Winter’s creeping in – meaning shorter days, colder nights, and coats starting to fluff up. Your horse knows it’s coming, and they’ll start prepping in their own way.
But sometimes, they need a hand staying warm, dry and comfortable when the weather turns. That’s where rugging comes in.
Here’s a simple guide to keep your horse cosy – without overheating them or going overboard.
When to rug your horse for winter
Horses naturally grow thicker coats as the days get colder. Rugging changes how your horse’s coat grows – it tells their body, ‘Hey, it’s not that cold out yet,’ even when the days are getting shorter.
Essentially, if you begin rugging early – before their winter coat has fully come in – you can reduce how thick that coat grows. This can be helpful for horses in work, clipped horses, or those that tend to get too hot under a heavy coat.
That said, if your horse is turned out full-time, is unclipped, and in good condition, you might prefer to let them grow a natural coat. This can be more comfortable for them and often requires fewer rug changes throughout the season.
The key is to consider your horse’s lifestyle, breed, overall health, and how exposed they are to wind, rain and cold.
Rugs don't replace grooming. Even if your horse is rugged, daily grooming is essential. It helps you check for rubbing, keep their coat healthy – and even strengthen your bond with your horse.
How to choose the right type of winter rug
Horses begin to feel the cold when temperatures drop below zero degrees. That’s when rugging becomes especially important – but not every horse has the same needs.
Older horses, leaner breeds, or those with clipped coats will generally need more warmth and protection than hardy paddock ponies with thick, natural coats.
So, there’s a few types of rugs you can reach for. Or you can combine multiple through layering.
Turnout horse rugs
Think of turnout rugs as your horse’s all-weather jacket – waterproof, durable and tough enough to survive a roll in the mud. You can get them in different weights: light (up to 100g) for milder days, medium (up to 200g) for cooler temps, and heavy (300-400g) for those freezing mornings.
Rainsheets and waterproof horse rugs
Rainsheets are lightweight, waterproof rugs that keep your horse dry without adding warmth. They’re perfect for rainy but mild weather, warmer climates or those in-between seasonal days when a full winter rug isn’t needed.
Polar fleece horse rugs
Polar fleece rugs are great for use in the stable or after exercise. They’re breathable and help wick away moisture, allowing your horse to cool down gradually without getting chilled. They’re not made for wet weather, but they’re excellent for layering, travelling or providing light warmth indoors.
If you want to layer up even more, you can give your horse a neck rug for that extra warmth.
Layering
Layering is a smart way to manage changing conditions and keep your horse comfortable. You can start with a breathable under rug or polar fleece, then add a turnout rug on top. Then adjust the layers depending on the temperature and your horse’s condition. Just make sure to check in daily, as rugs can slip, overheat or trap moisture if left unchecked.
Finding the right fit
If your horse’s rug is too small? It’ll rub. Too big? It’ll slip and twist. Just like shoes – when it comes to rugs, fit really does matter.
To get the right size, measure your horse from the centre of their chest to the furthest point of the hindquarters (just before the tail).
Read our complete guide on measuring your horse rugs correctly – with tips to fully understand Petstock’s sizing.
Practical tips for winter rugging
Keep an eye on the weather throughout the day. In many regions, the temperature can swing – warm and sunny during the day, but frosty overnight. In these cases, consider alternating rugs or using layers that can be added or removed easily.
Also, watch for signs that your horse is too hot. If they’re sweating under the rug, breathing heavily, drinking more than usual, or feel damp behind the ears, it could be time to adjust. Being too hot can be just as dangerous as being too cold. (And your horse isn’t a fan of sweat-soaked rugs either!)
Ready to rug up for winter? Shop comfortable, cosy winter horse rugs today – built to keep your horse warm, dry and feeling their best.