rugs with youngsters

[annaellie]

Has anyone ever come across a horse that will not be rugged up. I have had my filly since she was born I just bought her mum andwent down the yard 1 day and there was my filly 20 months later and she will not have a rug on her she rears and bolts and squashs you in corner, she is excellent in every other way has any one else experanced this sort of thing before.

 

[Jemayni]

Mine wouldnt let me put a rug on; he was Irish, and I dont thin he had ever seen one before, to get away from it he used to throw himself on the floor. Patience was the only way to get him over it. Get him comfortable throwing numnahs over his back, then towels, build up to a summer sheet etc. Make sure when you actually get to the rug stage you quarter the rug properlly when you put it on.

They soon get used to the idea, it took mine about 6 weeks or so...

ETS: can't spell

 

[CBFan]

Where abouts do you try to rug her up and with what sort of rug?

I would start first with a summer sheet type rug.

Fold it up so that you can place it across her withers and shoulders and gradually unfold it. she needs to learn that having this thing on her back doesn't hurt and will cause her no harm, which means repeatedly taking off and putting it back on her back (in a folded state initially) - litterally stand there puting on, taking off, putting on etc untill she relaxes then onfold by one fold etc untill shes completely happy with it unfolded and on her back. At this point I'd probably leave it for the day but return tjhe following day and repeat the practice - perhaps this thime reaching under the belly for straps ( but not actally fastening them). Once you get to the stage where you are doing the rug up, leave her in the stable with it on overnight - you will also want to do this with a turnout rug as the rustling noise can be quite frightening initially and I have known horses to run through two sections of the same lenth of post and rail fencing in a blind panic due o rugs being just slung on their backs...

Do this all in a stable with a decent bed & have someone capable stood holding her head, guiving her lots of praise when she's good - I'd have them positioned near the door so that they can easily get out if necessary and put yourself in a position wher you can make a swift exit if necessary - saying this thou, calmness is key - after all theres nothing to be frightened of is there!

 

[annaellie]

The rug is always put on in the stable and we also have a grand pre dressage rider to hand to help out I was just looking for other ideas as I live 200 miles away and its my mum doing it till I find livery where i am

 

[AmyMay]

Ooo stroppy little madam - and maybe slightly inexperienced ma??

However, does she actually need a rug on???

 

[annaellie]

Yes does not help my mum likes to think she can cope but rus the other way if the pony looks at her the wrong way