Rugging Dilemma

[twobearsarthur]

Having just got my new horse i am now faced with a new dilemma every day. Now I am worried about rugging him.

Many many years ago when i was a child only "posh" horses were rugged eg thoroughbreds etc. Having grown up with m&ms rugging was never an issue.

After graduating to horses which were usually on the fine side and tended to be clipped out rugging up became a necessity.

My new boy is a RID 2 1/2 year old has always lived out both here and in Ireland and has never been rugged.

I read an article in horse and rider about over rugging etc and it has me thinking I dont want to rug him up

Over winter im just going to be "playing" with him, so dont need him rugged for practical reasons.
Am not going to be showing/competing him so him being a rather large fur ball isnt an issue.

I dont want to rug him, after all he already has his own well designed coat from nature, i dont think he ll need rugging as he hasnt been before.

He ll be staying in at night due to winter grazing restrictions and on the days when the weather is particularly foul.
Hes also on on a high fibre low cereal diet to create some hind gut warmth.

So despite it seemingly being the right thing for him not to be rugged why do i still feel guilty and a bad mum for not having him wrapped up in a duvet till April?

Please can I get some reassurance and positives that I am not Cruella De Ville

Thankyou xxx

 

[Enfys]

I would play it by ear, one day at a time, especially as he will be in at night.

If he looks and feels cold, soaked to the skin, miserable etc put a rug on him. If he is holding condition and you think he looks happy enough, hold off rugging him if that is what you want to do.

Not Cruella de Ville at all.

 

[Divasmum]

A breeder once told me she left rugging as long as possible (ie when the horse is in ridden work) to avoid the risk of rub marks and also because when they are growing you are likely to go through a few different sizes. There is nothing wrong with your plan not to rug. If the horse seems cold or starts losing weight then you can always change your mind.

 

[magicgirl]

Just let him be a big hairy baby. Most horses are only rugged for the convenience of the owners rather than the benefit of the horse.

 

[Chico Mio]

If he's never been rugged, don't bother. Like you, I find the whole rugging phenomena just baffling.

So no, not Cruella de Ville at all

 

[ISHmad]

[ QUOTE ]
Just let him be a big hairy baby. Most horses are only rugged for the convenience of the owners rather than the benefit of the horse.

[/ QUOTE ]

I agree. Plenty of time for rugging when he has been backed and is in work and clipped. Although of course if he does get cold and miserable and lose too much weight at any time then I would rug on bad weather days.

 

[woolyjumper]

Have you got any shelter in your field? Trees or anything? If not, your horse might appreciate at least a light rainsheet on rainy days since most horses I know hate to be stood out in the rain without protection. People say it is natural for horses to be out without rugs, but a wild horse would find shelter for itself, not be stuck in an open field with no options! Otherwise, I'm sure he will be fine without rugs, you will know if he isn't happy.