Rug recommendations for an OAP pony

Rachel99

New User
Joined
20 November 2014
Messages
3
Visit site
Hi,
I have an elderly Shetland (29 with very few teeth left!) who I only now rug to give him a helping hand in his old age in the winter months. He lives out year round and has access to natural shelter. Given the thickness of his coat I only want something lightweight to keep the worst of the elements off of him. I have tried a couple of lightweight rugs but in heavy downpours they are not waterproof. Can anyone recommend any fully waterproof lightweight rugs for a pony? (he's size 4'3) Also do you think the lightweights can actually end up making them more cold given they have no lining? Thanks very much!
 
I think you would be better with a rug with just a little bit of fill - They tend to be more waterproof in my experience, and yes putting a waterproof sheet on means hairy ponies can't fluff up their coats to keep warm like they would, so I prefer a rug with a little fill at night now it's getting colder and wetter - My unclipped elderly pony has in a 70g on when she needs it. I personally really like the Premier equine rugs for my ponies, and they have started doing small pony sizes as well now but someone with more experience of small pony rugs might have some better suggestions for you
 
I used a 100g rug on my hairy pony last year, the shop said that having a small amount of fill was much better than a no fill though in theory a no fill rug should be waterproof, no excuse for them not to be

I used a Shires (no shoulder pleat but great quality for the money) and a Loveson (has a shoulder pleat, not such good quality but still 100% waterproof)

My other pony also has the 100g Shires rug, his still looks like new after a year, I love it

Both small ponies 4'3 and 4'9 rugs, both brands fitted well
 
I really dislike rainsheets with no fill as I find they do make them colder, and very often leak. I use a rug with 100 -200g fill on an older native and she stays comfortable with no sweating or overheating in the worst of the weather. Weatherbeeta do a ony range that would probably have something suitable, I've always been happy with them. :)
 
rainsheets make them colder as they cant fluff up their coats. a 100gm or 200gm fill rug would do the job well in keeping him warm and dry.
 
Top