Over 17,000 thoroughbreds are foaled in Australia each year - most of them receiving a frosty reception on arrival.

Even in late spring the nights are still cold and tomorrow's Slipper, Derby or Cup winner can do with something more than just mother's milk.

That's where Pro-Fit All Weather Foal Rugs come in ...

Designed, developed, tested, revised and perfected over a number of years by Christie Woodard, the Pro-Fit All Weather Foal Rug is a completely unique configuration that meets a very specific criteria - it's safe and it's practical.

Importantly, this is not enhancement apparel dreamed up by some white coated figure with thick glasses in a pristine laboratory - the Pro-Fit All Weather Foal Rug you see today only came about through rigorous trial and error ... in other words, the 2003 model is stamped 'experience'.

Christie - who with husband Rick - manages Yallambee Stud at Romsey in Victoria, oversees the foaling and development of some 150 foals each year and has a fair take on the advantages of keeping your pride and joy warm and dry.

Consider the benefits: "By curtailing unfavorable weather conditions we have definitively improved the natural growth rates in young foals, and significantly reduced stress related ailments. Mares that are out of the stable environment sooner experience better uterine recovery after foaling ... and this of course is a cost reduction to the breeder," Christie points out.

Many of the top studs agree, beating a path to Christie's door to 'rug up'.

"Foals were quite content wearing the rugs and due to the quality fit we never had any reason to worry - I found the product to be durable, practical and, above all, extremely safe," so says Peter O'Brien, stud manager of Coolmore Australia.

Waikato Stud's (New Zealand) manager, Mark Chittick agrees: "I found the Pro-Fit rug excellent. After trying various foal rugs, they are far superior. The 'Fit' was perfect and very practical, and of course I think it gave the foals the best start they could possibly get. Having the satisfaction of your foals being warm and dry while outside in various weather-related situations was a great asset."

Rugging foals has proven to be so successful that its use shouldn't be restricted to neonates and weak foals - particularly early in the foaling season.

Astute breeders, like Fulmen Park's Lee Powell, will recognise the advantages of rugging all foals for improved development in the first month to eight weeks of age: "We saw tremendous results in growth of early foals ... an invaluable asset for all breeders".

Responding to the demand, Pro-Fit has developed the Pro-Fit All Weather Foal Rug system.

Make sure you do the sums… 17,000 foals each year and already there are 3,200 of them equipped with Pro-Fit All Weather Foal Rugs. Can you afford to have your foal miss out?

Pro-Fit All Weather Foal Rugs - don't let your foal leave the stable without it!