When winter arrives, your horse also wants to stay warm, just like you. You might not know this, but horses also shiver when the temperature drops down. And when they are cold, they tuck their tail to get the comfort they need in such weather. However, as an owner, it’s your responsibility to keep them warm and safe. Maybe, you would have rugged your horse but tell us one thing- is that rug in good condition? Does the rug keep your horse warm? If you are not sure about this, keep reading because we have listed a few points that will help you understand whether your horse needs a new rug or not.
- Age: If your horse has been using the same turnout rugs for so long, it’s time that you purchase a new one. See, a normal horse rug only lasts for a few years. And if you are still using the same rug that you purchased so many years ago, you really need to think again. Try and understand that when a rug starts getting old, it is not that efficient. And thus, it does not offer the kind of warmth that it used to.
- Damage: If there is any physical damage like the rug has been worn out or has holes in it, you should replace it. What happens is that when the rug gets damaged, it no longer serves its purpose. Since there are holes, the rug does not warm properly, and the cold breeze keeps entering. Also, wear and tear of the rug indicates that its inner fabric has become frayed and thin. This means that you should no longer use it.
- Discoloration: If the color of the rug has faded away, you should not ignore it. Fading of color often means that you have used the rug more than you should. And if you have done it, change it immediately because your horse might not be feeling comfortable with that rug.
- Heavy: Turnout rug comes in different materials, and their weight also varies. If you have picked a rug that is too heavy, maybe you have made the wrong choice. It would help if you always chose a rug that is not too heavy. It’s because if the rug is heavy, it might have an impact on the way your horse runs. And you might not like that.
If you don’t want your horse to get cold and fall sick, you should be very careful and alert with its needs. And when you buy a new rug for your horse, you should only purchase from a trusted and reputed store. Also, you should evaluate a few options before buying any rug.
