Wrap up warm

Winter doesn’t automatically call for a heavyweight rug, says Andrea Oakes. Besides the fluctuating weather, the horse’s body type, metabolism and condition should all influence which rug you choose

- Andrea Oakes

THE whirr of clippers signals the coming of the colder months, when active horses are relieved of their heavy coat so they don’t overheat as they work. But if we strip away a horse’s natural winter woollies, we need to provide warmth for those hours he spends in the stable and out at grass. Which rugs should we choose to keep him comfortable until spring?

According to Liz Barr MRCVS, the trend to over-rug is taking its toll on our horses’ health.

“The main issue with over-rugging is that it leads to obesity, with all its resultant health issues,” adds Liz, who also sees horses with skin rashes, known as urticaria, from overheating under their layers.

“Before there were so many rug choices and neck-covering options, there was a time when a horse had a canvas New Zealand and a jute stable rug. He went into winter with a bit of weight and condition, and came out leaner in spring. Hormonal disorders such as metabolic syndrome did not seem to happen.”

Liz advises erring on the lighter side, while taking individual needs into consideration.

“Every horse is different,” she explains. “Some seem to feel the cold – and heat – more than others, so there is no hard and fast rule. Body condition has a lot of influence; overweight horses need lighter-weight rugs, and indeed this has a place in weight management, whereas lean, underweight or older horses may need something heavier.