Tips from Hadlow College
Hadlow, Kent's premier college and one of the UK's leading
specialist colleges, has a renowned equine department.
Each month, the college offers some tips, advice and suggestions.
As the days shorten, thoughts turn to keeping horses and ponies warm and comfortable during the winter months. The range of rugs available in saddleries and specialist shops grows ever larger. Before rushing out and spending a lot of money, it's a good idea to consider if the horse or pony concerned really requires rugging up. . Native ponies and cobs, for example, naturally grow thick coats intended to protect them in the coldest weather. Providing they are able to take shelter from strong winds and excessive rain - and they have sufficient forage - they will normally cope well. Horses and ponies are often rugged up for the convenience of their owners - and simply to prevent them from getting muddy!
Horses generally need to be rugged up if:
1 They are old, infirm or injured.
2 They are carrying insufficient weight and are in poor condition.
3 They have previously suffered from rain rash.
4 They are stabled overnight and only turned out for a short period during the day.
5 They have been fully or partly clipped.
6 They are thin-skinned and prone to feel the cold.
7 They are kept in a very confined paddock.
When horses are rugged up:
1 They should be checked at least once a day to make certain the rug hasn't slipped or become torn or damaged.
2 They should have their rug removed when the weather suddenly turns warm and replaced before it turns chilly again.
3 They should have their rug removed regularly in order to check for small injuries and cuts and to ensure the rug is not rubbing and chafing (especially around the wither and shoulders or in leg strap areas).
4 They need a spare rug of identical or very similar weight to use when the normal rug has to be removed for repair, drying, et cetera.
When purchasing a rug consider the following points:
1 Buy the type of rug that fulfils the function for which it is required. Function is far more important than fashion!
2 Consider 'special needs' such as a tendency to rub on the shoulders, et cetera. Some rugs incorporate linings specifically designed to reduce such problems.
3 When hoods, bibs or other protective clothing is used, it must complement the rug. Ill-fitting additions can be the cause of very serious accidents.
4 Measure the horse carefully before making a purchase. Sizing tends to vary in different brands. A broad or fat horse may need a bigger rug than a narrower or fitter horse.
5 Before trying on the new rug, make certain the horse is especially clean - and then put on a clean thin sheet so that the rug is kept immaculate in case it has to be exchanged.
6 Horses change shape. Young horses grow. Rugs that fitted last year may be completely unsuitable for use this year. (Providing they are in good condition, there is normally an excellent market for second-hand rugs.)
7 Check the type of fabric from which the rug is made. Some materials need to be wetted thoroughly to allow the fibres to swell so that the fabric is fully waterproof. (The best method involves hosing and then throwing over a washing line - or similar - to dry slowly.)
8 At the end of the season arrange for cleaning, repairs and replacement of worn leg straps, et cetera. Rugs are best stored by being laid across a rail or even a thick piece of rope. Take care of rugs - they cost a lot of money!
As well as a range of equine-related courses up to degree level, HADLOW COLLEGE also offers a wide variety of one-day and short courses useful to anyone keeping or working with horses. These include: TRACTOR DRIVING; SITES, SOILS AND CULTIVATION; CHAINSAW HANDLING; HEALTH AND SAFETY; APPOINTED PERSON FIRST AID - and a lot more. Freephone: 0500 551434.
