fully machine washable. However, detergent should not be used. It is advised that you use a proprietory rugwash or product similar to Lux or Soapflakes. Repair kits are available from your nearest FAL Pro stockist should they be required.
The ANTI MICROBIAL properties of X-Static® used in the FAL Pro Silver Interactive range have been shown to eliminate many types of bacterial and fungal micro-organisms that can hide in your horse's rug, helping to keep your horse healthier and happier. Therefore, your FAL Pro Silver Interactive rug should require cleaning less frequently than a standard range rug.
8) I'm confused by the technical terms and features, Help!
Because FAL rugs are more technical than others on the market, it is necessary to go into some detail to explain the differences. However, this does not make the rug any harder to use in practise. Ask anyone who owns a FAL!
Ballistic Nylon
The toughest nylon available, British made to military specifications.
High Tenacity Rip-stop Nylon
British made nylon with re-enforcing threads running through the fabric. The resulting fabric is extremely strong (Far stronger than other types of nylon of its weight) and is the most breathable fabric in its class.
Denier
The denier of fabric provides a guide to strength, with higher deniers generally being stronger. However, many imported high denier fabrics are less durable than British fabrics simply due to the inferior construction and fibres used. FAL Pro use British fabrics, to ensure your FAL Pro rug is the best quality possible.
Polypropylene
Made from a monofilament yarn, it is inherently stain resistant and incapable of absorbing water.
Wind Proof/Water proof Interliner
This is a nylon barrier fabric which is extremely breathable yet waterproof. An interliner is usually used in conjunction with a polypropylene outer shell.
Insulation Weight
Thickness of fibre fill measured in grams. FAL Pro were the first to use Thermobonded fibre to insulate their rugs, the advantages being the ability to maintain a "Structural" shape, the fibre will not separate or compress.
Anti-Rub Nylon Lining
The innermost layer of the rug next to the horse's coat is one of the most crucial layers in maintaining the comfort of your horse. FAL Pro have developed a fabric that not only has anti-rub properties, but that also actually "Polishes" the coat. To keep the horse dry, the lining has a hydrophilic coating on the inside which only allows moisture to transfer one way, away from the horse. This type of lining is also far more hygienic that conventional polycotton liners.
Separate Duvet Liner
Unique to the GOLIATH and VIKING rugs, this is a "Layering" system, similar to that used in the most technical offshore yachting and mountain climbing clothing. The dual purpose of this construction is to make the rug completely waterproof whilst at the same time virtually eliminating condensation. Conventional rugs can suffer from condensation forming on the inside of the shell. This drastically reduces the breathability of the rug, just when it is needed the most. FAL Pro's layering system ensures that the breathability of the outer fabric performs to specification throughout a wide range of temperature and humidity conditions. In fact the hotter the horse becomes, the more cooling air is "Drawn" in between the layers of the rug which in effect provides a DYNAMIC TEMPERATURE CONTROL.
Absorbent Blotting Layer
In the case of the GOLIATH and VIKING, an extra layer is incorporated next to the outer shell, which "Blots" any moisture that may occur thus aiding even further the elimination of condensation. All other FAL turnout rugs feature the "Blotting" layer next to the anti-rub lining. This prevents any leakage from the stitch holes penetrating through to the inside of the rug.
No Side Seam
Unlike most rugs, you will never see a side seam on a FAL Pro rug. Side seams are usually added to increase the depth of the rug, or to locate the wadding. Unfortunately, side seams also collect condensation running down the inside of the rug and "Draw" moisture in from the outside.
Matrix Fittings
Developed by FAL Pro, this is an advanced method of attaching surcingles and breast straps to rugs. The matrix fittings spread the load, thus making for a stronger connection. In the case of the surcingles, a "Breaking Strain" is calculated into the fitting which means, if a horse is caught up by the surcingles, it is designed to rip off in one piece without tearing the fabric. This is not only a safety feature but avoids expensive repairs.
Extra Depth
All FAL rugs are of a depth which is in proportion to their length, this as is true in the case of an 8'0" rug as a 4'0" rug. The correct depth is achieved by having the fabric made extra wide as opposed to adding side skirts during manufacture, or producing "Skimpy" rugs over 6'3"!
Zip Off Neck Cover
This a method of attaching a full length neck cover to a rug by means of a zip and Velcro. Another innovation developed by FAL Pro, to make your life easier and your horse more comfortable.
Highest TOG Rating In Class
TOG is a measurement for comparing the warmth of garments and is calculated by combining the thermal properties of all the layers that make up the rug.
Digital Sewing
FAL Pro pioneered the use of computer aided design and manufacturer of horse rugs. By utilizing custom made flat bed sewing machines, FAL can produce complex designs that are finished to human clothing standards and are of consistent quality and size.
We hope that this guide will prove useful, however if you have any questions regarding the type and weight of rug to buy, consult your nearest stockist or telephone our Customer Services Department on +44 (0) 1670 357 300.