Winderen is an EU-based manufacturer of high-end equestrian equipment that has disrupted the traditional market by selling directly to customers through its online store. A carefully crafted marketing strategy and thoughtful UX design enabled the brand to build consumer trust without relying on the brick-and-mortar retail model long dominant in the equestrian sector.
Today, after nearly two decades in operation, Winderen has a strong global presence, serving customers around the world and offering ten distinct product lines. Among its most popular articles are saddle half pads, stirrups, and bits, closely followed by premium horse rugs and equestrian apparel.
Winderen’s mission is to ensure the ultimate comfort of both horse and rider, creating a range of unique designs that combine cutting-edge technology with timeless equestrian style. Whether it is soft gel bits readily accepted even by young and sensitive horses, or double shock-absorbent stirrups for increased sit stability and reduced muscle fatigue, Winderen’s products have earned the brand a loyal customer base all over the world.
Among Winderen’s most innovative offerings is the world’s first and only line of rugs featuring patented Outlast® technology. Originally developed for NASA astronaut suits, Outlast® uses phase change materials (PCMs) to repeatedly store and release heat, helping to maintain the horse’s optimal body temperature. Winderen Thermoactive rugs eliminate the risk of the animal becoming too hot or too cold, whether resting after work or simply experiencing fluctuations in ambient temperature when not under the care of a handler.
Permanently embedded in the Thermocules polymer coating of Winderen Thermoactive rugs, the PCMs alter their state in reaction to changes in the horse’s skin temperature. Thanks to the extremely rugged coating, the Outlast® technology deployed in Winderen Thermoactive rugs retains its properties even after repeated washes. The use of Climashield® continuous filament insulation further ensures that Winderen Thermoactive rugs are compression-resistant, durable, and highly breathable. With excellent moisture-wicking capabilities, they prevent the horse from becoming sweaty even when walking briskly. Maintaining the proper microclimate on the animal’s skin ensures comfort and helps prevent injuries, while also reducing the need for multiple rugs for varying conditions.
Winderen Thermoactive rugs come in two different weights:
- Winderen Thermoactive Zoom 50-200 rug is recommended for outside temperatures ranging from 0°C/32°F to +17°C/63°F
- Winderen Thermoactive Zoom 100-350 rug is recommended for outside temperatures ranging from -15°C/5°F to +15°C/59°F
For optimal thermal regulation, two different weights of Climashield®’s synthetic insulation are deployed in different zones of the rugs: 100 g/m2 and CL 200 g/m2. Climashield® is also used in the matching hood for the stable horse rug: Winderen Thermoactive Zoom 100-350 Cob. This hood was designed to be paired with the warmer thermal rug, while the cooler rug can be paired with other uninsulated hoods from the Winderen range.
Overheating and underheating are among the most common causes of discomfort in horses, leading to sweating and, over time, a weakened immune system. A correctly selected Winderen Thermoactive rug offers a reliable solution, ensuring the horse’s thermal comfort and the owner’s peace of mind.
