Oakfield | Blog

19/12/2025

Turnout Rugs vs. Stable Rugs: The Ultimate Guide for Horse Owners

You’ve reached a pivotal moment in horse ownership: understanding the essential difference between turnout rugs and stable rugs. To the untrained eye, they both look like “horse coats,” and it’s easy to wonder, “Can’t I just buy one for everything?” However, the materials and design of these two rug types are fundamentally different. Choosing the wrong one isn’t just a waste of money; it can seriously impact your horse’s comfort, health, and hygiene. The purpose of this guide is to eliminate confusion. We’ll break down the key differences using objective... Read More

19/12/2025

Top 5 Stable Rugs for Winter 2025/26

We know the feeling. You’re trying to prep for the cold, you head online, and suddenly you’re staring at 50 different rugs. 200g? 360g? What’s the real difference between a 600D and a 1200D, and is the £100 difference worth it? At Oakfield Saddlery, we get it. That’s why we’ve cut through the noise to bring you the five most reliable, value-packed, and feature-rich stable rugs for this coming winter. Stop reading product descriptions—we’ve done the hard part. Why Your Choice Matters You don’t just want a rug; you want... Read More

19/12/2025

How to Wash Horse Rugs: A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping horse rugs clean is challenging, especially ones designed for outdoor use! While your rugs will never stay squeaky clean for long, and a bit of dirt is to be expected, there comes a point when they need some TLC. There are many ways to clean your horse rugs. Some people opt for a professional laundry service, while others tackle it themselves.  We’ll walk you through the proper way to clean your rugs at home, ensuring your washing machine stays safe and, crucially, preserving the valuable waterproofing on your turnout... Read More

19/12/2025

Horse Rug Guide: Everything You Need to Know About Horse Rugs

At Oakfield Saddlery, we understand that choosing the right rug for your horse can feel like a complex puzzle. As a family business serving the equestrian community since 1988, our mission is to provide you with the friendly, knowledgeable advice you can trust. Horse rugs can be confusing, from temperatures to weights and everything in between. Follow this guide to learn everything you need to know about horse rugging and keeping your horse warm, healthy, and safe. TL;DR: Key Takeaways Table of Contents When does my horse need rugging?  Before... Read More

19/12/2025

How to Survive This Winter With Your Horses

Winter brings its own set of challenges for horse owners. From muddy fields to freezing temperatures, ensuring your horse stays healthy and happy requires extra care and attention. Everyone’s horse has a different routine, whether it’s fully kept at grass, partially turned out, or stabled. Winter horse care typically involves using winter horse rugs or providing extra feed, and often includes adjustments to exercise, with limited opportunities for hacking out. This guide will walk you through the key areas of equine cold-weather management, including feeding and hydration, rugging, and hoof... Read More

16/10/2025

How to keep a horse calm on bonfire night

Bonfire night can cause stress and fear in many animals, and horses and ponies are no exception, making it a worrying time for their owners. The bangs from fireworks can be very unsettling, and it is hard to know how to deal with the situation to comfort the animal. Horses are flight animals that typically try to avoid all stressful or frightening situations. This could result in them injuring themselves by attempting to jump a fence or climb stable doors. We have put together some top tips to help protect... Read More

06/10/2025

What is a Turnout Rug and What is it used for: Your FAQs Answered

Turnout rugs are essential for any equestrian. Offering protection from everything from light rain to frosty conditions, a turnout rug keeps your horse comfortable and happy out in the field. Whether you are new to the equestrian world and looking for guidance or a seasoned professional looking for quick answers to common questions, this Oakfield turnout rug guide has you covered.  Table of contents What is a turnout rug?What is a turnout rug used for?What is a combo turnout rug?What weight turnout rug do I need?Can you use a turnout... Read More

21/07/2025

How to Keep You and Your Horse Cool in Summer

While the sunshine and warm weather are welcomed after the relentless cold and wet months, summer poses its own challenges to horses and riders alike. Keeping your horse cool can be difficult, but it is crucial to their health and well-being. Here, we are discussing how to recognise when your horse is struggling in the heat and ways to keep you and them cool, safe and hydrated so you can enjoy the sunshine.  Table of contents What temperature is too hot for horses? How do I tell if my horse... Read More

21/07/2025

Summer Horse Riding Clothes: Mastering Unpredictable Spring Weather in the Saddle

There is nothing quite like the first few rides of spring. After a long winter of muddy rugs and riding in the dark, the sight of greening hedgerows and longer days is a welcome relief. However, as every UK rider knows, spring weather is notoriously fickle. You can set off in glorious sunshine and return ten minutes later in a biting wind or a sudden April shower. At Oakfield Saddlery, we’ve been helping the equestrian community navigate the seasons by testing products on our own horses since 1988. Whether you... Read More

18/07/2025

How to Measure and Fit a Horse Bridle

Once you have chosen the correct bridle for your horse, you must measure your horse to get the correct size and ensure you fit it properly. This one-stop guide will help you measure and fit your bridle so you can get back out in the fields with your companion, knowing they are safe and comfortable.  Table of contents How to measure a bridle for a horse How to put a bridle on a horse Bridles at Oakfield  How to measure a bridle for a horse You need to take a... Read More