Friday, February 21, 2014

Product Excellence From Horseware Ireland

By Jayne Rutledge


When Tom and Carol MacGuiness began making horse products their goal was to create items that were more durable and serviceable for the stable. When Horseware Ireland began production in 1985 they set a company policy that demanded reevaluation on their products on a constant basis. This policy paid off for them by helping them to make the best rugs in the world.

The first rug, the Rambo, was a tremendous improvement over what was found on the market previously. The fabric was lighter in weight and water resistant to keep the animals dry and warm. The shape of this rug was detailed to fit a horse properly and not slide around on its body and contained front clasps for consumer ease. This and other products gave them the reputation of being the best and highest producer of turnout rugs in the industry.

The bottom line policy of this company is constant review and innovative thinking. They are constantly improving their products to make them more consumer and horse friendly. Some improvements have presented themselves as a new line of product such as wugs. They differ from the rugs in that they are worn outside as well as inside the barn. The construction and materials are designed for use in different climates and terrains.

Some changes include covers for the head and tail and fly busters to keep the pests off the horses as well as keep them cool and comfortable. Their designs also have higher neck coverage and are fitted to different sized animals. They have also created a line of rugs and wugs for dogs living in areas located in colder climates.

The fabrics and fillers they developed for their products are designed to recover their fullness should the horse decide to roll on the ground and flatten them. The process of thermo-bonding allows for the fabric to return to its original form. This helps to retain the warmth of the cover by creating air circulation around the horse. They also developed a system of bonding fabric with water resistant components to keep the animal dry and the fabric soft and warm.

One of their best innovations concerns the nanotech moisture management system. This system chemically bonds water repelling molecules to fabric molecules to create a fabric that repels water and allows body moisture and water vapor to pass freely through it. This process allows for a much better feel to the fabric because it is not a surface applied substance designed to repel water.

Over the past twenty plus years this company has built a reputation of excellence and innovation in the horse community. They have been given highest honors for the wugs and turn out rugs for up to ten years consecutively. The diversity of lines they have created has worked to their benefit and to the benefit of customers and their animals.

In an effort to be earth friendly they use nothing but renewable energy sources. The factory in Ireland is operated entirely on wind generated energy. Horseware Ireland is a dedicated member of the ISPCA and donates thousands of rugs for abused animals at the facility and around the world. They are also aligned with an agency that furnishes critically disabled children with horse and carriage therapy.




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