How to prevent rug rubbing mane/mane guards

[FemelleReynard]

Hi all,

This is a thinking ahead to winter post. Last winter, my horse lived out full time in a full neck rug, and when it was really cold with a full neck under rug too.

Just above his withers to about half way up his neck, the rug completely rubbed his mane out, and it's only just growing back now. I think this was caused by rubs from where the neck cover met the actual rug - the seam that connects the two parts.

Can anyone recommend a mane guard that I can get to use from the off to prevent this rubbing, or any other tips and tricks to prevent it happening again?

Thanks.

 

[silv]

One of the reasons I hate combo rugs! It is very difficult to stop this happening but there are a few things you can do to help

Make sure the lining of the neck rug is very clean and free of grease an easy way to do this is to just wipe with a baby wipe every couple of days.

Ensure the horse is not too hot and sweaty as that has an adverse effect on hair growth.

Keep the mane well washed and spray with silicone spray so the rug slides round more and doesn't grip the hair.

Personally I use rugs with detachable necks and remove the neck rug in the morning as it is usually warmer during the day anyway, that gives the area a rest.

Does your horse really need a neck rug or could you just add an under rug? and do without. Neck rugs have only come into play in the last 15 years or so. We always managed perfectly well without them before.

You can buy "mane guard" type things but I have never used one so have no idea how effective they are.

Good luck with whatever you decide.

 

[Ponee]

I've tried almost everything and the only solution I found for my mare was to use standard neck rugs.

 

[The wife]

I've tried almost everything and the only solution I found for my mare was to use standard neck rugs.

This.

None of mine wear neck rugs apart from on the very vilest of days and if it is that bad they will go out for 4 hours and come in. Horses coped perfectly fine before the invention of full neck rugs. Ours show so have to have good manes to plait and I am afraid I have yet to find a neck rug that doesn't rub to some degree.

FWIW, even the hunters who were fully clipped out never wore one either, neither did a couple of racehorses I used to work with who were turned out 24/7, in training and fully clipped out. Never had an issue and I personally think it's a 'human thing' whereby any exposed areas must get cold. Sorry OP (Only my opinion)

 

[booandellie]

I posted a similar thread a few weeks back but it was the standard neck rug that was rubbing the mane away where it sat just above the withers, someone on here recommend sewing some pipe lagging into the rug to lift it up and away from the mane, however i have opted instead to go for combo rugs instead. A horse i went to view before i bought my mare had a mane that was long thick and in fab condition and she said she only used rugs with combo necks, i think the trick maybe is to get one with a roomy neck. I have been rug shopping and some brands are definately more generous than others. A shires combo neck almost strangled my girl the neck is so tight but weatherbeeta necks are much roomier so i expect will rub less ( iam hoping so anyway). perhaps having the two on as well made it even tighter?

 

[FemelleReynard]

Thanks for all the tips guys.

Since you mentioned them Silv, I've looked into the mane guards and at £60, and bearing in mind the comments on here, I think I won't bother with one of those! But nice idea.

I think the general consensus is to get rid of the full necks, which I think I will do. No need to be sorry TheWife, it's a very valid point. My lad is a fully clipped hunter who lives out due to arthritis (he's better moving around more), but he does have 24/7 access to an open stable and sheltered yard if he wants to come out of the elements, so I suppose when I think of it like that, it isn't too bad if he's out without a neck because he can also get shelter if he's feeling chilly.

It looks like I will have to put the full neck I bought in the sales on eBay!

Thanks again.

 

[Shay]

Just a quick contrary contribution! We found bossy's bibs stopped the rubbing almost completely. We don't use Combi rugs at all because you can't really avoid the seam either rubbing or leaving a huge gap for the weather to get in. But we do use full neck rugs which do not rub at all with a bossy's mane guard. A standard neck without a mane guard rubs almost as badly - and anyway we keep all ours full clipped out winter long because they hunt or compete - or both! (The hogged ones don't use the mane guard - but one uses a bib to prevent chafing on the withers.)