A survey exploring why, when, and how horse owners choose to rug their horses has highlighted that rugging decisions are far more complex than temperature alone.
Emma Best, a final-year BSc (Hons) Equine Bio-Veterinary Science student at Anglia Ruskin University (Writtle), designed the survey to better understand how UK horse owners make rugging decisions and whether these align with current knowledge of equine thermoregulation. The study was prompted by a simple question: how do we really know which rug a horse needs each day?
Over 1,000 horse owners responded, providing insight into rugging habits, responses to different weather scenarios, and understanding of the thermoneutral zone.
Empathy shapes rugging decisions
Emma found that owners generally increased rug weight as conditions became colder, wetter, and windier. However, decisions were not driven by temperature alone. Horse behaviour, perceived comfort, management conditions, and breed type all played a role.
A key finding was the influence of owner empathy. In mild conditions (around 10°C and dry), there was no clear link between how cold an owner felt and the rug selected. However, in extreme conditions (below 0°C with heavy rain and wind), a strong relationship emerged: owners who felt colder themselves were more likely to choose heavier rugs.
While this empathy reflects a strong human–horse bond, it may also contribute to over-rugging, which has been associated with risks such as obesity and metabolic dysfunction.
Individual needs and inconsistency in management
Rugging was rarely applied uniformly. Most respondents reported adjusting rugs on an individual horse basis, supporting the idea that blanket rules are often inappropriate. Breed differences were more evident in mild weather, where assumptions about thermal resilience were more common. As conditions became harsher, these differences diminished, and rugging choices became more consistent across all horses.
Practical challenges in changing conditions
The study also highlights a practical issue often overlooked: rugging can create significant management difficulties in changeable weather. This is especially true on yards where staff or owners are responsible for multiple horses. Empathetic perceptions of “feeling cold” can influence decision-making, sometimes leading to frequent changes in rugging plans. In highly variable conditions, this may result in rugs being altered several times within a single day, increasing workload and potentially adding inconsistency to horse management routines.
Next steps
Emma is now considering developing an app to support evidence-based rugging decisions, offering clearer guidance to help owners choose appropriate rugs for their horses.
“Ultimately, this study shows that while owners care deeply about their horses’ wellbeing, rugging decisions are influenced by a complex mix of environmental, emotional, and practical factors,” she said. “Supporting owners with clearer guidance and accessible tools could lead to more consistent, welfare-focused management across the equine industry.”