Cold pony rugging......?!?!?!

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Rupert-the-bear

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Went to do late night checks this evening, and my pony who admittedly is a very cold horse was still cold. He's clipped out (legs on, and half head on) with plenty of hay and in good condition, yet with 3 rugs on he was still cold. Have had to gradually built up the rugs as its got colder- HATE over-rugging!

Anyone else have ridiculously cold horses? And what do you do rugging wise? Think i might have to invest in a duvet soon :confused:
 
When you say your horse is cold, how are you checking? How heavy ar the rugs you are using and do you use a neck cover?
 
3 rugs really. What weight are they? Both my TB's (one very fine) are fully clipped and they are got under two let three would melt them.
 
Brought him in from the field 4pm and he was stood by the gate shivering!

Put another rug on, when I checked him on late night checks, he felt cold to the touch when I stuck my hand underneath the front of his rug, and on his bum - no heat at all. Also cold between hind legs, and at base of ears! Currently in a 370g combo, 200g combo, and 100g liner! Has always been a very cold horse, but first year I've clipped him (he needs it as in hard work, competing etc) but this is getting ridiculous :(
 
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Rupert-the-bear said:
Brought him in from the field 4pm and he was stood by the gate shivering!

Put another rug on, when I checked him on late night checks, he felt cold to the touch when I stuck my hand underneath the front of his rug, and on his bum - no heat at all. Also cold between hind legs, and at base of ears! Currently in a 370g combo, 200g combo, and 100g liner! Has always been a very cold horse, but first year I've clipped him (he needs it as in hard work, competing etc) but this is getting ridiculous :(
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Have you got any heavier rugs that you could use as a layer rather then having to add another rug? My TB has two rugs on, a 350g stable combo with a 300g liner underneath. He is only blanket clipped.

Some horses do feel the cold more then others.
 
3Beasties said:
Have you got any heavier rugs that you could use as a layer rather then having to add another rug? My TB has two rugs on, a 350g stable combo with a 300g liner underneath. He is only blanket clipped.

Some horses do feel the cold more then others.
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Have a 300g with detachable neck that I will take up to the yard tomorrow and swap for the 200g, and just waiting to get my 360g combo back from being cleaned too :rolleyes:
 
A tricky one for you. My unclipped mare used to wear heavier rugs than my fully clipped gelding as he was a 'hot' horse. I also had a gelding that sometimes came in shivering as his rug sometimes leaked in drizzle ( know that sounds weird) but was fine nce I changed his rug. However 670g of rugs does seem rather a lot. I find that older rugs do seem to lse some of their warmth.

Is your horse holding his weight? If yes I wouln't worry too much.
 
Oops, missed that bit! What about a woollen rug of some sort next to the skin or a lighweight duvet 12 tog that you can wash when need be? Too many heavy weights must be very uncomfortable....
 
Rupert-the-bear said:
Brought him in from the field 4pm and he was stood by the gate shivering!

Put another rug on, when I checked him on late night checks, he felt cold to the touch when I stuck my hand underneath the front of his rug, and on his bum - no heat at all. Also cold between hind legs, and at base of ears! Currently in a 370g combo, 200g combo, and 100g liner! Has always been a very cold horse, but first year I've clipped him (he needs it as in hard work, competing etc) but this is getting ridiculous :(
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670g of rugs and it's only about minus 1 at the moment. If it gets really cold better get the duvets, electric blankets and hot water bottles at the ready!
 
My mare was like that, she is fully clipped (growing out now) and lives out on an exposed hill. I bit the bullet 3 days ago and took off the 100 turnout from under her 350 with a no fill on top to stop the rug destroyer. She is now warm in just the 350. Sometimes I think we over layer and then they get colder. I also wondered if the 100 no neck would have been better over the 350 combo. I would swap them round with the heaviest underneath and see if that helps.
 
Would make sure loads of hay. Only put snuggy jammies under my rugs if needed. Are you sure horse can move with so much on? May be a reason for getting cold? I take it you use an exercise sheet and keep him working well when ridden so hence the suggestion.
 
I think the sudden drop in temperature is to blame. I've just done late night checks and both of mine were cold so I've had to add another 100g to each of them.
 
