Companion Animals

Horse Rugging Welfare Science

The evidence base for horse rugging is increasingly clear: most horses do not need rugs and excessive rugging causes heat stress, while unclipped horses regulate temperature effectively.

Key Facts

Horses can maintain body temperature in temperatures down to minus 15 degrees Celsius unrugged
Their coat raises and lowers to trap or release heat with remarkable effectiveness
Excessive rugging causes heat stress, reduced movement, and abnormal sweating
Clipped horses lose their insulating coat and require rugging appropriate to clipping level
Modern performance fabrics regulate temperature better than traditional heavy stable rugs

Welfare Considerations

Over-rugging causes heat stress and restricts natural movement. Evidence-based rugging decisions prevent welfare problems from excessive rug use that is extremely common.

What You Can Do

Assess rugging need based on clipping level, body condition, and weather rather than habit
Use a simple rug guide based on temperature and clip level
Check under rugs regularly for sweating indicating over-warming
Support evidence-based rugging education for horse owners