winter rug weights

[Jemima44]

Is a 450 g Fal Goliath turnout too heavy a winter turnout for an unclipped, retired horse, out 24/7 with a good field shelter and bedding? She is 3/4 tb, but has always been hardy, with a thick coat. She has previously worn a 370g winter rug.

She is cared for by my father as I live away, and though she is checked and fed daily, I do not want to ask for her rug to be changed for a different weight day by day, according to slight temperature fluctuations. I do not want her sweating on milder days, but would like her to be as cosy as possible.

Which winter weight would be best to cope with Dec to March type weather? she is currently in Fal lightweight and will wear 200g as the weather turns autumnal.

 

[Tierra]

It's kind of hard to judge.

I use a 450g h/w rambo with full neck on my unclipped connemara - warmblood cross. He also then has an extra 100g liner attached to it for really horrendous days.

I have to say though, he does feel the cold and generally hates being out in winter.

Inside he has a 450g stable rug and an extra 350g full neck liner.

Keeping my horse warm is a real challenge and again, not something i ever look forward to.

Undoubtedly that IS a warm rug, on the other hand, horses will adjust to what you rug them in. A lot of it depends on how harsh the winter is really. 450 g certainly isnt excessive to me.. most of the new heavy winter rugs are of that weight.

 

[vicm2509]

I would say yes. I use a 350g on mine during the day then put a 350g plus a duvet on at night when he is stabled. He will be fully clipped in the winter and is not a good doer.

I would go with a lighter one, there is nothing worse than your horse being too hot. At least it can run around if its a little chilly.