Reports of intentional animal beatings made to the RSPCA have risen by 90% in five years, with more than 16,000 reports recorded last year, according to figures released by the charity.These figureshave been released as part of theRSPCAs Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign which coincides with the charitys busiestperiod,as cruelty reports typically peakduringthe summer months.Dogs and cats facethe most abuseand the beatings are most often carried out by someone in the pets family.These reports represent 85% of all animal cruelty complaints made to the RSPCA, meaning the charity deals with more animals being beaten than any other issue.Its incredibly distressing to see such a massive rise in reports of intentional beatings with one report coming to our cruelty line every 15 minutes, said RSPCA superintendent Jo Hirst.These are often upsetting cases where animals usually pet cats and dogs have experienced deliberate and horrific violence leaving animals with not only physical injuries but mental scars as well.Multitude of factorsThe reasons why an individual acts in this way can be down to a multitude of factors if they are struggling with behavioural problems or their mental health, they may have violent tendencies generally, or sometimes pets are used as part of coercive control, or simply the perpetrator has a complete lack of empathy for animals, said Jo.The RSPCA said the rise in reports does not necessarily mean that the number of beatings taking place has increased by the same amount, with better access to CCTV, doorbell camera and smartphones potentially making incidents easier to detect and report. Were also finding that CCTV footage, doorbell cameras and smartphones are providing a view into society that we never had before, meaning that animal beatings are more likely to be caught on camera in supermarket car parks, on streets, in lifts, and even behind closed doors in the home, said Jo.This could also account for the rise that we are seeing as they are more likely to be caught on camera, uploaded to social media or reported to us.Horse whipped excessivelyOne case investigated by the RSPCA involved a young horse pulling a cart in Buckinghamshire. A passer-by filmed the incident where the horse was whipped excessively by a man until he collapsed with exhaustion. The horse was then whipped again as he lay on the ground.The video evidence was sent to the RSPCA which investigated the incident and took the horse into its care. The man pleaded guilty to three animal welfare offences and was given a five-year ban from keeping animals.To donate to the RSPCAs Cruelty Hurts, Love Rescues campaign click here.Image RSPCA.More from Your HorseHow to tell if a horse is happy: behaviourist reveals 13 key signsLooking for hacking inspiration? Most scenic riding routes revealedTwo in-hand exercises to improve a horses core strengthBye-bye bugs: Seven fly repellent sprays put to the testThe post RSPCAreports ofanimalbeatingsrise by 90% infive years appeared first on Your Horse.

Toblerone, the 19-year-old mount of Swiss rider Nadja Minder (pictured top), is approaching the twilight of an extraordinary career. But he didnt show any signs of age when posting a superb dressage score of 29.5 at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials today (3 September), and this pair lead the way after day one of the first phase. Its very emotional, admitted Nadja, 26. I mean, I dont know how many tests we have left together probably none I dont know.There is, however, no sense of sadness when Nadja talks about riding Toblerone just an overwhelming appreciation for a horse she knows she can always rely on.Hes just so cool, she said. He would never let me down. He is just there and delivers on the day. When Im walking cross-country, with him in mind, I just have no real worries.Their understanding has developed to such a degree that Nadja no longer feels the need to really practise the movements before a test.I dont need to because he knows me so well, and I know how to ride him because we know each other inside out.Instead, her job is to get him moving, thinking positively and confident in his own ability.I just need to get him moving before the test. Make him believe in his abilities, she explained, identifying this as something Toblerone struggled with when she first took over the ride.He was just maybe tightening a little bit because he didnt believe in himself.That confidence has been carefully built over time, with help from Nadjas mentor and coach Piggy March. The results were evident today, where Nadja was particularly pleased with Toblerones trot extensions and changes.The trot extensions were great, because when hes on grass, he just floats along. And the changes are so easy on him. I actually predominantly only ride on grass at home as I only have a 40x20m arena, and I think riding on grass really helps with a horses balance. Nadja has been riding Toblerone since 2020, when she took him on as a 13-year-old, and he had only started eventing in 2018. He started late he did his first two-star when he was 11, said Nadja. The geldings relatively light workload has, Nadja believes, contributed to his remarkable longevity.He is a horse that doesnt use himself up very much, she said. Hes not a flashy mover, so I think that helps definitely.There is also the way he has been allowed to live away from competition. At home, Nadjas horses are managed in a deliberately natural way, with plenty of time outside. I turn them out in groups, she explained. So hes in a