A Guide to Winter Layering

Winter is around the corner, bringing cooler temperatures and harsher conditions with it. So protecting your horse with the correct rugs throughout the season is paramount.

When deciding how to keep your horse safe, rug layering offers flexibility and versatility. And because the Australian climate loves to fluctuate, it can prevent double handling.

But with a plethora of rugs available to purchase, it can be difficult to know exactly what rugs your horse needs. So let’s guide you through the ins and outs of winter layering.

Why winter rug layering is important for your horse

How do you stay warm during winter? Most likely, you pile on layers of clothing.

While horses are far more resilient to the cold than people, they can still be vulnerable to the chill. Adequate ‘clothing’ will ensure they stay warm and dry during winter, while maintaining comfort.

Rug layering is an effective, flexible method for keeping your horse at an optimal temperature. It gives your horse’s coat time to breathe and protects them from harsh conditions and insects.

Choosing the right type of winter rug for your horse

Despite your horse’s natural cold-combatting mechanisms, certain factors – including a clipped coat – increase a horse’s need for protection.

As a simple guide, horses feel cold when the temperature falls below 0°C. Below this, they need to actively minimise heat loss. And wearing the right type of rug will assist this process.

When choosing which rugs to use, consider the following:

1. Weather conditions

Temperature, precipitation and wind chill can all influence how cold your horse will be.

Remember – when a horse’s coat is wet or muddy, they lose their ability to insulate. So appropriately rugging your horse will help keep their coat dry.

2. Age and body condition

As with people, an older or unwell horse will usually require rugging as soon as the weather turns slightly colder.

Older horses have a reduced ability to monitor their core temperature and may have lower body fat or reduced digestive efficiency. These factors can make them less able to cope with colder conditions.

3. Coat condition

Clipping a horse reduces the risk of overheating during training or competition. But shorter hair also means cold air can penetrate the horse’s surface (coat and skin) more easily.

This increases their risk of losing too much body heat – and getting sick at rest. So to compensate for taking off your horse’s coat, you’ll need to add an extra rug.

The different rug types for winter

Unless you have a tack room full of specialised horse rugs, layering multiple rugs will help you achieve the desired warmth.

But just as every environment is unique, so too is every horse. You will need to try various layering combinations to match both.

As a general rule, one to three rugs will be enough throughout winter.

Under rugs

An under rug made from wool, fleece or moleskin is a great starting point for layering. They offer breathability and comfort, all while protecting the turnout rug from the natural oils of your horse’s coat – which can reduce your rug’s longevity. A quality ripstop rug will also serve as an excellent under rug.

Turnout rugs

Turnout rugs are the most popular type of horse rugs thanks to their versatility and durability.

Traditionally made from canvas, they can now be made in many synthetic waterproof fabrics with optional soft linings. This makes turnout rugs a solid choice for an outer layer in winter.

They come in three weights:

1. Light or sheet – 0 to 100 grams of fill: Made with breathability and versatility in mind, these rugs will keep your horse warm and dry on those not-so-cold winter days. They work well with a fleece, wool or moleskin under rug.
2. Medium – 150 to 250 grams of fill: A mid-range polyfill lining, these rugs are a great option for horses that may find traditional winter rugs a little too warm. Due to the synthetic material, it is best placed on top of an under rug.
3. Heavy – 300 to 400 grams of fill: The cosiest offering. Heavy rugs are a proven staple for the winter months and will keep your horse snug on even the frostiest night. To avoid bulkiness, these should not be paired with another turnout rug. A thin under rug will do the trick.

The layering process: Step-by-step guide

1. Assess the weather conditions: Is the air temperature particularly low? Are there strong winds? This, along with your horse’s condition, will impact how you layer.

2. Put on an under rug: It should be absorbent, wicking away any sweat or dampness, and breathable. As mentioned, natural fibres work best. Make sure your rug is the correct size for your horse.

3. Add an outer layer: Depending on the conditions, add an outer layer that is waterproof and warming. Different rugs will have different securing systems, so be sure to take care and fasten it properly. You may want to add a shoulder bib or other accessories if needed.

4. Check in with your horse: Regularly check (at least twice a day) to see how warm your horse is. Place your hand under the horse’s rug behind the withers. If it’s cold, consider adding another rug. If it’s damp, they are likely too warm and sweating, and you should peel off a layer.

Common mistakes to avoid when layering winter rugs

• Don’t add rugs based on how cold you are: Horses do not lose body heat as rapidly as people do. Even when we feel chilly, it’s possible our horse is coping fine. Check their temperature using the method described above.
• Ensure your rugs fit correctly: Ill-fitting rugs can cause rubbing and slippage, both of which can endanger your horse. Be sure to measure your horse before purchasing any rug online.
• Keep grooming your horse: Some people may think rugs prevent your horse from getting dirty. Not true! Rugs actually prevent horses from exfoliating their skin properly by rolling. All horses – whether rugged or not – must be groomed thoroughly and frequently.
• Beware of over rugging: The Australian climate is unpredictable. Knowing your environment and horse’s comfort levels will make you feel more confident in your horse rugging decisions. Remember – it’s much easier to warm a horse up than it is to cool it down.

Looking for rugs to get your horse through the chilly season? Discover our full range of rugs perfect for winter layering.