Well, what I do is to help you pinpoint WHY your horse is getting sick and implement a strategy that takes you to a feeling of empowerment, of being in control of their life. If you’re trying to keep your horse clean over the winter, opt for a lightweight rug. If you have a sick horse, then they may also need extra protection. When you consider the weather some horses evolved to survive in, such as the Shetland pony or the Arabian horse, you have a good idea that they can and do manage very well under extreme conditions. 6. Your email address will not be published. Not the tasty chocolate chip kind, but important for you to know - we use cookies to offer you the best experience possible when shopping with us. Again, movement plays a huge role in a naturally healthy horse, especially in the winter months when they need extra movement … A Shetland pony would probably find it hard to adapt to desert conditions. Horse type and breed may also influence your decision to rug. So knowing when your horse’s ancestors come from gives you an idea of how much protection they may need. Is your horse out all the time or stabled? First thing in the morning is the coldest time, so is a good time to assess their coping mechanisms. If you only ride once a week and your horse isn’t clipped, there's no real reason to rug him up unless he’s a poor doer. It’s simply good sales talk. It should be up to them to decide. In general, if the temperature is between 5-25 degrees Celsius, the horse or pony can comfortably maintain their body temperature without feeling hot or cold. Horses and ponies cope very well in the cold but wet and windy conditions are more challenging so consider the weather on a daily basis and remember there’s no need to put on the heavyweight if it is 12°C and sunny! I suggest that you rug a horse only when absolutely necessary and only for the shortest time necessary. Whichever way you look at it, it’s showing great laziness. If you are debating whether your horse requires a rug or not, follow this checklist to decide what is right for him. If these (dry) areas are warm, so is your horse. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Along with the decision on whether to rug or not is what type and thickness of rug to use. As for the question, "Should I blanket my horse?" Use code: 10BLACK20*Excludes products marked ’special offer', Covid-19 Update: All Orders & Deliveries Will Be Fulfilled As Normal, Click For Full Details. However, the type of protection is not best had from rugging your horse. Clipping and the type of clip will also influence your decision on rugging. What Do Horses Eat – Supporting Optimum Horse Health. However, persistent rain can quickly leave a horse feeling cold and miserable. You know how often people struggle with their horse’s health? And an Arabian would need extra protection in arctic conditions. Rug thickness. the answer could also be "no," but special circumstances make "maybe" or "definitely" the correct responses for certain classes of horses. Allowing a horse freedom in a paddock with free access to a building which is weather proof on three sides, is much more comfortable for most horses. BLACK FRIDAY: Get an Extra 10% off! Stable rugs may have up to 150g. Many people rug a horse, by putting a rug on at the outset of winter and leaving it on throughout the winter, regardless of the weather. But bear in mind, that they will have aclimatised by being born in your locality. For poor doers that really feel the cold go for thicker rugs and remember what your Mum told you about layers! Privacy Policy / Disclaimer / Terms of Use, Gastric Ulcers In Horses: Causes and Natural Solutions, Stomach Ulcers in Horses – Avoiding or Healing. If you clip your horse, then they must be given greater protection. Zero-fill horse rugs are ideal. If you are rugging a horse or pony for cleanliness, eg to keep him clean so you can ride, go for the lightest weight turnout rug that is suitable. Allow plenty of movement. It’s all poppy cock. A good way to check how your horse is faring in cold weather is the temperature of their ears and their chest. A good example of a horse needing a rug is the sensitive, thin skinned Thoroughbred that may feel the cold if rain is persistent, the temperature has dropped, or the equine is clipped. And there are times when it is not only unnecessary, but causes your horse real distress. A good example of a horse needing a rug is the sensitive, thin skinned Thoroughbred that may feel the cold if rain is persistent, the temperature has dropped, or the equine is clipped. Most horses who aren’t clipped or have a small clip will be more than warm enough in a lightweight rug. With winter setting in, most people immediately start without really giving it any thought. Learn how your comment data is processed.