Horse rugs come in several styles these days, with three main types of neck styles available. They are: without a neck, with an integrated neck, and with a detachable neck.

Both turnout and stable rugs come with these ‘neck style’ choices.

Horse Rugs Without A Neck

Usually called ‘standard neck’ rugs, rugs without a neck finish at the withers and close at the chest. They are ideal for Spring and Autumn or any time of year when a rug is deemed necessary, but a full neck isn’t required. A criticism of these types of rugs is that the mane can become rubbed, and despite the manufacturers’ best efforts, this can take place, regardless of brand or cost.

You will see that some manufacturers have come up with clever solutions, such as forward cut necks, which are a few inches further forward than is traditional. Many standard neck rugs also have sheepskin areas at the wither, again designed for comfort. Horse rugs without a neck are widely available in both turnout and stable rug styles. If you’re looking for cheap horse rugs, the versions without necks are of course usually more cost-effective!

Horse Rugs With An Integrated Neck

Horse rugs with an integrated neck are great if you know that you will always want to have the neck area covered. They have the benefit that because there are no major seams at this area, they tend to rub the mane less. They’re also called ‘full neck’ rugs. The neck of a full neck turnout rug or stable rug can in any case be turned back and rested across the withers with many makes and models, especially those without any elastication at the area behind the horse or pony’s ears. Perfect for milder days!

Detachable Necks

These are versatile turnout rugs that will take horses and their owners through several seasons. Often called ‘combi’, ‘all in one’ or ‘combo’ rugs, those with detachable necks have a separate section that usually detaches with clips or Touch / Close sections. The neck covers themselves may have a lining for warmth or may have no filling. You can also purchase neck covers separately for many rugs; ideal if you’re initially on a budget.

You will see some clever innovations in neck covers - for example, the Weatherbeeta Snug Fit for the Weatherbeeta Freestyle Detach A Neck rug is an adjustable, waterproof fleece neck cuff that protects your horse against the wind and rain.

Look out for neck covers on detachable neck rugs that have elasticated sections at the poll area of the neck, or are shaped in a ‘cocoon’ shape. Detachable neck rugs are more commonly seen in the turnout rug styles, although some brands also make them for stable rugs.

The Turnout Range - Our Personal Picks

Here’s a quick guide to our favourite items within the turnout range - some are cheap turnout rugs, while others are mid-priced - some of these horse rugs are without a neck, some have an integrated neck, while others have a detachable neck. Neck covers can be bought separately. (Check out our stable rugs too!).

Lightweight turnout rugs...

Like Shires Tempest Original Lite turnout rug - lightweight, waterproof and breathable - suitable for mild wet weather.

Mediumweight turnout rugs...

Horseware Amigo Hero 6 Plus Medium Turnout Rug with 200g of warm fibrefill.

Heavyweight rugs...

Weatherbeeta Freestyle 1200d Detach a Neck Combo heavy Turnout Rug with 360g of polyfill.

Neck covers...

Like, Horseware Amigo Bravo 12 150g Neck Cover is a hood, designed to fit the Horseware Amigo bravo 12 turnout rug.