How to Choose the Right Rug for Your Horse

Winter is approaching, and it’s that time of year when horse owners face the annual dilemma: what rug should I put on my horse? With so many variables—whether your horse is clipped or unclipped, stabled or turned out, and the ever-changing temperatures—it can be a bit overwhelming.

But don’t worry, we’ve put together a guide to help you make the best decision for your horse this winter.

1. Understanding Rug Types

• Stable Rugs: Designed for horses kept indoors, these rugs provide warmth but are not waterproof.

• Turnout Rugs: These are for horses that spend time outside. They’re waterproof and come in different weights (light, medium, and heavy).

• Fleece/Liner/Under Rugs: Used as an extra layer of warmth underneath stable or turnout rugs.

2. Factors to Consider

• Clipped or Unclipped:

  • A clipped horse loses its natural insulation and will generally need a thicker rug than an unclipped horse.

• Stabled or Turned Out:

  • A stabled horse doesn’t have to deal with wind, rain, or snow, so they may need a lighter rug than one turned out.

• Temperature Fluctuations:

  • Depending on your climate, temperatures can vary greatly from day to night, so being prepared with rugs of different weights is essential.

3. Rugging Guidelines:

The table below is a rough guide to help you decide which rug to use depending on your horse’s situation:

These are just general guidelines, and it’s important to monitor how your horse reacts to different temperatures. Remember, every horse is unique, and factors like age, weight, and health can affect their rugging needs.

4. Signs Your Horse Might Be Too Hot or Cold

• Too Hot: Sweating under the rug, restlessness, or feeling warm to the touch under the rug.

• Too Cold: Shivering, standing with the back hunched, or feeling cold under the rug.

If you notice any of these signs, adjust your horse’s rugging to ensure they’re comfortable.

Conclusion: Coming Soon to My Cheval – Rugging Alerts!

We know that deciding which rug to put on your horse can be a daily challenge. That’s why we’re excited to announce that in the next developement phase of My Cheval, we’ll be introducing an automatic notification system. This feature will remind you exactly what type of rug to use depending on your horse’s condition—whether they’re clipped or unclipped, stabled or turned out, and the current weather conditions.

Stay tuned, and let My Cheval take the guesswork out of rugging this winter!