Are you rugging right?

Nine things to think about before rugging your pony this winter

When the weather takes a turn for the worse, you might be tempted to pile the layers on your pony – but national pet charity Blue Cross is spreading the word this winter that just because you’re chilly, it doesn’t mean he is. Rugs might make your pony look warm and cosy, but it might not be best for him.

Here are nine things you should think about before you rug him up this winter…

Self-protection

If your pony’s out in the field, he’ll move to protect himself from the elements. He might turn his hindend towards the wind or lower his head to avoid the rain.

Shelter

In the field he might choose to shelter under a tree or next to a hedge, or if he has friends, they might huddle together to share body warmth. Field shelters and stables will offer a lot of protection from bad weather, too.

Natural insulation

Ponies are very good at holding their body heat – very little heat will escape through his coat, so even if he has frost on his back it doesn’t mean he’s cold!

Compromised thermoregulation

Ponies have muscles that make their hairs stand up when it’s cold – this keeps their body heat in – but if a pony’s over-rugged, the effectiveness of the muscles might be compromised.

Heat imbalance

Over-rugging your pony might mean some areas are very warm, but other areas that aren’t covered won’t be.

Over-heating

A pony can’t take his rug off when he gets too hot. Instead, he might start sweating and become uncomfortable because he can’t cool himself down.

Natural weight control

Using rugs can affect how a pony naturally controls his weight. He’s designed to use his fat reserves throughout winter to keep warm, but rugging and overfeeding will increase the risk of him gaining weight.

Forage

Did you know ponies can eat to keep warm? Eating forage will help him generate heat to stay warm naturally.

Individual needs

There are some exceptions to the rugging rules. If your pony’s underweight, older or unwell he’ll benefit from the additional warmth a rug will provide. Clipped ponies and those restricted to stables might also benefit, too!

Moral of the story

Ponies have evolved to deal with the cold so if we meet their basic management needs – providing ad lib forage, water, companionship and shelter – they should be comfortable and warm with light rugs or nothing at all!

TOP TIP

If you do make changes to your pony’s management routine, be sure to do it slowly and allow him time to adapt.

For more support, advice or guidance head to bluecross.org.uk