17/10/2023
Just our thoughts on the very controversial subject of rugging, it always becomes a heated debate at this time of year, but it really needn’t be.
Firstly, there really aren’t any hard and fast rules regarding which rug to use in which temperature, these charts are published as a guide only and common sense must prevail.
No.2 all horses are different in type, breed, coat density, like people some just feel the cold more than others. Rugging must take into consideration many external factors too, indoor or outdoor stabling, area of the country, wind chill, and available shelter all have an effect on how much energy a horse needs to burn to maintain its core body temprature.
No.3 yes horses are able to maintain their core temperature by burning excess fat, no this doesn’t mean clip them out and let them shiver, that’s just cruel, as is well rugging an already overweight horse who needs to use that in built radiator to metabolise its fat burning ability.
Finally, if a horse is under weigh or struggles to maintain weight during the winter months, rugging up can help them to maintain a good core temperature they then do not need to use calories in maintain heat and will maintain weight easier.
Remember it’s not rocket science its good old common sense.