group of 10 horses.For Nadja, this is an important part of keeping an older competition horse mentally and physically well.They go out on the field together, and that has worked very well for the management and the longevity of a horse, because we take a lot of care in making sure the horses move most of the day, like they would do when theyre living in the wild theyre moving, stepping, walking.The approach has worked well for Toblerone and the other horses, although Nadja acknowledges that turning competition horses out in groups inevitably carries some element of risk.Maybe its a risk, she conceded. But I think when theyre getting fresh in their brains and you turn them out in a small paddock, they maybe then pick up worse injuries.Much of the day-to-day care falls to Nadjas mother, Therese, who is also her groom.We are like the trio that goes everywhere with Toblerone, me and her.Gemma Stevens: His heart is always trying its bestGemma Stevens was delighted with her performance in the first phase with Chilli Knight. They scored 29.6 and sit in second. I was just trying to aim to get in the 20s, she said. Dressage isnt Chilli Knights fort he cant trot.Yet what the horse lacks in natural movement, he more than makes up for in attitude.The one thing he makes up for, and the fact that he cant trot, is the fact that his heart is always trying his best, Gemma said.After a difficult performance at Badminton when this combination scored 34, Gemma had deliberately tried something different in the warm-up. We razzed him up a bit before he went in, which is not a normal thing for a five-star event horse, but it really worked, she explained.Max Warburton: Im absolutely thrilledMax Warburton was similarly pleased with his dressage performance aboard the attractive grey, Deerparic Revelry, describing his test as a real clear round. They scored 31.2 and sit in third. He tried very hard, said Max. He was quiet in his brain the same as he was in the warm-up so Im absolutely thrilled.Hes 12 now and hes got enough experience under his belt that hes come here for a competitive run.Related contentIt has been a pretty low point in my career: Gemma Stevens bounces back from disappointment to top Burghley leaderboard From failed sale to Burghley: Caroline Pamukcu makes her debut on unlikely five-star horse 15 years later: Kiwi rider returns to Burghley with ex-racehorse and Melman the giraffe mascotHe was her favourite horse: Tim Price pilots Global Quest at Burghley in memory of Georgie CampbellHow to watch Defender Burghley Horse Trials this weekThe post He never lets me down: 19-year-old horse, who spends time turned out as part of a herd, leads the way after day one of Burghley dressage appeared first on Your Horse.

A 14-year-old gelding once destined for a bullet or the rodeo due to being a chronic bucker kicked off his Defender Burghley campaign today (3 September) with Samuel Jeffree in the saddle.The Australian rider is competing on UK soil for the first time and said that when the 16hh Warmblood first arrived at his Victoria yard it was the final straw but he immediately spotted the horses potential.I got him as a six-year-old. He was going to either have a bullet lined up for him, or go to the rodeo. He was an absolute bucker a chronic bucker and would just get everybody off, said Samuel. He came to me to see if we could do anything about it, before his final straw.I saw the talent in there from day one and weve managed to get the bucking under control now. Hes turned out to be the best horse, but its been a long journey.Even there [in the main arena], he reverts back to his old ways a little bit, but when hes on, hes absolutely fantastic.From Aachen to BurghleySamuel and Santoro were selected as one of the travelling reserves for last months FEI World Championships in Aachen, where the British team won gold.It was a great opportunity to come over and train with these guys, and then what better back-up plan than to go to Burghley? said the 28-year-old rider.We are based at Sammi Birchs at the moment, and the horse is going to stay over here for a while. After this, hell have a break, and well go home and have a break as well, earn some money, and hopefully come back for next year.Samuel described his first overseas event as mind boggling.Im a bit mind boggled by the entire thing! he confessed. We love Adelaide in Australia, and thats our top-tier event, but this is another level. The crowds and atmosphere its eye-opening, but also exciting.He can be a hotheadSantoro was bred by fellow Aussie Heath Ryan.Hes 14 years now and has done almost everything in Australia we could ask for. Hes a phenomenal athlete; he doesnt have that much blood, but if you watched that dressage test, you wouldnt know that. He can be a hothead, but hes a great galloper and loves his job.It wasnt our best [dressage] performance, but we got in, we got round, and we finished that phase. Now were onto the fun stuff. Im really looking forward to giving the cross-country a red-hot crack.Main image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentHe was her favourite horse: Tim Price pilots Global Quest at Burghley in memory of Georgie CampbellA pretty low point in my career: Gemma Stevens bounces back from disappointment to top Burghley leaderboardFrom failed sale to Burghley: Caroline Pamukcu makes her debut on unlikely five-star horseHow to watch Defender Burghley Horse Trials this weekThe post Chronic bucker once facing a bullet takes on Burghley with Aussie first timer appeared first on Your Horse.