I've got one like that & he's only ever really happy if he's verging on too warm under his rugs. Does my head in! To make matters worse if he doesn't think he's warm enough he doesn't eat & with a history of ulcers & colic that's the last thing I want.

It sounds really silly but if we have a nice sunny day I'll put him out unrugged for an hour or two - yes, even in the days when I used to fully clip him! - & it almost seems to reset his temperature because he then feels warm enough in fewer rugs for a while. You'd think he'd hate it, but as long as it's sunny, dry & not windy then he loves the chance to roll & groom & will find a sunny spot to stand & doze. If you ry this make sure you bring hm in before the temperature drops though, and allow time for some serious grooming!

Other things I've found helps are legs wraps or stable bandages & bringing him out for a brisk walk around.
 
Devonshire dumpling said:
Rupert-the-bear said:
Yes, good weight although will drop if i'm not careful. Also, he's rising 9, so not old![/QUOTE

Do you think you have clipped too much hair off, or think you got it just right?

Not a criticism, just a genuine question, if the horse isn't a terribly hot horse, even in full work it might cope with a chaser clip x
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Personally, I think I have got the balance right- he gets quite sweaty when competing, and also he suffers from severe sweet itch, so even in winter has to have regular baths :-) Thank-you for pointing this out though, and going about it in such a nice manner :p
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your horse has 670g of rug on him, is it just me or does it seem strange that he is still cold? Perhaps you should check for illness or something, just doesn't seem normal
 
memenom said:
your horse has 670g of rug on him, is it just me or does it seem strange that he is still cold? Perhaps you should check for illness or something, just doesn't seem normal
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That was my initial thought, so mentioned it to vet who said there was nothing obviously wrong with him, and that some are naturally colder than others!
 
mines in a 200g (combo), fleece and a vest.... shes a 14.1 cob x warmblood and just ok....

shes not clipped (shes 2) shes just a cold pony :o



650gish does seem a lot but the weather has dropped suddenly etc.... thats why mine is so cold - she used to live out but i think she would die if she was asked to do that again lol she loves her stable :D
 
Are modern rugs not supposed to work along the continental quilt line though? Ie lightweight to allow the air to warm up and insulate? Would he possibly be warmer with fewer rugs on? Are you maybe flattening everything down too much?

Maybe one good quality cosy rug would be more effective? Or just layering a couple of lighter weight rugs?

Wearing 3 rugs must be pretty uncomfy and surely he wont be moving around much which wont help?
 
Also ensure there are no belly height draughts in the stable. Banking his bed, making sure there are no draughts and using several thin layers (rather than one big rug) will all help.

I do know how you feel though, I have a native in a HW combo plus a lw stable rug, plus a fleece tonight, and the big horses are all naked, and mine's still looking like it might die of frost bite :rolleyes:
 
Is he munching his hay or not that bothered? Fermenting forage will also generate heat to help keep him warm. If he is not likely to pile the pounds on, perhaps try mixing haylage in with his hay.
I know how you feel tho, my traddy has his heavyweight with full neck on tonight and snow on its way!!
 
Skippys Mum said:
Are modern rugs not supposed to work along the continental quilt line though? Ie lightweight to allow the air to warm up and insulate? Would he possibly be warmer with fewer rugs on? Are you maybe flattening everything down too much?

Maybe one good quality cosy rug would be more effective? Or just layering a couple of lighter weight rugs?

Wearing 3 rugs must be pretty uncomfy and surely he wont be moving around much which wont help?
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Have tried less rugs, but he just shivered. They are all good quality Rambo or Rhino rugs, so not cheap or nasty :)
He doesn't move around in his stable anyway, which doesn't help. He spends the night laid down asleep, occasionally getting up for more food :D
 
ponypilotmum said:
Also ensure there are no belly height draughts in the stable. Banking his bed, making sure there are no draughts and using several thin layers (rather than one big rug) will all help.

I do know how you feel though, I have a native in a HW combo plus a lw stable rug, plus a fleece tonight, and the big horses are all naked, and mine's still looking like it might die of frost bite :rolleyes:
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Aw bless! Mine loves his cozy stable!
 
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