charjane
Member
Welsh cob X sporthorse filly born June19. She will be living out for the next year+ in a field. Would you rug or not? She's never had a rug on as of yet, and has lived in a field since born.
Rugging of a youngster
- Thread starter charjane
- Start date
shortstuff99
Well-Known Member
No as long as there is shelter.
ihatework
Well-Known Member
No, unless in the very unlikely situation where not thriving
Roasted Chestnuts
Well-Known Member
Depends on the turnout. If ample and plenty of shelter then I don’t see a problem. I rug my youngster when it is excessively wet but he is not turned away. If there isn’t going to be daily interaction then perhaps safer to leave the rug off as they can get into bother if the rug gets torn or moved when they are playing.
charjane
Member
There isn't shelter but plenty of trees
charjane
Member
Isn't a shelter but plenty of trees! Yes that's what I thought too! And wi TV her still growing, and the fact she's never had a rug on Didnt just want to put it on and then leave her
charjane
Member
Okay thankyou!
charjane
Member
Isn't a shelter, but plenty of trees
shortstuff99
Well-Known Member
Yes they should be fine
.Ali27
Well-Known Member
As long as lots of grass, hay if necessary then no rugs needed!
eggs
Well-Known Member
I don’t rug my warmblood youngsters. They have plenty of grazing, hay and shelter. If there is a medical reason to rug then make sure it is a good fit. My personal view is that rigging a healthy youngster is unnecessary and a risk of them getting caught up in the rug.
claret09
Well-Known Member
no
Ali27
Well-Known Member
Actually I wouldn’t rug any horse that isn’t clipped, has plenty of grass/ hay!
windand rain
Well-Known Member
No but they should be taught to wear one as part of their education, standing in a stable, loading in a vehicle eating from a bucket etc are all necessary in adult life
meleeka
Well-Known Member
This. I’d probably get her used to a rug so If needed one can be used. If she’s not shivering and losing weight she doesn’t need a rug.
The Jokers Girl
Well-Known Member
I would not rug at all, as long as there is shelter and a good forage supply. Far too many people rug too young or over rug and it totally destroys the metabolism and the horses ability to regulate itself. Mine lived wild till she was 4.5 years and coped absolutely fine topped up with haylage on snowy days. Horses don't feel the cold like we do and are not built to be kept warm 12 months a year. Let her be a baby for a couple of years without human intervention