Fifteen years after he last rode at Defender Burghley, Clarke Johnstone is back this time with an ex-racehorse he fell for after just one lap of trot.Domasco came to Clarke via fellow New Zealander Heelan Tompkins, who got the now 13-year-old straight off the track. She rode him for a couple of months, but hes very big and was very naughty at that stage as well, and she sent him to me. I did one lap of my arena in trot and rang her and said, Heelan, how much money do I need to pay you to have this horse? I just loved him from the first steps of trot. I was like, Wow, this is my horse.It took around 18 months to persuade Helen to sell Domasco, who was bred in the UK and sold to New Zealand as a weanling, where he raced. He raced until he was almost six in New Zealand, but he wasnt very good at it, and now hes back in England, said Clarke. Hes very accident-prone. Marcus [Bean, the horses groom] has a mascot for him and its Melman the giraffe from Madagascar.Hes unfortunately had little things go wrong all the way through since weve been in England. Hes spent more time rehabbing than competing, so he hasnt done nearly as much as I would have hoped, but hes still as beautiful as I thought he was. Hes got all of the ability.A hot ThoroughbredClarke explained that Domasco is a typical Thoroughbred who can be hot and reactive, and the audience was asked to stay quiet before they entered the main arena for their dressage test this morning (3 September).That was actually not my doing, but I was happy to hear the announcement. I dont know who asked for that, but that wasnt me, said Clarke. I dont know if you saw him at the trot up, but when people clap after they say accepted and he shot off, so it certainly helped today.He stayed really with me in the arena. I thought the trot work was super nice; he walked calmly. His canter is the weakness and he doesnt do a good flying change. He was her favourite horse: Tim Price pilots Global Quest at Burghley in memory of Georgie CampbellThey brought the score down, but there must have been some high marks as well to finish on 34.5, which Im very pleased with.Back at BurghleyClarke last competed at Burghley 15 years ago, when he finished 17th about Incognito III, and returning to the Lincolnshire five-star has required patience.Its taken a long time to feel like Ive got the right horse to bring back, he said. Theyve got to be a special type of horse, and Im hoping Domasco is that.I wouldnt say hes over brave, so I have to be really accurate and keep him sweet all the way around. But after the first walk [of the cross-country course], I feel like hes up to it. Its always nice to be sitting on a Thoroughbred when you get up north of nine minutes. Hes a bit shy of the water, so I feel like the duck into the first water coming early will be an interesting test. There are a lot of big questions.Main image by Tim Wilkinson Related contentHe was her favourite horse: Tim Price pilots Global Quest at Burghley in memory of Georgie CampbellA pretty low point in my career: Gemma Stevens bounces back from disappointment to top Burghley leaderboardHow to watch Defender Burghley Horse Trials this weekThe post 15 years later: Kiwi rider returns to Burghley with ex-racehorse and Melman the giraffe mascot appeared first on Your Horse.

