Are we over rugging our horses and ponies?
I keep my horse warm?
A horse reacts to cold temperatures by seeking shelter and huddling close to others. Therefore providing a field shelter can be much more effective for the horse than wearing a rug. A shelter enables the horse to selfregulate their temperature by choosing to be inside or outside.
It also provides a cover from rain which can often be more important than protection from a slight drop in temperature. A shelter is especially useful on days when the temperature and weather conditions are changeable as a rug on a warm day can result in the horse becoming too hot.
Summary
Horses that are poor doers clipped very young or very old or horses living in extreme weather conditions will probably benefit from being rugged. However many horses will only need a light rug such as a rain sheet to protect them from the elements.
