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We all know how a change of temperature or weather can make us feel uncomfortable. The same goes for our hoofed friends. That’s where rugs, sheets and hoods come in. But with all the options available, it can be hard to know where to start and what would work best for your horse as the seasons change.
Autumn and winter
When the temperature drops and the less favourable weather conditions of autumn and winter arrive, owners have a lot more considerations when it comes to their horsey wardrobe.
You’ll want to make sure your companion is still comfortable when braving the outdoors. Although horses are built to withstand the elements, they may need some extra help now and again and there is a wealth of rugging options made to make sure your horse is kept dry, warm and cosy from top to tail.
Spring and summer
Green pastures, blue skies and fewer chills means that this time of year is probably every horse’s favourite. It’s the perfect opportunity to give your thick layers a good old clean and store them away for a few months.
But when the Great British summer decides to bring the heat, it brings the flies with it.
A fly sheet not only wards off those pesky winged critters, but can also reduce the bumps, welts, rashes or other skin irritations that come with them. Biting and pestering insects can make even the cheeriest of days miserable for your horse and could even cause them to pace or run fence lines, which could risk injury or overheating.
If your horse has any cuts or scrapes, a fly sheet should help keep bugs away from the area, especially as this is where they would often lay eggs or cause infection.
If you want to complete the look, fly masks are multi-taskers when it comes to protecting your horse’s delicate eyes. From pollen to airborne debris on windy days, they essentially work as safety goggles against anything that can irritate them. Our Le Mieux Armour Shield range even include built-in ear sleeves that can protect from ticks, chiggers and mites which love nothing more than burrowing inside horses’ ears and being a real pain.
It may seem strange to add a layer on those warmer days, but fly sheets and masks are designed so that they won’t make your horse sweat. They should be breathable and allow for fresh air flow.
Many fly sheets, like our Shires Highlander Plus Fly Sheet Combo also have UV protection that reflects the sun’s UV rays away. This will ward against sun burn, skin cancer and sun bleaching on dark-coloured horses.
To rug or not to rug? That is the question.
If you’re thinking about whether you need to rug your horse in those colder months, you shouldn’t make a decision based on how you’re feeling. It can be tempting to cover them up if we’re feeling a little chilly ourselves, but horses don’t feel the cold or rain the same way we do. They naturally grow a thick coat in winter and produce natural oils to keep them waterproof.
Horses will ideally want a core temperature at around 38°C and can actually warm themselves up and cool down using little to no additional energy. This is called thermoregulation. In general, they’ll start to feel cold when the air temperature falls below 0°C and hot when it rises above 25°C. If their temperature is outside this range, it can start impacting on their health.
Rugging is serious business and getting it right is hugely important to the care and health of your horse. There are a number of factors that may dictate whether you should pop it on or let your horse go au naturel on any given day.
| Factor |
Why is it important? |
| Breed |
Some breeds will have naturally thinner winter coats than others. If you have a Thoroughbred or Arabian, their thinner coats will probably need an extra layer in winter as they feel the cold easier than other tougher, hardier breeds. |
| Are they clipped? | If your horse has been fully clipped, their natural thermal layer and water-repelling barrier will have been removed. In cold and wet weather, they’ll need a rug to replace it. |
| Activity levels | You should take care if rugging a very active horse or one just after exercise. A rug can reduce the horse’s ability to regulate heat. It can also trap sweat which can increase the risk of rug sores and fungal or bacterial skin infections. |
| Weight and body condition |
An underweight horse will need the extra protection of a rug. This helps prevent them from needing to increase their metabolic rate and use up more energy to keep warm which could lead to further weight loss. |
| Access to forage |
Eating actually helps keep horses warm. That’s because the energy stored in the food they eat helps fuel thermoregulation – their self-regulating process. |
| Access to shelter or stable |
A horse won’t brave the miserable conditions if they don’t have to and a rug shouldn’t be used as a substitute for appropriate shade and shelter. In milder conditions, a horse with the right shelter will be able to better regulate its temperature by seeking refuge whenever needed. |
| Health |
Old or ill horses can find it more difficult to regulate their body temperature and will be affected more by the cold and damp. An appropriate rug will help them out in tougher weather conditions. |
The moral of the story is that it’s a balancing act. The most important thing you can do is pay attention to your horse – if you know them well, you’ll know what they need. But if you need any help to figure out if your horse is too hot or cold, here are a few tips.
- Check whether your horse’s coat is standing up. This is a good way of telling if they’re cold – it’s their version of having goosebumps.
- If they’re wearing a rug and you’re wondering if they need another layer, feel behind the wither. If it’s chilly, they need another. If it’s damp, they’re probably too warm.
- Keep a thermometer on the wall outside your stable so that you’re not relying on a weather forecast – we all know how wrong they can be.
- Take action quickly if you spot your horse looking uncomfortable, their rug is disturbed or if they’re shivering or sweating.
- Don’t assume that if you’re cold, they are too. Think about how active they’ve been and how better they adapt to the weather than we do.
- Don’t over-rug. It can prevent essential sunlight and vitamin D reaching your horse’s skin. A deficiency of vitamin D can cause reduced bone strength, so it’s important that they aren’t wearing one constantly during the day.
Finding the right fit
The right rug is only right if it fits your horse properly. An ill-fitting one can end in irritation and rubbing. You should be removing any layers at least once a day to check for signs of rubbing. If so, your horse may need a refit.
Every horse is different, every occasion is different and every year is different. That’s why we stock an extensive range of rugs, from turnout rugs to stable rugs and fleecy coolers, so you will be able to find the perfect match for your horse’s needs.
If you’re looking for something stylish, our Le Mieux Arika Clima-Tek Rugs are great for travelling to shows and keeping cosy ringside. Our Pessoa Stable Rugs come in a range of fills and are durable and reliable to see your horse through those chillier months.
Who knew there was so much to consider when it comes to horse rugs? If you’re ever unsure on what to go for, pop into our store and ask the team. Our rug gurus will be best placed to offer advice and recommendations based on your horse and its specific needs.
