Rugging an older pony who has never been rugged before

[zeuscleoharmony]

I may have found a potential companion pony for Archie. She is a 17 year old NF who, until four years ago ran wild in the forest.

I don't molly coddle Archie by any means (I don't think) but as he lives out 24/7/365 he is rugged against the harshest elements. There is little natural shelter in his field, apart from we are in a valley that seems to keep the wind at bay and the odd bit of bush and undulating paddocks surrounding. He copes brilliantly and I am happy his environment is suitable. I shall be planting some additional hedging next year but it may take a while to establish.

I would like to pop a rug on companion pony too, against the harshest rain and cold, and wondered if anyone could offer any advice as to how to introduce rugging to an older pony. This is because I do not think the natural shelter adequate all of the time and nature requires a little assistance now and again.

 

[helenhorse]

chuck it on and hope for the best

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

Well given she is a native and has never worn a rug, plus you have some natural shelter I would only ever use a light weight rug if and when actually needed

 

[zeuscleoharmony]

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chuck it on and hope for the best

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I like your style! Apparently, already been tried and she bronced like a goodun!

 

[helenhorse]

[ QUOTE ]
[ QUOTE ]
chuck it on and hope for the best

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I like your style! Apparently, already been tried and she bronced like a goodun!

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make sure its neither too small or too big, and not rubbing etc, etc...and just let her have her little camotion of bronking, she'l soon settle, but as said, if she's a native and has shelter, i wouldnt bother putting a rug on her, unless it was absolutly chucking it down and freeeezing cold, seen as she is getting old

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

ETS: Sorry AM I did not read your whole post first time so did not answer it! Useless!

forgot to add, as already said, just chuck it on, horse will get used to it eventually

 

[kerilli]

i'd just put a summer sheet on in the stable for a night or two, get her used to the feel of something on her without the noise or stiffness, and then i'd try the turnout rug, inside for a night so she has time to get used to it with no option to try to run away from it...
btw, 1 of my youngsters was like this, absolutely terrified of rugs, it took a good while but now she happily accepts them all.

 

[marble]

Hi Archiesmum,
glad you got your companion, I have found with my two rescue old timers, that they seem to know that rug is good idea...the only thing is, and I found this with my old boy as he got older, they seem to sweat up very quickly, so that I think as with Mouse, I am going to have to clip under their neck and tummy to keep them comfortable, it worked very well with Mouse, back and loins warm and dry, underneck and under tummy dry and sweat free. The only problem is, will i be able to clip them, tune in next week, to find out!!!!