Confused about when to rug a horse?
We’re going to be debunking myths about horse rugs because there is a ton of confusion and misconceptions!
When it comes to rugging horses, there are a ton of confusing myths and misconceptions floating around. Unfortunately, some of them can lead to potentially harmful practices, like over rugging. That’s why we’re going to be debunking horse rug myths, or some of the better-known ones at least, in this article!
Most experienced horse owners have their own valid reasons for why and how they rug, or don’t rug, their horse. Even so, myths about horse rugging abound, especially with less experienced horse owners.
What are some of these myths about horse rugs, and do you subscribe to any of them?
Read on to find out…
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #1 – Horses Don’t Need Rugs Because They Already Have A Warm, Waterproof Coat
Whilst it’s true that horses have a naturally insulating coat along with a few other remarkable thermoregulation abilities, this doesn’t mean they don’t appreciate the additional protection a rug provides when weather conditions are bad enough. In fact, research suggests they do.
Most horses can withstand a fair amount of rain and sleet so long as their thick insulating undercoat stays dry. In fact – ‘dry’ is the operative word when it comes to your horse’s thermal comfort. Dry horses can withstand both wind and wide variations in temperature. Wet horses, however, soaked to the skin plus wind = a very cold horse.
So how do wild horses, or horses living naturally in large paddocks, cope without rug?
For a start, these horses generally live in mobs or small groups, and will huddle together to conserve and share body warmth. They’ll also seek out protected locations during bad weather. Horses confined to small paddocks or living on their own often can’t do either of these things. They either have minimal shelter from wind and rain, or they instinctively prefer to avoid the type of shelter that is available (because it ‘hides predators’, attracts lightening, is uncomfortably noisy when it rains etc).
An insulating waterproof horse rug in these instances can help protect them from rain, wind, and extreme temperatures.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #2 – Horses Can Shiver To Warm Up So Don’t Need To Be Rugged
Although shivering is a natural mechanism designed to help warm the body up, it’s also a sign the shivering animal / person is COLD and would benefit from the warmth and protection afforded by some type of thermal covering. For horses, that’s either shelter from rain and wind, or a horse rug with thermal lining.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #3 – Just Because We’re Cold, Our Horse Must Be Too
A horse’s thermoneutral zone is 5 – 25oC. In contrast, a naked human’s is 27oC ± a tiny 2o variance, and 22–24°C clothed. In other words, when we’re starting to feel cold, horses feel very comfortable indeed. Conversely, what’s comfortably warm for us is starting to get UNCOMFORTABLY warm for a horse!
Thermoregulation is the ability to keep one’s core body temperature within a normal functional range even when surrounding AMBIENT (feels like) temperatures are much colder, or warmer.
A thermoneutral zone is the ambient temperature range in which a body can maintain this core body temperature without expending any energy i.e. without shivering, moving, sweating etc.
Most horses can comfortably keep their core body temperature where it needs to be so long as the surrounding ambient temperature remains within their thermoneutral zone. When ambient temperatures fall outside these limits, they will start shivering/running around to warm up, or sweating to cool down. This is when it’s a good time to either put a rug on or take it off.
Note: old, ill, or thin horses often have a narrower thermoneutral zone because they lack insulating body fat or have impaired metabolism, both of which are required to help with thermoregulation. These horses invariably require compensatory rugging routines tailored to meet their specific requirements.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #4 – Horses Don’t Overheat In Breathable Rugs
Horses will overheat in ANY rug, breathable or not, if they’re over rugged for the prevailing ambient temperature.
Rugs are great when they’re serving the right purpose, which is keeping the horse dry and comfortable. They’re not so great when they’re overheating the horse, as this can cause heat stress. When this happens, the body starts to cook in its own juices.
Remember: it’s far easier for a horse to warm up when cold than cool down when hot, ESPECIALLY if it has a rug on.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #5 – Light Coloured Fly Sheets And Similar Rugs Help Keep Horses Cool
There’s a common perception that flysheets, particularly light coloured ones, help reflect heat and keep horses cool. Unfortunately, research suggests otherwise! This Australian research for example looked at whether or not wearing a light coloured cotton rug is an adequate substitute for shade once temperatures reached 25oC.
