Rugging a youngster for the first time ?

The_snoopster

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As above really managed to get it on as we took her in the stable with a likit to take her mind off what was going on, her eyes were on stalks but she stood pretty quiet. When we turned her out she galloped around for a few mins but soon settled back to grazing, only reason I am rugging is because she has had a bad allergy and vet is not sure wether its something she has eaten or something she is coming into contact with, so untill we know the rug will stay on.
She currently has a full neck and belly fly rug on, which will stay on whilst we still have mild weather it was also less scarey for her as its light. I am trying to play with it a bit each day so she gets used to having the rug on but she does seem scared of it still although will tolerate me adjusting it just about. How long does it take a youngster to get used to being rugged, obviously she wont be rugged all year round but I would like to be able to pop rugs on if she needs them in the future and its proberly best to get her used to them while she is young (she turned 2 last week). I have bought her a lw outdoor rug to replace the fly sheet, and will be putting that on this week. All my other youngsters have never really needed rugging as they were natives, but she is a wbxappy and will need rugging in the future so want to do whatever I can to help her with her fears of the rug coming towards her.
Thankyou in advance for any advice you may be able to give :)
 
It just takes a few days of taking it on and off and she will get used to it and settle down.
My unhandled newfies wore rugs within weeks and they all got use to them after a short while.
Just do it as quietly as possible and it should all settle down in a week or so.
 
Tip - use a hunting whip (or a walking stick/crooked stick) to get the cross surcingales drawn up onto the correct side. I find it can be a bit nervewracking to stick your head under their bellies when they're feeling a tad nervous, and this worked really well for our yearling.
 
When I got Alf he hadn't been rugged but I didn't know this. One day I went to rug him, he was 3 at the time and I assumed *stupidly* he had worn rugs. Went to throw the rug on in the field and he legged it!! Caught him up and brought him back, folded the rug popped it on his back and then unfolded it, within days he got used to it and was then able to chuck it on!! - Still makes me smile thinking of this!
When I have had very young babies I have always popped the rugs on in the stable and they were fine after a few days.
 
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