Suddenly scared of rugs

[Niddlynoo]

I've had my Haffie for two years and he has worn a rug in that time (not too often - he has a coat like a yak!). We moved to a new yard in Dec and had him clipped as he was supposed to be doing more work and sweats up just walking round the block. He had a neck and belly clip done early Dec. He was wearing a rug up until a mild spell in January, when I left it off as he was too hot in just lightweight. I paid the yard to bring him in one day and they put a rug on when they did him. Since then, whenever I go to him carrying a rug he puts his ears back, swings his bum round and bucks at me. He hasn't needed a rug really up until now, but I feel he may need a bit of extra warmth now the weather has cooled down. His clip hasn't even started to grow back (which makes me think he can't be cold) and he doesn't appear to be tucked up. Will he be ok without a rug or should I tie him up tight and risk getting booted!

 

[Tinsel Trouble]

I think you need to make sure he had enough hay to stop him getting cold, and wait until the summer and start to teach him to accept a rug when you have the time to do it- and there's less pressure- just put it on and off him every day!!

It might be that the yard swung the rug over and the buckles hit his legs and the wall and scared him. It could also be that he doesn't want the rug on him- It could be rubbing him, or uncomfortable, or it might just be too warm for him!

Chill out and wait until the summer!

 

[MissChaos]

Only you can tell if he'll be ok without one (by the sounds of it, yes but check him and decide with him in front of you - none of us can see or feel him! ) but I'd be addressing the sudden issue with being rugged as part of management. Have you spoken to the yard staff about this as it sounds as if someone may have gone in a bit quickly / gung-ho / insensitively? I'd work on getting him to accept a rug calmly and quietly again for the future - have someone else with you by his head, tie up with hay, go slowly, lots of reassuring and praise, watch for any reaction and keep quick on your feet if necessary! Obviously in addition, check for any sore areas on the skin.

 

[faith123]

My horse hates rugs - always has.

No reason to, she has good quality well fitted rugs (and I always use the minimum weight - at the moment she is in a 200g combo and isnt hot nor cold).

I have had her nearly 3 years and I have tried all sorts but she is still a grumpy c** about them. She now tends to bite the wall etc rather than me but I have just learnt to be wary about the mouth end!

 

[TigerTail]

I suspect its more that he doesnt want it on - turning round and bucking isnt frightened behaviour, sidling away from it, trying to bolt etc would be - I think hes just saying he's fine as he is thanks very much!

 

[cullord]

I suspect its more that he doesnt want it on - turning round and bucking isnt frightened behaviour, sidling away from it, trying to bolt etc would be - I think hes just saying he's fine as he is thanks very much!

Ditto this. Maybe he's been getting too warm, or too itchy or his rugs have been uncomfortable. He's not scared but he is trying to tell you (bluntly!) that he doesnt want a rug on.