Everything you need to know about your turnout rug to ensure your horse stays reliably dry, even in the rain.
The hydrostatic head indicates how waterproof a turnout or outdoor rug is. It describes how much pressure the material can withstand before water penetrates the waterproof turnout rug.
More is not automatically better. A waterproof turnout rug with a very high hydrostatic head can be less breathable.
3,000 to 5,000 mm is ideal for most turnout and outdoor rugs.
What does "hydrostatic head" mean for a turnout rug?
The hydrostatic head indicates how waterproof a turnout or outdoor rug is. It is measured in millimeters and describes the pressure the material can withstand before water penetrates the waterproof turnout rug.
corresponds to 3 meters of water pressure for a turnout rug
corresponds to 10 meters of water pressure for an outdoor rug
How is the hydrostatic head of a waterproof turnout rug measured?
In laboratory tests, the material of the turnout rug is clamped and subjected to increasing water pressure. The moment the first drops penetrate the outdoor rug determines the value.
A result of 3,000 mm means that the turnout rug can withstand a pressure of 3 meters of water.
There are fixed standards for waterproofing for outdoor products like waterproof turnout rugs. Many manufacturers of horse rugs and outdoor rugs use these as a guide.
What hydrostatic head makes sense for a turnout rug?
3,000 to 5,000 mm is completely sufficient in practice to keep your horse reliably dry in your turnout rug.
Higher values might seem useful in heavy rain, especially for a robust outdoor rug. At the same time, this often reduces the breathability of the waterproof turnout rug.
The higher the hydrostatic head of a turnout rug, the harder it is for moisture to escape.
Your horse stays dry on the outside under the waterproof turnout rug, but can sweat more easily. This creates an uncomfortable heating effect.
The optimal turnout rug is always a balanced compromise between waterproofing and breathability.
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