The researchers found that whilst wearing a light cotton rug increased the test horses’ comfort with respect to flies and biting insects, it increased their internal temperature, which led to increased sweating, discomfort, risk of thermal stress and electrolyte loss.
If your horse needs a summer rug for fly protection, consider getting one with netting panels specifically designed to allow maximum airflow and maximum insect protection.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #6 – Waterproof Horse Rugs Stay 100% Waterproof Forever
No horse rug remains 100% waterproof indefinitely, not even top of range products, but proper care and maintenance can prolong the effectiveness of the waterproof layer.
Horse rugs are subject to some pretty tough challenges during their life, and the waterproofing becomes less effective over time due to wear, tear, and exposure to elements. Canvas rug manufacturers recommend regular reproofing to maintain the waterproofing effect.
However, synthetic rugs have an underlying waterproof membrane and once this breaks down, the rug usually needs to be replaced. The external shell can be re-waterproofed BUT this then compromises the rug’s breathability so isn’t usually advisable.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #7 – It’s OK To Leave A Rug On 24/7 In Winter
Horses are naturally equipped to withstand cold temperatures. After all, they roamed the frozen steppes of central Eurasia for millions of years before domestication!
An appropriate winter rugging routine is to rug at night and only leave a rug on during the day when it’s cold, wet, and windy. Fine sunny winter days, even if cold, are an ideal time to take winter rugs off and let the horse roll, scratch, and run around without a rug on, even if it’s only for a few hours. You should definitely do this if the horse is not clipped!
You could leave something like a rain sheet on but this brings us nicely to our next horse rug myth…
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #8 – A Cotton Sheet Or Waterproof Rain Sheet Will Keep My Horse Warm
The notion that a lightweight cotton sheet or a waterproof rain sheet can effectively keep a horse warm is a common misconception. The reality though is that rugs, even lightweight ones, inhibit a horse’s natural ability to fluff up its coat (known as piloerection) to trap warm air. Therefore, for a rug to effectively generate warmth, it must compensate for inhibiting this reaction by incorporating insulating materials i.e. it needs an insulating lining.
As summer rugs and rain sheets don’t have insulating lining, they can’t keep a horse warm in cold weather. In fact, using such rugs with the intention of providing warmth can be counterproductive.
Without the compensatory insulation, the horse is more likely to feel colder rather than warmer!
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #9 – All Horse Rugs Are Created Equal
Different types of rugs serve different purposes.
Horse rugs come in various designs, materials, and functionalities. Winter paddock rugs should never be worn in summer, and summer rugs are not much use in winter. Expensive rugs are usually better quality than cheaper rugs, and should also last longer if looked after properly. Winter rugs also come with different fill and blanket thicknesses. Canvas and synthetic rug shells come in different weights (canvas) and deniers (synthetics).
Always choose the right rug for the current conditions, and to suit the purpose for which you’re rugging.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #10 – All Horse Rugs Cause Rubbing and Soreness
Ill-fitting or poorly designed horse rugs can indeed cause discomfort, rubbing, and soreness.
Properly fitting rugs with good quality fasteners in the right position can mitigate these issues. Regardless, regularly check for any signs of rubbing or discomfort, and that the rug hasn’t slipped.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #11 – Horses Should Feel Toasty Warm Under A Rug
Just because we humans like to feel toasty warm when we’re rugged up doesn’t mean it’s healthy or normal for horses to be that way too.
In fact, toasty = too hot for horses! As a general rule, if the horse feels warm, hot, or damp under the rug, they’re too hot. The best way to check this is by slipping your hand underneath the rug at the wither. If the horse feels comfortably cool without being cold, or just slightly warm without being overly warm or hot, you’ve got your rugging right.
Generally, most horses in Australia only require a 100-gram polyfill or similar canvas rug weight until or unless the ambient overnight temperatures regularly drop below 5 – 6C. Remember – they can comfortably regulate their body temperature in ambient conditions right down to 5C.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #12 – It’s Snowing So My Horse Needs A Rug
Horses cope with snow far better than they cope with rain and wind!
