Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Rug Use Welfare Evidence

Evidence-based use of horse rugs considers the horses' thermal regulatory capacity and the welfare implications of over-rugging, which is widespread in UK horse management.

Key Facts

Horses have a thermal neutral zone from approximately -15 to +25 degrees C
Over-rugging causes hyperthermia, sweating, and discomfort in many horses
Horses have effective physiological responses to cold including piloerection and vasoconstriction
Clipped horses have reduced cold tolerance and benefit from appropriate rugging
Body condition scoring guides appropriate rugging decisions based on individual needs

Welfare Considerations

Over-rugging is a welfare problem driven by anthropomorphism and concern for horses' comfort that paradoxically causes discomfort. Evidence-based rugging decisions that consider the horse's thermal regulatory capacity, coat condition, and individual needs prevent the inadvertent welfare harm of well-intentioned over-protection.

What You Can Do

Learn about equine thermal comfort and appropriate rugging guidelines
Check horses regularly for sweating under rugs as a sign of over-rugging
Base rugging decisions on body condition, coat length, and weather rather than human comfort intuition