Did you know that horses can regulate their temperature between 5 and 25 degrees Celsius? Many horses are over rugged in the winter and this could be causing more harm and discomfort than good as over rugging affects the horses ability to regulate their own temperature.

Unclipped horses have thick coats that stand up when its cold and trap air as a layer of insulation. They can also conserve heat by closing down peripheral circulation.

Horses that are clipped will however need a rug but just because your horse is clipped, it doesn’t mean you can’t still be over rugging. Most clipped horses will still only need a light to medium weight turnout rug to get them comfortably through the winter.

When rugging a horse, it is very important to take into account the environment, weather, shelter and also your horse’s tolerance to the colder weather.