US rider Caroline Pamukcu got her Defender Burghley debut underway this morning aboard William OBriens HSH Tolan King, a failed sale horse she couldnt sell for $20,000.The 11-year-old gelding was originally bought as a sale prospect, but despite sending him to three separate professionals in the hope that someone would see his potential, the Irish Sport Horse remained unsold.Hes a funny story, said Caroline. He arrived in my yard in 2021, and then when I was based here [in the UK] with Pippa Funnell [in 2022], we didnt bring him, we were just trying to sell him. I sent him to three separate professionals saying, You should take this one. He will be nice, but hes just one of the ones I couldnt sell. So I went to the investor, and said we have so much money in him, why dont we kick on and let me show him up the levels a bit and see what we have. Hes a bit quirky of a horse, but he digs deep. Hes kind of a underdog, which is cool, and hes exceeded all of our expectations.Not the American typeCaroline added that being a slightly quirky, less conventional type made the horse a difficult proposition for the US market.He wouldnt be the American type of horse, she explained. Hes blood, hes a little small; he wouldnt be the flashy, big-jump type of horse, but hes an ideal type for me. I like the smaller, a little bit rogue ones.The rider added that the horse has a lot of Thoroughbred blood, which is ideal for Burghley.Hes high blood percentage. I think hes about 70-80%. He has a full Thoroughbred mare [on his dam Kilmolash Clover Rhodes side] and then his sire is Tolan R. Hes a dig deep, fighter sort of horse.The duo are Burghley pathfinders and will be first out of the cross-country startbox on Saturday, a position they are familiar with having gone first at Kentucky earlier this year and at Maryland.Im so honored to be here. Its been a bucket-list show of mine, but Ive been a big believer in supporting our American five stars and every year I try to have a horse for Kentucky and Maryland, added Caroline. Sadly, this year Maryland is a no-go, so it was a perfect opportunity to come overseas and do Burghley. Hopefully Ill get to a point in my career where I have enough horses to go to Burghley, Maryland, Kentucky, and Luhmuhlen that is my ultimate goal!Everyone chips inCaroline has a big support team with her, including her husband and young daughter, while a wider support crew keep her horses going at home in the US.Ive been away [from home] for five weeks now because I went to the World Championships in Aachen, so Ive been off of my horses at home and trying to focus on the lot that are here. I have an incredible nanny, and my husband, and everyone in the barn, she says. Everyone kind of plays separate roles and chips in when they can. So its a lot.Caroline is also riding a second horse at Burghley, her re-routed Aachen ride HSH Blake. They are due to do their dressage test tomorrow afternoon.Main image by Tim WilkinsonRelated contentA pretty low point in my career: Gemma Stevens bounces back from disappointment to top Burghley leaderboardHe was her favourite horse: Tim Price pilots Global Quest at Burghley in memory of Georgie CampbellHow to watch Defender Burghley Horse Trials this weekHRH The Princess Royal to attend Burghley Horse TrialsThe post From failed sale to Burghley: Caroline Pamukcu makes her debut on unlikely five-star horse appeared first on Your Horse.

Britains Gemma Stevens and Chris and Lisa Stones 16-year-old Chilli Knight lead the way on a score of 29.6 as we head into the lunch break on day one of dressage (3 September) at the Defender Burghley Horse Trials. Its a welcome turn in fortune for Gemma, who is bouncing back from huge disappointment. Just a couple of weeks ago, she was eliminated across country at the eventing World Championships with Flash Cooley when the gelding inexplicably ground to a halt at the first part of a rail-ditch-rail combination. I think Ive made it three days so far without crying, said Gemma of how tough it has been since the elimination. I have absolutely no idea why it happened none of us do.Wevewatched the footage back, and I genuinely have no idea. The horse is 100% hesactually wild and full of himself at home and hessound,hesfit andhappy.I genuinely do not know the answer to everyones question, other than its horses and its rubbish, and we have to try and move on. Itsreally,really hard, Imnot going to lie; it has been apretty lowpoint in my career.Gemma said that bagging a strong set of results at Scone Palace Horse Trials last weekend, including a win in the CCI4*-S with Cooley Park Muze, was the confidence boost she really needed ahead of Burghley. It wasreally greatto get back on at Scone and have three fantastic rides cross-country and be in the top 10 on all three horses. It gave me a big boost and I remembered that I couldactually ride. I have to somehow put what happened at Aachen in a box and somehow carry on.He cant trot! Speaking of her dressage performance with Chilli Knight today, Gemma was clearly delighted. I was just trying to aim to get in the 20s dressageisntChilli Knights forte. Hecanttrot! But the one thing that makes up for it is his heart he is always trying his best. Today, I really had him on side. We razzed him up a bit before he went in, which is not a normal thing for a five-star event horse, but it really worked. He stayed in front of my leg and was so much better. Gemma explained that Chilli Knight, who won the one-off five-star at Bicton in 2021, is a wise old campaigner now. Hekind of knows that he just needs to go inthere and only do whatheshas to do.Hessuch a little cutie he just knows the job so well.Hesgoeycross-country, but dressage is just dull to him. Jumping is much more fun, and galloping fast is what he loves to do.Gemma said that Chilli Knight will now very much be looking forward to the jumping phases. He absolutely loves it when we come to these big ones because he blooming well knows that Im not going to have the handbrake on on Saturday, and that is the best thing ever to him.Related contentHe was her favourite horse: Tim Price pilots Global Quest at Burghley in memory of Georgie CampbellHow to watch Defender Burghley Horse Trials this weekHRH The Princess Royal to attend Burghley Horse TrialsThe post It has been a pretty low point in my career: Gemma Stevens bounces back from disappointment to top Burghley leaderboard appeared first on Your Horse.

