Choosing a rug for an (almost) unrugged horse

[Poetess]

Hi all,

My native mare's been unrugged her entire life and has always been happy through the winter. This year, though, we don't have a field shelter and she's going to be ridden occasionally, so I thought I'd put a rug on her for the wettest/coldest days and the night before if she'll be ridden the next day.

What kind of rug should I choose for occasional use? Should I aim for just a medium-weight rug since she's going to have a nice, thick coat? Or should I get something heavier?

Also, if I rug occasionally, will it interfere with her winter coat and will I end up needing to rug her constantly? This is one of my worries.

Thanks!

 

[juliette]

Personally i'd avoid a rain sheet with no fill as this can make them colder.

I'd buy 2:
one light weight (with a small amount of fill) and one medium weight for the nights or when it is really cold. If the horse has a good coat and is unclipped it should not need anything heavyweight.

 

[Poetess]

Thanks, juliette. Would you leave the lightweight rug on full time in the winter? Or just on the cooler days?