Keeping Your Horse Comfortable: A Guide on Why and When to Rug your Horse
With constantly changing weather, deciding how to rug our horses can be challenging. Questions like, "Does he need a rug?" or "Should I leave him uncovered tonight?" often arises.
With constantly changing weather, deciding how to rug our horses can be challenging. Questions like, "Does he need a rug?" or "Should I leave him uncovered tonight?" often arises. We hope this blog helps you choose the right rug every time, for your horse’s best interest.
Understanding Your Horse's Needs
Horses don’t feel the cold like we do. They have a much wider thermoneutral zone, starting to feel cold at 0°C and hot around 25°C. Therefore, when you're feeling cold, your horse might still be comfortable. Horses generate warmth through thermoregulation (maintaining an internal body temperature of about 38°C), driven by the energy from the food they consume. When their food is metabolised, it generates heat, which is why horses with thicker coats or more energy from their diet often stay warm.
If your horse starts to feel cold, their hair will stand up to create a ‘warmth shield.’ For clipped horses, you may need to use a heavier rug to replicate this natural insulation. Additionally, age and weight play a role; older or thinner horses might need more warmth, while overweight horses could become too warm under heavy rugs.
Checking for Comfort
To check if your horse is cold, avoid relying on their ear temperature. Instead, place your hand inside the rug by the withers. If it feels cold, add a rug; if it feels humid or damp, switch to a lighter one or remove it.
Horse Rug Weights and Uses
No Fill Rugs:
Ideal for travelling and warmer summer days, these rugs (cotton mixes, mesh, fly rugs, or net fabrics) keep your horse cool and prevent coat fading. They also help with sweat evaporation after exercise.
Lite and Lite Plus Horse Rug (0g to 50g):
Perfect for cool, sunny spring and autumn weather, these rugs keep your horse dry and shielded from the wind. For clipped horses, a slight fill can prevent condensation and cold.
Medium/Lite and Medium Weight Horse Rug (100g to 250g):
Providing warmth through autumn and early spring, these rugs are suitable for cold nights around 0°C and daytime temperatures of 5°C - 10°C.
Heavyweight Horse Rug (300g and above):
Ideal for freezing winter temperatures and clipped horses, these rugs keep older or more cold-sensitive horses warm when temperatures drop below 0°C.
Under Rugs and Liner rug (100g-400g):
These optional layers add versatility and can help manage changing weather or provide extra warmth for older horses.
Important Tips
Always check your horse’s temperature by placing your hand under the rug to prevent overheating. Remember, a ripped rug is better than an injured horse. Remember, you are never guaranteed a rug that will not rip– even with special ripstop technology which is aimed at stopping horses from destroying the rugs by biting.
By understanding your horse’s needs and the different rug options available, you can ensure they stay comfortable and healthy throughout the year.
At Bow Horse, we understand the importance of choosing the right horse rugs for your equine companion. We offer a wide variety of high-quality rugs to cater to your horse's specific needs. Explore our range of rugs today and ensure your horse stays comfortable and healthy year-round!