Tim Price is riding the late Georgie Campbells favourite horse, Global Quest, at Defender Burghley Horse Trials this week, fulfilling a goal that Georgie had hoped to achieve herself.I helped her a little bit with him a few years ago, and she absolutely loved him, said Tim after his dressage test this morning (3 September). He meant a lot to her. I have the privilege of riding him after her, and its been very much in her honour.Georgie produced Global Quest to four-star level, including a win at Lignires CCI4*L in 2022. She tragically died following a cross-country fall with this horse at Bicton International Horse Trials in May 2024.She always wanted to get to five star with him, so Im doing that on her behalf, added Tim. Hes a lovely horse, great cross-country horse, and hes getting better and better finishes at this level as we get more experience.For a big fella, he has anxietyTim and Global Quest, a 16.3hh gelding owned by Lance and Diana Morrish, made their five-star debut at Pau last year before contesting Kentucky this spring. The New Zealand rider and world number one explained that it has taken time to get to know the horse. For a big fella, he actually has quite a level of anxiety, he explained. Georgie used to have inconsistency, and she used to get frustrated, and its something I always refer back to. Me being bigger and stronger, and perhaps more its like this, mate, has not always been to the benefit of him. He gets a little upset and goes into his shell. Then everythings a bit forced, and you lose the balance and the impulsion and things like that. Ive got him a lot fitter, a lot lighter, and his body stronger with all the work behind the scenes, continued Tim. I want him to show himself off, not me say this is what you should do, to try and achieve a little bit more softness and cadence, and things that arent natural to him.Tim and Global Quest scored 32.1 in the main arena this morning.Today I tried to run smoothly. It comes at the cost of a few crisp transitions and the changes are small, but theyre clean, added Tim. In the past, Id say, And change, and then hed throw his head down and go, Why did you do that?So I just want to show him the way, and then over the next couple of seasons, try to show him that he could actually be much better and really good.It never gets normalTim is a Burghley regular and won here in 2018 aboard Ringwood Sky Boy, but he confessed that it never gets normal.The thing I love about Burghley is I get nervous [when walking the cross-country course] and wonder how to do my job. Its not many places that its like that. Walking the course Im like, is that actually? Hang on. Is that so? Will my horse actually understand? You know, questioning everything. In a funny way theres a closer relationship with the designer because you trust him and you try to see it through his eyes and the question hes asking. I refer to that a lot. But no, it never it never gets normal.Related contentHow to watch Defender Burghley Horse Trials this weekHRH The Princess Royal to attend Burghley Horse TrialsNew jewellery unveiled in memory of event rider Georgie CampbellWiltshire eventer named as inaugural beneficiary of Georgie Campbell Foundation bursaryThe post He was her favourite horse: Tim Price pilots Global Quest at Burghley in memory of Georgie Campbell appeared first on Your Horse.

