Do over rugged horses have symptoms?

[PonyWoes]

Hello all,

Recently a young girl, with non horsey parents, has been complaining that her pony, is lazy, sleepy and not her sparky self... despite adlib hay, and 2 meals a day.

I heard one of the older teens point out, that her pony is a native, unclipped, and still in a medium weight rug at nights, and until she de rugs to ride... and that the pony is probably hot, sleepy and generally hot and bothered.

My first thought was "seek vetinary advice" for the change in behaviour, but this young ladys comment got me thinking.... do over rugged horses have symptons as such?

 

[Littlelegs]

If there extremely over rugged yes. Sweating, sweat rash, constant scratching & even dehydration or extreme thirst. But for being a bit too hot I'd imagine it would vary from one to another

 

[PonyWoes]

Say unclipped, fluffy native, in a MW in 12-15 degree's sun, no shelter from tree / field shelter etc

 

[foxy1]

Is it sweating under the rug?

 

[PonyWoes]

Not sweating, that i've seen, but from when i have helped and brought pony in, it is hot to touch.

 

[TigerTail]

A rugged horse shouldnt feel hot at all, luke warm between legs and bottoms of ears but not heat up their shoulders/backs.

If being fed twice a day, on ad lib haylege and out with spring grass coming through id be querying LGL and obesity causing the sluggishness, how fat is it?

 

[JFTDWS]

Do over rugged horses have symptoms?

Yes, being hot, normally

What's the condition score of the pony?

 

[Lolo]

Do over rugged horses have symptoms?

Yes, being hot, normally

What's the condition score of the pony?

Baha! PMSL!

Reg got heat rash once, but as it was knee deep snow and he was lacking condition (just come back into work) it was probably best to overdo it. He didn't help matters by hooning round and working up a proper sweat, the fool!

 

[Paris1]

If it hasn't sweated under the rug it can't be that hot. I would be asking what its fed, what work it has done and what is she expecting it to do now. Also age.

 

[PonyWoes]

Mare is not overweight, is fairly lean but by no means skinny.

is 7 - 8 years old, and light working, once / twice a week perhaps.

When i have looked after the mare (due to owners exams) i was asked to feed mollichaff show shine (cherry) with a pasture mix, and some fast fibre, twice a day.

 

[fidleyspromise]

How recently has the behaviour changed?
Has she always been ridden 1 -2 a week or is it more in summer and she's not as fit, currently?

 

[Paris1]

Sounds unfit. How much is some feed? And what work are they asking for when horse seems without energy?