Over-rugging horses — applying heavy rugs in mild weather or to horses with adequate natural insulation — is a widespread welfare concern that impairs thermoregulation and causes thermal stress.
Over-rugging is driven by anthropomorphism — owners projecting their own cold sensitivity onto horses — rather than evidence of equine need. The welfare consequences are real: thermally stressed horses cannot effectively communicate discomfort, may sweat and chill when rugs are removed, and are denied the opportunity to engage in thermoregulatory behaviours like rolling in dust or seeking shade. Conversely, genuinely thin-skinned or clipped horses do need appropriate rugging. Evidence-based rugging decisions using body condition scoring, coat condition, and ambient temperature rather than owner intuition result in better welfare outcomes. Removing unnecessary rugs also allows owners to assess body condition more accurately.