Rugging issues!

[bubbledreamer]

Hello,
My new pony has a real issue with having a rug put on, if you tie her up and bring it near her she will hunch up and try and take off. Its rained for days and she hasnt got a rug on, has any one got any suggestions on what to do?
Thanks

 

[_daisy_]

do you have a stable that you can put her to desensitise her to the rug.
You could leave her in the stable with rugs hung up or on the floor then make a big thing about putting it on and off her till she accepts its and understands its not going to kill her.

 

[Christmas_Kate]

You don't say how old she is. If she's not panicking over the sight of a rug TBh I would just get on with it and put it on her. use an old light rug (perhaps a sheet), and put it on for a few minutes, reward good behaviour and then take it off. Gradually build up the time she's wearing the rug (always tie her up in a secure area incase she does panic) and keep on rewarding her. I would say if she's a hairy unclipped native, to just leave her be, but there may be times she would NEED to be rugged, in which case it's better to get her used to wearing something light.

 

[MagicMelon]

I agree - just try using a plain summer sheet (or something very lightweight) and putting it on her in the stable for a while, increasing each day.

Otherwise, does she do this with ALL rugs or just one in particular? My first port of call would be to make sure the rugs fit her and aren't causing any discomfort.

 

[Gentle_Warrior]

My lad gets like this at the end of the winter - is because his withers become sore weith the wearing of a rug. Even despite best effors to find a comfy one. Now decided to leave him hairy and naked as much as possible.

 

[bubbledreamer]

Hello, I did what you recomended and put a sheet on first. She was scared of it, but once it was on i think she was pleased of the warmth! Thanks for all the advice!!!