Their coats stand up on end to trap warm air against their body, and any snow that collects on their coat acts as an insulating layer by helping trap the warm air underneath. Indeed, the sight of unmelted snow on your horse is a good indication they are retaining their body heat quite nicely (if they were losing body heat, the snow would melt). Melted snow combined with wind on the other hand can certainly make them cold, particularly if they get wet to the skin. When that happens, pop a rug on, or get them into shelter.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #13 – Rugging Stops A Horse Growing A Winter Coat
Horses are physiologically programmed to start growing a winter coat as soon as the hours of daylight noticeably shorten.
The only thing that prevents this from happening is keeping them under lights to mimic ongoing longer daylight hours. Rugging will only modify how long, and how thick, the coat gets, not prevent them from growing one.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #14 – Rugging Prevents Horses from Rolling
Horses enjoy rolling as part of their natural behaviour, and well-fitted rugs should not hinder this activity.
While a rug might shift or move during rolling, this is not an issue so long as the rug is properly secured, and doesn’t slip sideways. It is important though to ensure the horse can’t get its feet caught in the belly straps so always make sure these are tightened to sit as close to the belly as possible without being too tight.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #15 – Rugging Eliminates The Need For Shelter
While rugging certainly offers protection against the elements, they are not a substitute for proper shelter.
Horses should have access to adequate shelter, such as trees, windbreaks, or a well-designed stable or run-in shelter. This way they can seek refuge during harsh weather conditions if they want to. The ideal situation is using rugs and shelter together to ensure the horse’s comfort and safety.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #16 – Rugs Should Be Tightly Strapped For Maximum Warmth
Rugs and straps that are too tight lead to discomfort, chafing, and restriction of movement.
A horse rug should fit snugly but not restrict the horse’s natural range of motion. Properly adjusted straps ensure both warmth and comfort. Although some owners remove belly straps to prevent feet getting caught when rolling, these straps do serve a purpose in that they prevent the sides of the rug flapping around in wet windy weather
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #17 – Horses Should Only Be Rugged When It Is Cold Outside.
Horses can get cold even in mild weather, especially if when it’s wet or windy, and they don’t have enough room to run around and keep warm.
A sudden wet, windy cold snap in the middle of summer for example will make most horses shiver because their fine summer coats lack the dense insulating properties of their thicker winter coat.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #18 – A Thick, Heavy Rug Is The Best Way To Keep A Horse Warm.
A thick, heavy rug can actually make a horse overheat – very easily!
Many horse owners in Australia make the mistake of over rugging, especially where winters are relatively mild and temperate. The best way to keep a horse warm is to choose a rug that is the right weight for the ambient temperatures and weather conditions. Also remember that a dry horse is usually a warm horse. Unless you’ve put it in an unlined rug on a very cold day. This is when it would normally use its piloerector function to regulate its temperature!
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #19 – You Should Never Rug A Horse That Is Wet.
Although it’s advisable to dry the horse off as much as you can before putting the rug on, you can rug them while they are damp.
Just make sure the rug is not too tight and has enough ventilation to allow moisture to escape. Their body heat quickly dries out both their coat, and the rug lining. You can also swap the rug for a dry one once their coat has dried.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #20 – You Should Always Rug A Horse That Is Turned Out In A Paddock.
It is not always necessary to rug a horse that is turned out in a paddock.
If the weather is mild and the horse has shelter, they may not need a rug at all. However, if the weather is cold and wet, and the horse does not have shelter, definitely consider rugging.
Debunking Myths about Horse Rugs #21 – Every Horse Is The Same When It Comes To Rugging
Old, sick, and skinny horses usually have different rugging needs to young, fit, healthy horses.
These horses often have a lower metabolic rate. This means they produce less heat and can’t regulate their body temperature as effectively. They may also not have as much insulating body fat and muscle mass to keep themselves warm and will require some type of rug to help keep them warm.
Horse Rugging Myths And The Importance Of Debunking Them
Horse rugs can play an important role in maintaining your horse’s comfort and wellbeing. Debunking horse rug myths, clarifying the facts, and being aware of the correct information helps us make better, more informed choices for our horses
