The yearly Question - which rug for turnout?

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moneypit1

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So, it is nice and warm in the day but about 5 degrees at night. Fly has been clipped out (Jan) and is always on the podgey side. I admit, his clip is nearly out and he is shiny and looks good. He was stabled 24/7 up until two weeks ago. He is a DWB, aged 13. In the day he is naked, at night he has a no fill rainsheet on. I do feel slightly mean. BUT, he is holding weight (a bit too well) but his ears were on the cool side this morning although his armpits were warm. Last year I put him in a MW at night but I struggled with his weight. Am I mean? What would you do?
 
5C:eek: That isn't cold really. If he is a bit of a podge I would leave him naked unless he is a shivering tucked up heap in the mornings, I had an arab that would shake like a leaf, even in summer time (but it was Wales, and usually piddling down) if he wasn't rugged overnight, so I am not dismissing the idea that some do appreciate a bit of help.


At 26C outside right now I have put all thoughts of rugs aside for the season.
 
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I'm in a simular situation, I've got a no fill turnout on as well, just to keep the wind of him.
Mine can get quite chilly, but I'm also pretty sure he gets heat rashes (we'll just call him a sensitive soul!)

I feel a bit guilty too sometimes, but I think we are alright :)
 
enfys said:
5C:eek: That isn't cold really. If he is a bit of a podge I would leave him naked unless he is a shivering tucked up heap in the mornings, I had an arab that would shake like a leaf, even in summer time (but it was Wales, and usually piddling down) if he wasn't rugged overnight, so I am not dismissing the idea that some do appreciate a bit of help.


At 26C outside right now I have put all thoughts of rugs aside for the season.
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yeah, but I still think 5 degrees is COLD! I still have my electric blanket on at night! I think that my beauty is cold although I know physically it is asthecially doing him good. God, I am so mean. If I was a horse I would be classed as obese and lazy! x
 
My horse is in exactly the same :D naked during the day and no fill at night to keep the worst of the weather off-she is a little pudgy, but still very much has her trace clip and I like to keep her back warm as we've had a few *ahem* issues lately :P
 
enfys said:
5C:eek: That isn't cold really. If he is a bit of a podge I would leave him naked unless he is a shivering tucked up heap in the mornings
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Second this, I would be concerned if they are podgy at this time of year. if you feel really bad just put the no fill rain sheet on, but no more would be needed for a podge at this time of year imho
 
I vote for naked - specially if you are going to be battling weight - it's only April - to me they should just be coming out of the end of winter rangy look at this stage in the game
 
moneypit1 said:
yeah, but I still think 5 degrees is COLD! I still have my electric blanket on at night! I think that my beauty is cold although I know physically it is asthecially doing him good. God, I am so mean. If I was a horse I would be classed as obese and lazy! x
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Yes, but you are a human used to central heating and he is a horse with a fur coat. You think he is cold but do you actually know this? Check the base of his ears. As a guide I stop rugging when the temperture is 5oC or over.
 
Both my boys (TB & ISH) are both out completely naked now. ISH was fully clipped in mid December but coat grown back and TB out all winter on holiday.

Neither seem remotely bothered by the coldish nights. It is lovely and warm in the day in Dorset but temperature does drop a wee bit at night!!
 
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