Will he cope?

[Toast]

Ok so now ive FINALLY found some winter turnout, im thinking of wintering my yearling out this year. He gets horribly stressy when hes in, doesnt cope well at all.
So i want him out, i feel its the best place for youngsters and would help my pocket too. Some people have said to me they dont feel he would cope, especially without a rug. He hasnt much of a thick coat, so would it be wise to rug him?
x

 

[Enfys]

If he gets cold/starts to drop weight - simple answer, yes.

 

[tangoharvey]

Depends on the breed really,presuming its the one in your signature - rugging will prevent things like rain scald if we have a wet winter - and if it gives you piece of mind, go for it - I agree horses are often much better living out, and have fun choosing the rug!

 

[sykokat]

I would rug him if he was mine. He will keep condition on better and it will protect him from the elements. You would have to check it daily and remove it to give him a good groom though. Hope this helps.

 

[Vickijay]

I rug my babies when its wet and cold as they didnt have much coats. The way I see it is that they only have 1 chance to grow so best to be dry and warm when the weathers bad

 

[Moggy in Manolos]

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If he gets cold/starts to drop weight - simple answer, yes.

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I agree with this largely. If and when you do rug him I personally would think its best to only use a lightweight rug. We never rugged our youngsters and we lived in the depths of damp wales and it never did them any harm. Rugging was very rarely done years ago! Horse survived then

 

[Kallibear]

Make the decision to rug him or not, and stick to it. Unless you're up 3 times a day it's too difficult to keep taking rugs on or off.

I'd get him a middle weight full neck (200g) and that's do him all winter. He's unlikely to get cold under it, even in the coldest weather (horses generally don't get cold unless they are a) pathetic or b) wet) and he won't be too warm either. And a full neck stops the rain getting down inside the front and making him damp.