Rain = change in coat...???

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domane

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I have a 15yo TB who's not a "cold" horse. He grows a lovely thick winter coat and only ever wears a MW full-neck in winter - anything heavier and he sweats up as I don't clip him. At the moment though, obviously, he's got a lovely sleek velvetty coat. Here in Shropshire we've had about six weeks of absolutely no rain and then this week it's all changed and we have had some serious downpours. Yesterday I noticed that Roo's coat has suddenly started feeling all fluffy and I wondered whether it was (a) that the rain has just washed out all the dust that had accumulated or (b) whether it was a reaction because he's been wet and a bit chilly? He's out naked as I wouldn't normally rug him at this time of year, not even with a rain sheet as it's generally warm and he would sweat. He's always quite late to start growing a winter coat so surely he can't have started already, surely? I just noticed when I stroked his neck that the sleekness has gone and I wondered what the explanation might be? Any suggestions?
 
It's a reaction to the colder weather - the coat 'fluffs up' in order to trap air underneath as a way of keeping warm.
 
domane said:
Ah... ok, thanks.... do you think I should be lobbing a rain sheet on him then?
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Only if it says so on the care-label. Some are prone to shrink in the rain.

;)

Sorry, no personally I wouldn't, it's sometimes good to let the skin to do it's job and it's probably quite refreshing after all the heat.
 
I'm a bit pathetic and have put a rainsheet on my TB. He shivers hugely in the rain and he's just come back into work after a year off with torn ligaments in his back. Doesn't do him any good getting cold and wet back.

(It also means he's nice and dry for when I ride later...!!). I can't believe I've turned into one of those people who has a rug for all occasions!!!
 
carolineb said:
I'm a bit pathetic and have put a rainsheet on my TB. He shivers hugely in the rain and he's just come back into work after a year off with torn ligaments in his back. Doesn't do him any good getting cold and wet back.

(It also means he's nice and dry for when I ride later...!!). I can't believe I've turned into one of those people who has a rug for all occasions!!!
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I have to admit I rug my TB too, slightest bit of rain and he's there with his back to the rain, head down, tail clamped down and looks tucked up and cold..
 
Its quite pathetic to see really isn't it?!! What's even funnier for me is that we have a NH raceyard at home too and there are currently 4 mares out opposite my horse who are all far skinnier than him who don't care what the weather is rain or shine. My TB (an ex racehorse although you wouldn't know it - he looks more like an overweight show hunter at the moment) is just a wimp and will huddle under a tree with his teeth chattering at the first sign of slightly heavy rain despite all the layers of fat he has to keep him warm!! At least he has a load of trees in his field. The mares have no shelter but don't seem remotely bothered!!
 
*laughs and pokes tongue out* :D Now that I've been reassured, unless I physically witness him shivering and/or he starts to lose condition he's staying naked. He's a chunky TB anyway and I'd always go for cooler rather than too warm... it IS July after all...

Thanks all :)
 
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