We stock lycra hoods, skinny hoods, waterproof hoods, hood holders and more alongside the spare parts that keep your rugs fitting well for longer. Browse our full horse rugs section if you're after a complete rug instead.
About Our Horse Hoods and Rug Accessories
This collection brings together two essentials that every rug owner needs access to: hoods that extend the protection of your rug setup, and accessories that keep your existing rugs in working order. Hoods protect the neck, poll and ears from weather, insects and coat damage, while replacement straps, buckles and repair supplies save you from replacing an otherwise good rug over one broken component.
Horse Hoods by Type
View types below.
Lycra and Skinny Hoods
Lycra horse hoods (also called skinny hoods or slinky hoods) are the most popular style in Australia. They're lightweight stretch hoods designed to keep the mane flat, protect a fresh plait and maintain a sleek coat for show preparation. Riders use them overnight before a competition or during float travel to arrive with a clean, tidy horse. Available with or without ears and in a range of colours.
- Mane protection for plaits, pulls and freshly banded manes
- Coat smoothing to reduce rub marks and keep the coat lying flat
- Travel use to protect the head and neck during floating
- With or without ears depending on the level of coverage needed
Compression Hoods
Horse compression hoods fit more firmly than a standard lycra hood, providing gentle pressure that can help calm nervous horses and support muscle recovery around the poll and neck. They're commonly used during travel, after exercise or as part of a calming routine for anxious horses. Compression hoods with ears offer full coverage, while open-face styles leave the eyes and muzzle clear.
Waterproof and Winter Hoods
Waterproof horse hoods attach to a compatible rug to extend rain and wind protection over the neck and poll. They're essential for horses that live out through winter in exposed paddocks, particularly if the horse is clipped or has a fine coat. Polar fleece hoods add warmth without waterproofing, making them a good option for stabled horses on cold nights.
Hood Holders
A hood holder is a simple strap or clip system that secures a separate hood to the rug, preventing it from shifting or riding up over the ears. If your rug and hood aren't from the same brand or don't have integrated attachment points, a hood holder bridges the gap and keeps everything sitting in the right position.
Replacement Leg Straps
Leg straps are one of the most frequently replaced rug components. They cop constant wear from movement, mud and moisture, and a frayed or snapped leg strap leaves a rug shifting and rubbing. Replacement leg straps for horse rugs are available in adjustable styles that fit most standard rug brands. When fitting new leg straps, loop them through each other between the hind legs so they sit snugly without pulling the rug to one side.
- Adjustable length to suit different rug sizes and horse builds
- Snap or clip fittings compatible with most Australian rug brands
- Sold individually or in pairs depending on what you need to replace
Fillet Straps, Buckles and Repair Essentials
A fillet strap runs across the hindquarters to stop the rug blowing forward in windy conditions, and is especially useful on lighter cotton sheets and fly rugs. Replacement chest buckles, T-bar clips and trigger hooks are available for rugs with corroded or broken hardware. For small tears in the rug fabric, canvas repair patches and waterproof seam tape can extend the life of a rug by another season or more. Larger tears or failed waterproof linings are better handled by a professional rug repairer.
Commonly Asked Questions
Below are common questions we get asked.
What is a lycra horse hood used for?
Lycra hoods (also called skinny or slinky hoods) protect plaits, keep the mane flat and maintain a smooth coat ahead of competition. They're also widely used during float travel to keep the head and neck clean and protected. They're lightweight and breathable, so most horses tolerate them well.
Do compression hoods calm horses?
Many owners find that the gentle, even pressure of a compression hood helps settle anxious horses during travel or stabling. Results vary between individuals, but compression hoods are a popular option alongside other calming strategies. They're not a replacement for addressing the underlying cause of anxiety, but they can help take the edge off.
How do I attach a hood to a rug from a different brand?
Use a hood holder strap or clip system that connects the hood to the rug's D-rings or neckline. This keeps the hood sitting correctly without riding forward or twisting. Check that the hood and rug overlap enough at the neck to prevent gaps where rain or wind can get in.
How do I fit replacement leg straps on a horse rug?
Thread each strap through the D-ring at the back of the rug on its respective side. Cross the straps between the hind legs so the left strap passes through the right strap before clipping back to the same side. This prevents rubbing and keeps the rug centred. Adjust the length so the straps sit snugly without hanging loose.
Can I repair a torn horse rug myself?
Small tears and holes can be patched at home using canvas repair patches or waterproof tape. Clean and dry the area first, then apply the patch to both sides of the fabric if possible. For large tears, failed waterproofing or damaged linings, a professional rug repair service will give a better result.
