Tips for stopping rug ripping

[Cobsndogs]

As title really. One of my naughty horse has taken to trying to put another in his place by nipping his bum and herding him. Now the rugs are going on at night, he is grabbing at them and ripping them ,arghhhhh. I don't want to spend the winter replacing rugs so what can I do to stop him. Moving him isn't an option. Sprays don't work either. Thought getting his jaw wired was a bit extreme, but still considering!!.

 

[Meowy Catkin]

Grazing muzzle?

 

[Laafet]

Cribbox

 

[gossipgirl]

hi, we have a horse that likes to take off his rugs, i use a bib that attatches to a headcollar. you can get them from many equestrian shops, i got mine from robinsons and there not too expensive.

 

[SNORKEY]

paint them in something disgusting tasting? Creasote or an anti wood chew spray!

 

[tallyho!]

Creosote?

Well, yes it smells gross but is illegal in this country and poisonous.

It's a sad side effect from having horses, they have teeth, like to play and you get ripped rugs. So? MEND them?

What do you want? You could always just NOT rug them.

 

[Cobsndogs]

Thanks for the useful suggestions, (and interesting comments !).
I would rather try to prevent the situation where possible from the outset, than spend all my time repairing.
Will look into the bib, or grazing muzzle options.

 

[Mrs B]

I seem to remember something years ago about coating things you didn't want chewed with a strong mixture of mustard powder and water - why not try making a good thick paste and smearing it all over the rump area of the rug?

Won't do him any harm, but might make him think this isn't such a fun game!

Good luck!

 

[Firehorse]

how about using a bitter spray that is meant for cats and dogs from the pet shop? not sure how it would fare if rained on, but would work on stable rugs i'm sure.

 

[Spit That Out]

Pepper Spray or anything that tastes bitter.