Canvas vs. Synthetic Horse Rugs: A Sustainable Choice

Before industrialised manufacturing took over, horse rugs were crafted by hand using natural fibers like canvas and wool, designed for durability and practicality. These materials not only protected horses but were built to last, often repaired or repurposed when no longer useful. With the advent of textile mechanisation, high-quality materials were gradually replaced by more affordable synthetic alternatives, flooding the market.

Today, synthetic materials dominate the European horse rug market, pushing natural options like canvas into the background. The decline in canvas rugs can be attributed to a simple truth: products that last forever don't generate repeat sales. While cheap, fast-fashion rugs may seem attractive because of their low price, their need for frequent replacement keeps the sales cycle going. When it comes to durability and longevity, canvas still stands as the top choice for those seeking quality.

Canvas is built to endure whatever challenges your horse encounters. Unlike trendy, fast-fashion prints that quickly lose their appeal, canvas only gets better with age. The rug molds to your horse’s shape, and as it naturally fades in the sun, it develops a rugged, utilitarian look that becomes increasingly attractive over time.

Thanks to the tight weave of its fibers, canvas is naturally water-resistant. However, it's important to note that water resistance doesn't mean waterproof. There are various waxes and treatments available that can further enhance the canvas’s ability to repel water, making it even more effective in wet conditions.

In a world driven by fast fashion, it’s easy to overlook the environmental impact of cheap, trendy and synthetic rugs. While they may save money upfront, their hidden cost to the planet is significant. Many synthetic rugs are produced using toxic chemicals that pollute waterways and harm the horses they cover. Unlike natural fibres, which biodegrade within months or years, synthetic materials like polyester can take centuries to break down, contributing to the growing problem of plastic pollution.

Canvas, on the other hand, is designed to endure. Similarly, wool is a sustainable option that regenerates every year and has been valued for millennia. Unlike polyester, wool doesn’t contribute to environmental harm and offers natural comfort and warmth for your horse.

For those seeking natural alternatives, Perol Chico's double-layered heavy-duty cotton canvas horse rugs are a great example of both quality and sustainability. Made from tightly woven 100% cotton Duck Canvas, these rugs are built to last. Weighing just 2.7 kg, they are easy to machine wash and light enough for most people to handle comfortably, while providing superior protection and warmth for your horse. Additionally, the moisture absorption properties of cotton help the horse's skin to dry and cool down gently after hard work, promoting a more comfortable recovery.

Although cotton canvas can be made fully waterproof through waxing (similar to the iconic Barbour coats) or other finish coat products, it is less suited for extended exposure to heavy rain. While the waxing process enhances water resistance, prolonged use in wet conditions may not offer the same level of protection as synthetic rugs. Additionally, synthetic fibres don't have the moisture absorption characteristics of cotton and can actually cause the horse to sweat more, potentially leading to overheating in warm weather. As a result, canvas rugs are better suited for use as stable rugs or for horses that don't need to be exposed to heavy rain or extreme weather for extended periods.

In conclusion, canvas horse rugs provide a more environmentally conscious choice for the modern equestrian. Unlike non-absorbent, cold, and slippery synthetic rugs that are mass-produced, canvas rugs are built to last, offering unmatched durability, comfort, and breathability for your horse.