I know - another rugging question...

RuthnMeg

RuthnMeg

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that Iam sure someone has already touched upon...
BUT...

a - do you use hoods, both inside or out?
b- why, is it for warmth or keeping them clean (or both)
c- how do you fit them, when they have their head down, is it tight or still loose?
d- do you think your horse appriciates them? / are they really needed?

I have seen so many bad fitting hoods - gaps by the withers, too big that the ears gets squashed! Too tight, that they can hardly move, or eat! Ones that twist after a good roll and look like the equivillent of a neck cradle! (sorry for spelling folks!)

So, are they REALLY needed? Horses seem to get mud under hoods, they need their loins kept covered for warmth, not their necks?? (some used to have ear warmers I think - which is more needed in frozen climates)
Is there a BHS way of fitting them (new to me if there is).
I don't use them, I don't think my horse would want one.
(I do know - however that those lycra hoods are brilliant for keeping plaits in over night, but they cover the face too so don't really slip?!)

*prepared now for a good thrashing*! - be gentle - please
 
If they dont have a hood then you get more hair regrowth on their necks than anywhere else! I like to think they would appreciate not having a cold neck getting wet in the rain, cant be overly comfortable can it
 
maybe, but if it isn't fitted well in the first place is would be equally uncomfy?
AND if your average pony who may only have a trace clip at most, does it really matter about more hair growth on its neck? Its going to be so minimal that no-one really would notice -- surely?
 
- Yes once horse has been clipped i use a hood both in the stable and in the field. ( by hood i mean neck cover) I also have a full face hood for turnout, however i only use it if i am going out somewhere and need her to keep clean as i am paranois about it slipping.

- I use 1 for a combination of reasons warmth, level hair regrowth and also with her being grey to keep her clean!

- All mine are combined rugs with necks and am happy with the fit of them all ( MW TO is slightly short but not uncomfortable or tight)
The full hood i cut the eye and ear holes bigger and it fits to just behind the wither and i had to measure her for it to be made ( RI- DRY brand)

- I think she appreciates it when i am not having to scrape her every night to get the mud and stable stains off and as we are on clay she turns orange so if i go out i have to sponge to get rid of the stains if she didnt wear a neck cover i would have to sponge more!

In honesty it is a luxury that saves time and keeps her looking smart, mine all fit well she can certainly roll and is happy to get up and down and they dont strangle her, i could live without them but prefer not too!
 
I dont use neck rugs because I think they do more harm than good, and rub a lot of the mane away.

In the past 2/3 years ive had my horse he has always been hunter clipped, ive never used a neck cover rug, all his are classically cut (apart from one which is his HW turnout, which has a high neck for when its really really cold!
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) and hes never grown more hair on his neck than anywhere else!

He was clipped 2/3 weeks ago and still looks freshly clipped
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a) Outside but not in
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b)both!! I have a grey!
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c) i make sure its not too tight when the head is down but not too loose when up
d) I don't care if she appreciates it... shes grey!!! and it doesnt seem to bother her/rub the mane... if it did obviously i would take it off
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Both mine are greys, (you would have thought I would learn!)I don't put them on either, one ends up filthy, but luckily she is the retired one. My riding mare luckily doesn't get anywhere near as mucky and she is fairly clean after a quick brush. She has a blanket clip.
 
I use one to stop rain going down inside the shoulders of the rug!

It also means I can use a lighter weight of rug than if just using a standard - my two are both good doers but one gets cold if he gets wet. With a full neck on he stays dry enough to keep warm with just a light-middle weight on.

I prefer a combo neck but the weatherbeeta hoods are good. The cheaper mastas and similar are rubbish and flip up all the time.
 
Oh - you mean neck covers! Silly me
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No answer really, they don't seem to fit well, but I suppose that is because horses are all so different - rugs and horses!!
 
a - do you use hoods, both inside or out?

I use them outside, although gelding has a full neck stable rug as it was donated to us which does get used on the odd occasion he's in

b- why, is it for warmth or keeping them clean (or both)

Mainly for cleanliness, however if clipped warmth

c- how do you fit them, when they have their head down, is it tight or still loose?

Fairly loosly, when the head's up the hood is nearly touching the ears

d- do you think your horse appriciates them? / are they really needed?

Don't think they're necessary, we've coped without them for years, as for appreciation I'm not sure, they look less sorry for themselves when they're not dripping wet though
 
Only started using one last year, had my doubts, but Dexter had it back on 2 days ago, and this morning was the fist day he has felt warm since I started rugging him, I fasten it while his head is down to make sure it is not too tight when eating, but not too loose when head is up.

He is deffiantly happier with it on, in fact today was the first time ever he came galloping and 'shouting' when I called him for his tea
 
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