Category: Rugging & Seasonal Management

A Practical Guide to Getting Fit Right — First Time A poorly fitted rug causes more problems than no rug at all. Rubbing, slipping, pressure sores, restricted movement and even behavioural tension can all stem from incorrect sizing. Many owners guess rug size based on previous purchases or brand labels. However, rug sizing varies between…

A Practical Guide for UK Conditions Wet winters are one of the biggest management challenges for UK horse owners. Persistent rainfall, heavy clay soils and limited daylight create muddy fields, damaged pasture and increased risk of injury and skin conditions. Poor turnout management during winter can lead to: Mud fever Thrush Tendon strain Field destruction…

A Practical Guide for Comfort, Insect Control and Heat Awareness Many owners assume rugs are only for winter. In reality, summer rugging plays a critical role in protecting horses from insects, sun exposure and skin irritation. However, incorrect summer rug use can lead to overheating, sweating and coat damage. Summer rugging is about protection —…

When and How to Do It Correctly A Practical Guide to Flexible Winter Rugging Without Compromise Layering rugs is common practice during UK winters, particularly when temperatures fluctuate rapidly. Done correctly, layering offers flexibility and precise temperature control. Done incorrectly, it creates pressure points, overheating, slipping and skin irritation. Layering is not about piling rugs…

A Practical Guide to Daily Monitoring, Weather Awareness and Preventing Rug-Related Problems Rugs are not “put on and forgotten” items. They are active pieces of equipment that directly influence temperature regulation, skin health, movement comfort and safety. In UK conditions — where weather can shift dramatically within hours — rug checks must be routine, not…

A Practical Guide to Fit, Friction Control and Protecting Skin Health Rug rubs are not minor cosmetic issues. They are early warning signs of pressure imbalance, friction, moisture build-up or poor fit. Left unchecked, small rubs can develop into open sores, thickened skin and chronic hair loss. Rug rubs are preventable in most cases. Prevention…

A Professional Guide to Temperature, Physiology and Welfare Seasonal rug transitions are one of the most misunderstood aspects of horse management. Moving between winter, spring, summer and autumn involves constant shifts in temperature, daylight, humidity and wind — all of which affect how a horse regulates body heat. Incorrect rugging during seasonal change can lead…

A Practical, Welfare-Focused Approach to Choosing the Right Rug Choosing the correct rug weight in the UK is not as simple as reading the temperature forecast. Wind, rain, humidity, clipping status, age, body condition and shelter access all influence how a horse regulates body temperature. Incorrect rugging is one of the most common welfare missteps…

A Practical Guide to Thermoregulation, Welfare and Smart Rugging Decisions Clipping fundamentally changes how a horse regulates body temperature. A natural winter coat is designed to trap air and repel moisture. Once clipped, that insulation system is partially or completely removed. Rugging a clipped horse requires deliberate planning. Rugging an unclipped horse requires restraint and…

How to Read Your Horse — Not Just the Weather Forecast Horses cannot tell us when they are uncomfortable — but they communicate clearly through behaviour, posture and physical signs. Incorrect rugging is one of the most common management errors on UK yards, and many owners rely on temperature charts instead of direct observation. Learning…