Should i rug my Gypsy Vanner?

Camillieo

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Hey! So, i have this 18month Gypsy Vanner and at the moment he is SO SO hairy, but as it is getting colder at night i was wonder if i should start putting a rug on him... If so should it be a light weight or medium?

Thanks x x :)
 

Mince Pie

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He will be fine without! My gypsy cob has been naked up until today when I attacked him with the clippers (again, he was growing out a chaser) as he couldn't wear a rug and he was fine.
 

JFTDWS

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noooooooooooo. I have a native hairy yak yearling in my field. Apparently he's a pony, but I have my doubts. They're fine like that - as nature intended :p
 

MissMistletoe

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No please dont!!

No rug will keep him as warm as his 'own grown' rug.

He will use this thick layer of hair to fluff out and trap warmth next to his skin.

He should feel cool to touch, but run your fingers down to his skin and he will feel very warm.

If you find him in the morning of a frost, with isicles on his moustache and a layer of frost on his coat, this is a good sign that he is not losing body heat.

Also,adlib hay and/or plenty grazing will keep him warm from within.
 

missieh

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No, his coat is designed to keep him warm!! If you rug his coat will not be able to stick out and retain the heat so he could end up beong colder for it. He will be perfectly ok (with ad lib hay).
 

FanyDuChamp

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Going to be controversial here. Is he cold, check his ears at the base, his armpits and his belly. If you think he is cold then rug him. But it will retard the growth of his winter coat. Fany, my cold blood mare, spent all last winter half way up a fell without any rugs, in the snow. But she grows a coat like a yak. In the end it has to be your decision, because you know the horse best. If you are unsure is there a YO you could ask for help? Remember in the end it is always better for them to be a bit cold then too hot. They can do something about being cold.
FDC
 
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