rugging dilemma

[expanding_horizon]

Not a new dilemma but the weather seems challenging at the moment.

I have an unclipped 17hh warmblood in full work, LIVING OUT with hay, and fair natural shelter.

Until this week, he's not been rugged (except two nights it dropped to 1 degree a few weeks ago). But now it is colder and wetter, I think when it wet and below 10 at night he does need a rug (he seems to stiffen up otherwise).

He was rugged last night, as was dry daytime, and then dropped to 8 degrees and heavy rain over night. He was a good temperature 7am this morning in grim weather. Rain stopped and I took rug off and will go back on tonight as it is dry all day, and then 8 degrees and wet tonight.

Tomorrow is forecast heavy rain most of the morning, dry in the afternoon, and then heavy rain overnight. High of 12 degrees with some sun. Low of 9 with rain in the evening. Can I leave a no fill on him all day? I think he'll be too wet and muddy to rug in the evening? Does anyone rug a wet and muddy horse? Assume not?

He will be clipped in a few weeks, and then a bit easier as should always be clean and dry under a range of rugs / rug liners.

I've had horses decades, this horse used to be out at night, stabled daytime, but has been living out for last 18 months, but this didnt seem to be an issue before. Or I have forgotten!

I guess waterproof topped fly rug would work but he's an awkward shape. Rambo Optimo, Big horse Epic Broad fit, and one type of Premier Equine rug cut work for him.

 

[Tiddlypom]

Temps and weather are bonkers atm.

I chuck a no fill Rambo turnout with a 50g airmax liner over wet and muddy horses if I get caught out. They soon dry out underneath.

 

[mustardsmum]

I have come to the conclusion that when I dither about rugging it is usually because that is when I know that really, they will be ok unrugged. I have a clipped NF out without a rug and a hairy BRP (so think TBxArab). She is unrugged and unclipped and coped surprisingly well without a rug last week in all the rain. I kept checking her (luckily she is at home so if needs be they can come in and dry off) and she was toasty warm and when the rain stopped, was steaming! If I had rugged her, she would have been hot and uncomfortable and sweating. So I think if you are in a dilemma about whether he needs rugging, it is because you are aware he is probably ok but at the same time are seeing other horses with rugs on. Remember, when we think its getting cold, they are not feeling that same temperature change. The weather is insane at the moment, and we are having temperatures that are more normal for a "typical" British summer (13 degrees in the day, 8 at night), and you would not have rugged then. I think the dark evenings also make us think its cold, but going out the other night at 11 because I had forgotten to shut up chickens, I realised it was not actually cold outside at all. Unless hes dropping weight or really is arthritic, I would wait.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Mine are out in a no fill during the day one is clipped but not freshly clipped so has a bit of coat the other has a fine coat they are Arab's.

I can't put them out naked during the day they would be filthy and wet to rug for the night, they have been having a 50g on at night for the last few weeks.

I can't stand having to chip thick mud off them when I want to ride so they are rugged, I don't really use neck rugs so I think they are fine and don't get too warm if it's sunny.

 

[expanding_horizon]

Temps and weather are bonkers atm.

I chuck a no fill Rambo turnout with a 50g airmax liner over wet and muddy horses if I get caught out. They soon dry out underneath.

Thanks, I do have that liner (but it isnt quite generous enough in cut over his shoulders) to turn out in, I only use it in the lorry.

 

[expanding_horizon]

I have come to the conclusion that when I dither about rugging it is usually because that is when I know that really, they will be ok unrugged. I have a clipped NF out without a rug and a hairy BRP (so think TBxArab). She is unrugged and unclipped and coped surprisingly well without a rug last week in all the rain. I kept checking her (luckily she is at home so if needs be they can come in and dry off) and she was toasty warm and when the rain stopped, was steaming! If I had rugged her, she would have been hot and uncomfortable and sweating. So I think if you are in a dilemma about whether he needs rugging, it is because you are aware he is probably ok but at the same time are seeing other horses with rugs on. Remember, when we think its getting cold, they are not feeling that same temperature change. The weather is insane at the moment, and we are having temperatures that are more normal for a "typical" British summer (13 degrees in the day, 8 at night), and you would not have rugged then. I think the dark evenings also make us think its cold, but going out the other night at 11 because I had forgotten to shut up chickens, I realised it was not actually cold outside at all. Unless hes dropping weight or really is arthritic, I would wait.

Thanks, he's been fine at 6 degrees and dry. But is cold at 8 or below and driving wind and rain. He's also a bit stiff at the moment (and I think might be muscle and temperature related). My field neighbours have completely different horses / plans / agendas so dont think influence me.

What I will probably do is leave no fill rug on tomorrow morning, and go down and check at 12pm ish in my lunch break, when rain should have stopped and decide if safe to leave on for rest of day and night or not depending on his temperature underneath. I dont think it is as warm daytime later in the week as currently.

 

[meesha]

My unclipped but ridden is in a waterproof fly rug 24/7, he's a chunk and a 6ft 9 rather than his usual 6ft 6 fits perfectly. Tis strange weather !! Think fly rug being breathable and a light colour helps keep him cooler so I don't worry as much if sun comes out and I'm an hour's drive away at work.

 

[expanding_horizon]

My unclipped but ridden is in a waterproof fly rug 24/7, he's a chunk and a 6ft 9 rather than his usual 6ft 6 fits perfectly. Tis strange weather !! Think fly rug being breathable and a light colour helps keep him cooler so I don't worry as much if sun comes out and I'm an hour's drive away at work.

I’ve ordered one of these. Right cut for him, and hopefully keep him dry (and clean) for riding and rugging.

Don’t think get huge amount of use before he’s clipped, but hopefully very useful in spring.

A non muddy dry horse easier to exercise before work too!

 

[Arzada]

Can I leave a no fill on him all day?

Yes

I think he'll be too wet and muddy to rug in the evening? Does anyone rug a wet and muddy horse?

And yes again with a rug with filling. We only have a 100gand that works well for warming, drying and not overheating

 

[tda]

My unclipped but ridden is in a waterproof fly rug 24/7, he's a chunk and a 6ft 9 rather than his usual 6ft 6 fits perfectly. Tis strange weather !! Think fly rug being breathable and a light colour helps keep him cooler so I don't worry as much if sun comes out and I'm an hour's drive away at work.

That's good to hear because I was just considering whether it would be madness to put a waterproof fly rug on a hairy but being ridden pony at this time of year (Solid top, mesh sides) just to try and keep a bit clean