Keep Your Horse (and Wallet) Happier with Nikwax NZ

When you splash out on a decent rug for your horse or pony here in New Zealand, you want it to last. With our mix of soaking wet paddocks, chilly winds and surprise mud patches, rugs cop a fair bit of punishment. By the end of the season, even the best quality cover can end up filthy, smelly and struggling to keep your horse or pony dry.

That is where Nikwax Rug Wash and Rug Proof step in. These two simple products can make a huge difference for both your horse’s comfort and your back pocket.

Why clean horse rugs properly

It is easy to just brush or hose off the worst of the mud and throw it over a fence to dry, but what about the dirt that's ingrained? Using normal laundry detergents or scrubbing hard can actually break down the water repellent coating on your rug, and once that protective layer is gone, water soaks into the fabric instead of beading off, and your horse is left wearing a heavy, damp rug that takes forever to dry.

Nikwax Rug Wash is made to clean horse rugs properly without stripping away that important water repellency. It is tough on sweat, dirt and bacteria but gentle on waterproof treatments. It also keeps modern breathable fabrics working as they should, so moisture can still escape and your horse stays comfortable.

Why reproof rugs

You've all had a feel under a rug to check how dry your horse is, that's because even the best quality covers lose their water repellency over time. You might notice rain stops beading on the surface and starts soaking in. That is a sure sign it is time to reproof BEFORE you chuck it in the tack shed and forget about it until next winter. 

Nikwax Rug Proof restores the rug’s water repellency and stops the outer fabric from getting saturated. A dry outer layer means the insulation or fill underneath can still trap warm air, keeping your horse or pony snug. It also means your rug dries much faster after a downpour.

Benefits for your horse or pony

• Keeps them dry and comfortable through erratic NZ weather patterns 
• Reduces chills from soaked, heavy rugs
• Helps prevent rubbing and skin irritations caused by damp fabric
• Keeps rugs breathable so sweat can still escape

Benefits for you

• Makes your horse rugs last longer, so you do not have to fork out for new ones as often
• Reduced waste and old gear going to landfill
• Saves money by protecting your investment
• Keeps rugs cleaner, fresher and quicker to dry
• Easy to wash and reproof at home, no harsh chemicals or professional services needed

A simple routine that pays off

By cleaning with Nikwax Rug Wash and topping up with Rug Proof, you help your rugs keep doing their job properly. Your horse or pony stays dry, warm and comfortable across every New Zealand season, and you avoid the cost and hassle of constantly replacing gear.

PS: Looking for more tips?

Plenty of Kiwi riders end up searching for things like the best way to wash horse rugs at home, how to waterproof horse rugs again, or rug cleaning and reproofing for NZ weather. Others want Nikwax Rug Wash reviews NZ, wonder if it works on canvas and synthetic rugs, or just how to stop horse rugs leaking in heavy rain. The answer is simple and effective. 

No matter what brought you here, the solution is the same. Look after your rugs and covers, and they will keep looking after your horse or pony, season after season. That is the Nikwax way.