To rug or not to rug, and or box a 15 year old pony

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rafty

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I have only had this pony since April. I am not sure whether to rug her this winter or not. The only reason I am even contemplating rugging her (as she has not been rugged before) is that I feel that maybe it would help her joints if she is kept warm and dry. She does have a clicky stifle joint, which does not seem to bother her, other than she doesn't want me to touch it!!

Therefore would she be better with a rug, or just a lightweight waterproof ?

I was also going to have to box her this winter as no more fields available at my livery. She would have turnout all day but in a field of just deep mud!! She is not keen on mud as I found out the other day when I posted a video of her walking which worried me. But turns out she is ok, just hated the mud. Now however I have spoken to another livery who wants to box her horse this winter so could have her field. So is it better to box or keep her in a field with a rug or no rug? Decisions, decisions!! Easier last year with my comp horse, he was boxed and rug end of question!!!
 
If she gets a bit stiff and her stifle gives her some problems she should be better out 24/7 so she can keep moving around, a light rug on if required to keep her dry will also help. A field that is deep and muddy though may make matters worse so if you have the option of somewhere without mud go for it.

The very light rugs with no fill can make them colder once the weather gets really bad as they lay the coat flat so one with some fill would be best.
 
be positive said:
If she gets a bit stiff and her stifle gives her some problems she should be better out 24/7 so she can keep moving around, a light rug on if required to keep her dry will also help. A field that is deep and muddy though may make matters worse so if you have the option of somewhere without mud go for it.

The very light rugs with no fill can make them colder once the weather gets really bad as they lay the coat flat so one with some fill would be best.
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+1

Best thing in my experience is out 24/7 with a youngster in the group. Have always kept any stiff oldies moving and a shelter or lots of natural shelter. Cold doesn't seem to bother ours as long as they're moving, when they're soaked through is when they seem to be at their worst.
 
I agree too, out with a light-med fill rug on.

Swish do a 200g green turnout which is only £40, I bought one last year and really pleased with it.
 
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