Premier Equine Journal Turnout rug technology10,000 / 10,000. Our weatherproof standard, not an upgrade.Turnout testing goes beyond the laboratory. It happens through hours of rain, grazing, rolling, wind, mud and changing temperatures. A horse rugs waterproof rating is a good place to start, telling you how effectively the fabric is designed to resist water. Equally important is breathability, allowing moisture and water vapour to escape while helping your horse stay dry and comfortable. Thats why every Premier Equine turnout fabric starts with the same 10,000mm waterproof and 10,000 g/m/24hr breathability benchmark. From Stratus to Titan, you choose the rug for the fit, durability and coverage you need, while we make sure your horse stays dry underneath.10,000mm waterproofHydrostatic-head standard across Premier Equine turnout fabrics10,000 g/m/24hrMVTR breathability standardEvery roll of fabric is testedAll turnout fabric checked before it is cut and made into rugsOne standard across all turnout rugsWeather protection is the core, not a premium upgradeThe numbers matter because the horse feels the result: less rain coming in, more moisture able to move out.Premier Equine waterproof guideTechnical information from the Premier Equine product team10,000mm waterproof 10,000 g/m/24hr breathability every turnout fabric roll tested before production updated September 2026In this guideQuick answer PE approach 10,000mm Hydrostatic head Breathability MVTR Membrane system Fabric testing In the field Performance loss Rug ranges What to look for FAQs01Quick answerWhat is the Premier Equine waterproof standard?Every Premier Equine turnout fabric is tested for a minimum of 10,000mm waterproofing and 10,000 g/m/24hr breathability. This standard does not sit behind a higher price point. Moving from Stratus to Akoni, Buster or Titan changes fit, fill, outer-fabric durability and construction, not the core waterproof and breathability standard.Our philosophy is simple: excellent weather protection is the bare minimum.Our aim is to give every equestrian access to highly technical waterproofing and breathability, then give the option to spend according to the horses real needs by choosing stronger outer fabrics, different fits, more insulation or more specialised construction.What does 10,000mm waterproof mean?It means the fabric resisted water pressure equivalent to a 10-metre column of water under hydrostatic-head testing before water penetration through the fabric occurred. Paired with 10,000 g/m/24hr breathability, it describes a fabric built to resist rain while allowing moisture vapour from the horse to move outward.Want to see the complete turnout collection built around this weatherproofing standard?Explore horse turnout rugs02The Premier Equine approachReal-life value starts with what matters most to the horse.A horse can spend hours outside grazing in driving rain, walking around the field, rolling and generating its own heat beneath the rug. Waterproofing and breathability are therefore one performance problem, not two marketing claims. Premier Equine keeps the same 10,000 / 10,000 weather benchmark across the turnout collection, then engineers the rug around the horse and the demands of the field.03The two numbers behind the standardWhat does 10,000 / 10,000 actually mean in the field?The point of a technical rating is not to impress the rider with numbers. 10,000mm tells you how the fabric resists water pressure. 10,000 g/m/24hr tells you how effectively moisture vapour can move through the fabric. One keeps weather out; the other helps the horse avoid feeling sealed inside.10,000mm Waterproof Hydrostatic headMeasures how much water pressure the fabric can resist before penetration. This figure relates to rain resistance, not insulation and not denier.10,000 g/m/24hr Breathability MVTRMeasures moisture-vapour transfer through one square metre of fabric over 24 hours. It helps quantify how effectively moisture can move outward through the technical fabric.Technical measure3,000 Standard5,000 standardPremier Equine 10,000 benchmarkWaterproof hydrostatic headEquivalent to a 3-metre column of water under the test methodEquivalent to a 5-metre column of waterEquivalent to a 10-metre column of waterBreathability MVTR3,000 g/m/24hr moisture-vapour transfer5,000 g/m/24hr moisture-vapour transfer10,000 g/m/24hr moisture-vapour transferHow to read itLight rain protection and suitable for low level activity such as strolling or standing.Protection against moderate rain showers and allows for low level exercising.Effectively protects against rain and average snowfall while managing sweat during exercise.The table explains the scale of the ratings rather than ranking individual brands. Laboratory methods and product constructions can vary, so compare published figures alongside fit, seams, membrane condition, care and intended use.At the pinnacle of horse turnout rugs. 10,000 / 10,000 sits at the top of published equestrian turnout rug performance. Premier Equine makes this weatherproofing standard the starting point across the entire turnout rug collection, so you can choose by fit, fill and field durability without paying simply to unlock better weather protection.04Water beading on technical turnout fabric. Hydrostatic-head testing goes further by measuring how much controlled water pressure the fabric resists before penetration.Hydrostatic-head testingHow is horse-rug waterproofness tested?A hydrostatic-head test applies controlled water pressure to a fabric sample. The result is expressed in millimetres. A 10,000mm result means the fabric resisted pressure