Horses are beautiful creatures, and one of their most notable characteristics is their ability to withstand low temperatures. Horses are animals with excellent insulating abilities that allow them to survive winter weather, there are some studies that show they can withstand down to 5°F.
Considering this remarkable feature, the question most people have is whether they should get their horse a rug to warm up during the winter? In this article, we will mention some situations where getting a sheet or rug for a horse may be the best option.
When is the right time to put a mat on a horse?
While horses have natural ways of keeping warm during the winter, there are some special conditions where they may need an extra coat. If you need a blanket for horses or a scarf for horses, now you can find them in Kentucky Horse Clothing Products and invest in quality material for your horse during the winter.
Here are some situations where your horse may need a rug to keep warm:
Winter
Horses can usually keep warm in the cold. However, if a horse has had a full cut or has not fully grown out its winter coat, then you might consider get a scarf or rug to help keep them warm.
Injury or Illness
if your horse is sick either injured, they may not be able to keep warm as they normally would if they were healthy. In this scenario, you really should consider buying a blanket for your horse to help keep him warm while he recovers.
young horses
young horses, especially if they are sick or premature, they may need a little more heat to survive. In this case, the best way to help them survive the winter is to provide them with rugs, sheets or scarves and keep them warm and comfortable.
under weight
Like a wounded or sick horse, a underweight horse could they lack the layer of fat that would normally help them generate heat in the colder months.
Some scenarios that can lead to a horse being underweight are poor nutrition or old age.
moving
Although horses can adapt to cold temperatures, if you are move a horse to a colder region it can take up to three weeks to adjust to the new temperatures. You should consider providing them with a rug to help them think these weeks.
Wind and rain
Horses can usually survive in the snow. However, rain and wind affect its ability to keep warm. In this scenario, you might consider buying them a waterproof rug or raincoat.
In rainy weather, a horse’s coat flattens, affecting the undercoat’s ability to produce heat. Wind generally blows warm air away from the skin’s surface. It is best to get the horse a waterproof blanket in windy and rainy conditions.
Shelter
It goes without saying that shelter plays a crucial role for horses in hot and cold weather. A horse without a warm place and severe weather elements will need the added insulation of a rug.
Tips for choosing the right rug for your horse
The first advice is always to ensure that the sheet, or the carpet, is the suitable design, size and weight for the horse. If they are too heavy, the equipment will put too much pressure on the horses shoulders and chest. The smaller ones are not warm enough, and the larger ones are looser.
The second piece of advice is to consider the best products availablewith the best quality.
The last tip is to use the proper underwear And spray your horse’s grooming before putting a rug or sheet on it to prevent scuff marks.
Conclusion
While providing a horse with an extra layer of warmth is generally unnecessary, there can be a few exceptions, as we discussed in this article. Always make sure the horse really needs the extra heat, and check the horse’s temperature frequently to make sure the equine isn’t getting too hot.
