Shivering help!

[catkin]

OP, only you know the full details of the horse, where he's kept and how he reacts to things.

This time of year can be difficult, not only has the weather changed very quickly but the horses are either in or nearly in their thin summer coats which are not 'built' as weatherproof as winter ones. I find that my ponies frequently need more rugging at this time of year than in the depth of winter. One other factor to be very very aware of is that the grass is having a flush in many places which can upset the digestion, sometimes enough to make them feel off-colour and cold if not downright colic-y.

If he was mine, I'd be bringing him to dry him off quickly and to have a really good look at him to see if he's feeling the grass in anyway, double check the local weather forecast for the next few days (met office site do local 5 day forcasts in 3 hourly stints for example) and if in any doubt rug him lightly at least until the weather gets a bit more springlike.

 

[amandap]

It's not windy, just wet and muggy so he is still too hot in his breathable rain sheet. I'd rather he was a bit too cold than too hot. The weather is changing every couple of hours, from rain to bright sky splitting sunshine!

This is why I posted the thread, because he's not cold, just shivering, I wondered if I was doing the right thing. Really appreciate the helpful comments!

Horses usually shiver when they are cold, it's a physiologial response.
In the weather conditions you describe perhaps check his TPR and gums to put your mind at rest. Giving him hay was a good move imo.

 

[FairyLights]

its freezing here I've just lit the fire.

 

[AmyMay]

Ah, ok - it's not the horse that coughs. I had wondered if the shivering may have been down to an underlying illness.

However if this horse that you are talking about shivers, yet is warm, I would be most concerned and talking to my vet.

 

[splashnutti1]

My little cob was shivering on saturday so i dried her off and stuck her a lightweight on, was heavy rain and really windy and think it was just to much for her. My old man has his lightweight on to

 

[heebiejeebies]

Ah, ok - it's not the horse that coughs. I had wondered if the shivering may have been down to an underlying illness.

However if this horse that you are talking about shivers, yet is warm, I would be most concerned and talking to my vet.

Ah I see, thanks for your concern! The horse in question that coughs (I look after for a friend) was put on ventipulmin for a fortnight and hasn't coughed since!