equivalent to a 10-metre column of water before water penetration was recorded under the test method.In turnout, rain is driven by wind while the rug flexes over the neck, shoulder and back as the horse grazes, rolls and moves. Hydrostatic-head testing gives a repeatable benchmark before that fabric reaches the field.1. Secure the sampleA controlled section of fabric is fixed into the test equipment.2. Increase water pressurePressure is raised progressively against the fabric.3. Record penetrationThe pressure reached before water passes through becomes the hydrostatic-head rating.Is 10,000mm waterproof enough for heavy rain?For equestrian turnout, 10,000mm is a very high waterproof benchmark and is designed for sustained wet-weather protection. Real-world performance still depends on fit, seams, wear, membrane condition and correct care of the rug.05The microclimate beneath the rugWhy breathability matters just as much as waterproofing.A horse keeps producing heat and moisture while grazing, walking and playing in the field. The rug therefore has to keep weather out without behaving like a sealed plastic bag.Outside inWaterproofing protects the horse against the outside elements.Inside outBreathability allows moisture vapour to move away from the horse through the rug and escape to the outside.A plastic sheet can keep water out, but does not make a good turnout rug.A horse rug has to manage a living, moving animal underneath it. The technical aim is a drier, more stable microclimate beneath the rug, not simply an impermeable barrier against rain.06MVTR breathability testingWhat does 10,000 g/m/24hr mean on a horse rug?MVTR Moisture Vapour Transmission Rate measures how much water vapour can pass through one square metre of fabric over 24 hours under the relevant test conditions.1mStandardised fabric areaUsing a defined area makes the result measurable and more meaningful than simply describing a fabric as breathable.24hrMeasurement periodA 10,000 g/m/24hr result indicates a high moisture-vapour transfer capacity under the relevant test method.Water vapourMoisture in vapour form generated beneath the rug as the horse produces heat and sweat.Moisture transferThe movement of that vapour through the technical fabric towards the outside environment.Breathable does not mean open meshA waterproof membrane can still permit vapour transfer while preventing liquid water droplets from passing inward.Fit still mattersEven excellent fabric cannot compensate for a rug that is badly fitted, heavily soiled or trapping heat through unnecessary insulation.07Inside the turnout fabric systemHow does a Premier Equine waterproof membrane work?The outer fabric, surface finish, membrane and lining should be read as a system. Each has a different role. On current Buster and Titan designs, that system goes further with two specialist membranes.From outer fabric to rug lining.01 SurfaceTeflon-coated outerHelps reduce staining and surface-water retention. Water beads on the fabric rather than immediately saturating the fibres.02 Waterproof barrierMicroporous waterproof + breathable membraneSits beneath the outer shell. The membrane is engineered to repel liquid water droplets while permitting airflow and moisture-vapour movement through the construction.03 Buster + TitanHydrophilic moisture-management membraneA second specialist membrane deeper in the construction helps attract, move and disperse moisture from the horses side of the rug. This layer is available in the Buster and Titan ranges.04 Inner surfaceBreathable shine enhancing liningSupports coat comfort and works with the membrane system rather than acting as the waterproof barrier itself.Why does water bead on a new rug?That is the surface repellency doing its job. It reduces wet-out and staining, but the membrane underneath is what provides the main resistance to water penetration.Why can a rug feel wet outside but dry inside?The outer surface can wet out after prolonged rain while the membrane continues to block water. Always assess the lining and the horse beneath before assuming the rug has leaked.08Consistency before constructionEvery roll of Premier Equine turnout fabric is tested before the rugs are made.A laboratory rating matters only if the material going into production continues to meet the required standard. Premier Equine therefore tests every roll of turnout fabric before it is cut and crafted into rugs.10Protecting technical performanceWhat can reduce a turnout rugs waterproofness and breathability?Technical fabric performance can decline if the surface, membrane or seams are damaged or contaminated. Regular checks are part of good rug management.Punctures and abrasionFencing, bites, rolling and rubbing can damage the outer and, if deep enough, the membrane beneath.Mud, grease and heavy soilingContamination can reduce surface repellency and interfere with moisture management. Clean according to the product instructions.Fabric conditioner or unsuitable detergentResidues can affect technical textiles. Use the care method stated for the individual rug and avoid fabric conditioner.Direct heatHigh heat can damage technical membranes. Air dry naturally rather than tumble drying or using direct heated drying systems.Loss of surface repellencyIf water no longer beads readily, an appropriate reproofing treatment can refresh surface repellency. It cannot repair a damaged membrane.Age and repeated flexingEvery turnout rug lives a hard life. Inspect high-stress areas, seams and the lining regularly rather than waiting for obvious leaking.11One weather standard. Different horses. Different fields.Every