When do you stop using rugs?

[JBM]

My horse was trace clipped at start of December last few nights been sunny with no rain so had no rug on her but access to run in stable and haylage at all times goes down to 3 degrees at night and 15 during the day
Going to start getting a bit wet (raining for an hour or two during day or night) and was wondering if she needs a blanket at this time of year?

 

[BaronSamedi]

Just a rain sheet would suffice,

 

[Red-1]

Mine has been rug-less since end of Feb.

My previous horse would still have been wearing one at night.

It depends on how they cope with the cold. Some are more nesh than others. It doesn't always depend on breed or coat length either.

 

[meleeka]

Mine have been rugless for a couple of weeks, but if it’s due to rain ill probably put lightweights on. i can’t remember the days of being able to put rugs away in the Spring.

 

[Winters100]

I'm afraid that it is totally dependent on the horse, so best way would be to ask someone who is there and knows the horse if you can.

For example I currently have 1 horse unrugged, 1 wearing 50g during the day and 100g stable rug at night and older poor doer wearing 100g during the day and 200g at night.

In general a good doer will need less rugging than a poor doer, if the horse starts to drop weight (and is not overweight) then this would lead me to think about a warmer rug. Likewise my older mare needs much more on than my 9 year old good doer.

As a general rule, for a middle aged good doer who is neither underweight or overweight, in the conditions you describe I would probably be using nothing during the day and something like a turnout with a polar lining at night. I am not too keen on rainsheets alone as my good doer seems warmer without them - once wet they seem to make him colder, but you can always pop a sheet or fleece under them.

Just keep a close eye on the horse and you will be fine.