THE WHY AND HOW TO RUG YOUR HORSE
The most important thing to remember is that horses are designed to protect themselves exceptionally well.
They have a massive intestine that is their internal heating system and an excellent self rugging system that is also very waterproof.
If left in their natural environment, they will survive well.
When we change this or the way they act by- riding them, making them sweat, keeping them standing still in a stable, taking them out of a large herd or removing them from their natural environment, we need to make sure we protect them and keep them warm.
Points to consider
Rugs come in many forms and materials so you must think carefully about what its use is, and how it will affect your horse and make the best decision you can at the time. Attention to the weather must be paid to make sure you neither freeze your horse or cook them. I have the Met Office app that seems fairly accurate and has saved me rushing down to my horse, or feeling guilty for putting the wrong rug on him.
To measure your horse for a rug use a tape and measure from the middle of the chest along his sides to the point of buttocks, then from the top of his wither to just below his chest.
Wash rugs when they get sweaty or dirty on the inside. Follow the washing instructions but outdoor rugs will need reproofing, so are best sent away to be cleaned and reproofed properly.
Some leg straps are made of elastic, I believe it is thought to stop rubbing but I find these to be very dangerous. This is because in high winds, they can allow the rug to blow up over the horse’s back, causing severe sores around the legs or the rug to come off completely. Also, in my experience, the straps slip easily. My first job if I ever get a rug with these, is to replace them or put a fillet string on the rug as well.
Different types of rugs
The stable rug
A- These are used in the stable to keep the horse warm.
B- There are many types, the higher the tog value the warmer it is.
The outdoor rug
A- These are waterproof rugs that are used when turning the horse out in the field.
B- There are many types ranging from lightweight to heavy depending on the heating value of the lining. There are also ones with high necks, half necks or full necks. In each case you must look into how it will affect your horse and make the best decision you can for him.
C- The lightweight generally has no lining so will just keep the rain off your horse. As a result of this the horse cannot use his own coat as protection against the cold, this is because the hair is flattened by the rug and therefore can not rise to trap air to use as insulation. If you are going to use this rug, it is very important it is not kept on if the temperature drops.
The fly rug
A- This is usually made of a mesh type material.
B- It is used to keep flies off your horse.
C- This rug generally covers the whole horse so care must be taken that it does not cause pressure points or overheat the horse.
D- Some of these rugs have UV protection which, if worn all day, reduces the benefits from being in the sun. Vitamin d production is reduced which affects calcium control, and general wellbeing is affected in ways that are not altogether understood at the moment. Therefore it is essential your horse has time without this rug on every day.
E- Generally these rugs are not waterproof, although you can get ones where the top half is. With these you have to be careful not to overheat your horse.
Sweat sheets and coolers
A- These are made in a variety of materials, the ones made with the ability to wick away moisture are excellent, as the rug can be wet on top from absorbed sweat and still dry against the horse.
B- These are used to dry the horse quickly and keep him warm after exercise.
C- These can also be used as summer sheets and travel rugs.
HOW TO PUT ON AND FIT A RUG
Fold the rug in half inside out.
Place it gently over the horse’s back with the front part being just in front of the wither. (Jeff helping as usual!)
Fold the top part of the rug back and slide the whole rug backwards into place so the horse’s coat lies correctly.
I always do up the top chest strap at this point although many say you should do up the belly straps first. This is because if it is windy, the rug could blow over the horse’s head.
I feel that if you do not fasten the front strap at this point, the rug can easily slip backwards too far or, if you pull the rug too far forward, the belly straps will be too tight, causing a sensitive horse to react when you attach them.I also believe the rug has a much better chance of staying put, if the horse escapes, if the front is secured first.
If you are taking an exam, check in which order they expect you to do up the straps.
Attach the belly straps making sure there is a handspan gap between the belly and the strap but not loose enough for a foot to get caught.
loop one leg strap around the leg and do up on the same side then go to the other side of the horse and loop that leg strap through the first strap before connecting it. Again there should be a handspan between the legs and straps.
Put the tail over the fillet string, if there is one. This should lie just behind the second thigh and be loose enough to let the rug hang naturally but tight enough to stop the tail going over it. Do not have a fillet string that doubles up as when horses play they often mount each other. I have known horses to get their feet caught in fillet strings of playmate’s rugs. Not a pleasant experience.
Do up the other chest strap and check there is plenty of room at the shoulder to allow movement, and no pressure on the withers, especially when the horse has his head down.
The rug should cover the point of buttocks and go just below the belly when observed from the side.
HOW TO REMOVE A RUG
Undo the leg straps letting them go carefully so they do not bang the horse’s legs.
Undo one front strap.
Undo the belly straps and again gently drop them so they do not bang the horse’s legs.
Undo the second chest strap
Fold the front part of the rug back and slide the whole rug off the horse’s rump.
POINTS TO CONSIDER
To fit a neck rug make sure there are no pressure points and there is plenty of room when the horse’s head is down. It is the last thing you do up and the first you undo.
To undo these tricky clips make sure you twist the clip so it is in the same direction as the hole before trying to undo it. I have put a video on as they can be hard to do if you have not had them before but easy once you know how.
You must check and reset your horse’s rug at least every morning and night.
Final Thoughts
Your horse can not tell you if there is an issue with a rug you have put on so be vigilant.
Check the fitting carefully, allowing enough room for movement and eating but not so loose as to cause problems and things to get caught.
Check every day for sores and rubs especially at the wither as a sore here can be very difficult to heal.
You are responsible for making sure he is safe and comfortable.
Some Pictures used with permission from Derby House / INTERNET FUSION LTD. Any views or opinions presented on this page are solely those of the publisher and do not necessarily represent those of the company.