Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Rugging Welfare Evidence

Evidence on horse rugging challenges traditional practices, suggesting many horses are over-rugged, compromising thermoregulation and natural behaviour.

Key Facts

Horses are adapted to cold climates and can tolerate temperatures well below 0C if dry and windproof
Over-rugging raises body temperature, impairs sweating, and suppresses natural winter coat growth
Horses in good body condition with shelter require no rugging in mild UK winters
Rain sheets without fill are appropriate for keeping horses dry without adding heat
Rugging decisions should be based on temperature, wind chill, individual body condition, and coat type

Welfare Considerations

Over-rugging is a common but underappreciated welfare issue; allowing horses to use their natural thermoregulatory capacity produces better welfare outcomes in most conditions.

What You Can Do

Reassess your rugging programme against current evidence-based guidelines
Assess body condition score rather than assuming thin horses need rugging
Provide shelter as the primary protection against UK winter weather