Is there any scientific evidence....

[domane]

.... to prove that an unclipped horse will be colder in a no-fill rug in winter than without it?

I understand the logic that the coat stands up to keep a horse warm and by rugging, it flattens but surely if it is windy and rainy, a no-fill would be better?

 

[Jesstickle]

I doubt it!

I think it probably depends on how much coat the unclipped horse has. My little TB I had as a teenager grew zero coat in winter. So there was nothing to fluff up. Native ponies with coats thick enough to prevent the rain penetrating probably are warmer without. Those that don't even have enough hair to stop them getting soaked to the skin must be warmer with a sheet on if it's wet I'd have thought

 

[MiCsarah]

The problem is finding a no fill rug that is actually waterproof and not just shower proof. Wet rug inside must be awful for pony to try and keep warm

 

[be positive]

Not scientific evidence but I have seen very cold ponies with no fill rugs, before I realised what they do, and never use them now except in warm weather. In the winter no rugs or lightweight for the unclipped, living out ponies.

 

[Orangehorse]

Totally agree with this. I haven't found a waterproof no-fill rug.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

My old (sadly now deseased ) LW Rhino in a tasteful green check was properly waterproof. I found that my mare (unclipped) found it hard to cope with windchill if she was wet. The Rhino solved the problem.

The other properly waterproof LW rug is the Bucas Smartex Rain but it is slightly warmer than the Rhino as it has the 'stay dry' lining (fab though, because you can put it on a damp horse).

 

[abitodd]

The problem with rugs,particularly no fill rugs is that in order to dry once wet,they need heat. They find and draw heat from the horse,making the animal colder than it would be without a rug. And because they have flattened the coat,they have removed the natural layer of insulation.

 

[Aces_High]

.... to prove that an unclipped horse will be colder in a no-fill rug in winter than without it?

I understand the logic that the coat stands up to keep a horse warm and by rugging, it flattens but surely if it is windy and rainy, a no-fill would be better?

I was thinking about this today. It was 18 degrees with me today and my 3yr old is pretty warm. I turned her out with her Horseware no fill sheet on today and she was lovely and toasty. I know when I wear a cotton jacket over the top of a vest that keeps me warmer than I would be without it. I do not use the no fills when it is wet so I cannot comment on the drying out etc. They keep their coats flat and she was definitely warm enough. Had to take her out of her Rambo and sheet last night in her stable as she was warm. It was 14 degrees over night!