Premier Equine turnout rug starts with 10,000 / 10,000. So what are you actually choosing?You are choosing the rug around the horse: outer-fabric durability, fit, fill, neck coverage and construction. The lighter Stratus and Akoni options are not less waterproof because they sit at a different price point; Buster and Titan add tougher ballistic-nylon outers and more specialised construction for harder-working turnout environments.600D Diamond Triple Weave polyesterStratusFor riders wanting a lighter polyester outer with a published 10,000mm waterproof rating, waterproof and breathable membrane and Teflon-coated finish. A practical choice for everyday weather protection where maximum tear resistance is not the priority.Explore Stratus Rugs600D Diamond Triple Weave polyester Buster fit familyAkoniPairs a lighter 600D polyester outer and waterproof membrane with the original Buster pattern and extra-high shoulder gusset. Useful when you want more Buster-style shoulder room with a lighter outer fabric.Explore Akoni rugs840D Ballistic Nylon dual specialist membranesBusterMoves into a tougher ballistic-nylon outer with Premier Equines specialist dual-membrane construction. A strong everyday option for broader, active horses or turnout where tear, puncture and abrasion resistance matter alongside weather protection.Explore Buster rugs1680D Ballistic Nylon dual specialist membranesTitanThe most hard-wearing outer in the current Premier Equine turnout collection. Designed for demanding turnout where outer durability and technical weather protection both need to be high priorities.Explore Titan rugs12Need help choosing the complete rug rather than the fabric alone?Read the Premier Equine turnout rug guide13Frequently asked questionsWaterproof turnout rug questions riders ask before buying.What does 10,000mm waterproof mean on a horse rug?It is a hydrostatic-head rating. It means the fabric resisted water pressure equivalent to a 10,000mm column of water under the relevant test method before penetration occurred.Is 10,000mm waterproof good for a turnout rug?Yes. 10,000mm is a high technical standard for an equestrian turnout fabric and is suitable for demanding wet-weather use, provided the rug remains correctly fitted, intact and properly cared for.Are all Premier Equine turnout rugs built to the same waterproof and breathability benchmark?Yes. Premier Equine turnout fabrics are specified to 10,000mm waterproof and 10,000 g/m/24hr breathability across the collection. Price and range differences relate to factors such as outer-fabric durability, fit, fill, neck style and construction rather than stepping down the core weather-performance benchmark. Always check the individual product page for the latest specification.Do I need to buy a more expensive Premier Equine turnout rug to get better waterproofing?No. The core 10,000mm waterproof and 10,000 g/m/24hr breathability benchmark applies across Premier Equine turnout fabrics. Spend according to the horses actual needs: stronger ballistic-nylon outers, different fit profiles, fill weights, neck coverage and additional construction features.Which Premier Equine turnout rug is the most waterproof?Premier Equine turnout fabrics share the same 10,000mm waterproof benchmark, so the better question is which outer, fit and construction suit your horse and field. Stratus and Akoni use lighter 600D polyester outers; Buster uses 840D ballistic nylon; Titan uses 1680D ballistic nylon. Buster and Titan also use a specialist dual-membrane construction.What does 10,000 g/m/24hr breathability mean?It is an MVTR figure describing the amount of moisture vapour that can pass through one square metre of fabric over 24 hours under the relevant test method.Does a higher denier mean a rug is more waterproof?No. Denier describes the outer fabric construction and is mainly relevant to strength, abrasion resistance and durability. Waterproofness is measured separately using a test such as hydrostatic head.What does the Teflon coating do on a turnout rug?The Teflon finish helps reduce staining and surface-water retention and encourages water to bead on the fabric. The waterproof membrane beneath the outer remains the main barrier to liquid water penetration.Why does the outside of my waterproof rug feel wet?The face fabric can wet out after prolonged rain while the membrane underneath continues to resist water penetration. Check the lining and the horse beneath the rug before deciding the waterproof barrier has failed.How do I know if my turnout rug is leaking?If water is reaching the lining or the horse, inspect the rug for punctures, deep abrasion, seam damage or membrane damage. Surface wetting on its own is not proof of leakage.The Premier Equine waterproof principleProtecting horses since 2002.Premier Equine combines a 10,000mm waterproof standard with 10,000 g/m/24hr breathability and tests every turnout fabric roll before production. That is the weatherproof baseline. From there, choose the rug around the horse: 600D polyester for a lighter outer, 840D ballistic nylon for stronger everyday durability, or 1680D ballistic nylon when hard-wearing field protection is the priority.Explore horse turnout rugs Explore rug technology Stratus Akoni Buster TitanTechnical specifications supplied by the Premier Equine product team Updated September 2026.Always check the individual product page for the latest sizing, specification, materials, care guidance and availability. Waterproof and breathability figures are laboratory benchmarks; real-world performance also depends on fit, seams, wear, care, damage and environmental conditions.