Spring is truly a season that puts horse owners to the test. The morning might start with chilly air and drizzle, only to give way a few hours later to bright sunshine and almost summer-like warmth. The temperature changes rapidly, the wind shifts, and suddenly everything feels completely different. A northerly wind always bites a little extra, whilst a calm, sunny day can feel considerably warmer than the thermometer suggests. And as if that weren’t enough, the days alternate between rain, sunshine and sometimes even hail.
So what should you actually do when the morning brings 8 degrees and rain, but the afternoon promises sunshine and 17 degrees?
These are questions we horse owners find ourselves asking every spring: What should the horse wear today? What worked yesterday? And what about tomorrow?
Over the years, countless hours have been spent in stables and tack rooms debating which rug to choose. Which rug is the right one right now? Should we go for something a bit warmer or a bit cooler? And despite all our experience, it sometimes feels as though we’re starting all over again every spring.
An old proverb says:
“Spring must be frozen in, and autumn must be sweated in.”
Of course, there’s no universal solution for spring’s changeable weather, but there are a few handy tips that can help – especially if you can’t change your duvet in the middle of the day.
If you’re torn between a warmer or cooler option, usually go for the cooler one. Horses regulate their body heat better than we humans realise, and temperatures often rise during the day. Giving hay in the paddock in the morning also helps the horse to retain its body heat. If the horse has plenty of grass or access to good shelter from the wind and rain, there’s even more reason to opt for a lighter rug.
Bear in mind, too, that the conditions in the paddock play a major role. In a larger paddock, the horse moves around more, and movement generates heat. Having several paddock mates often means even more activity and, consequently, better natural temperature regulation.
On days when the weather is particularly changeable, a combination rug can be a wise choice – for example, models with a water-repellent back and breathable sides. This protects the horse from the rain whilst allowing excess heat and moisture to escape. The most important thing is that the back protects against the wet without getting too hot, as the sun often comes out after the rain.
Spring is tricky, but also wonderful. And perhaps that is precisely why the debate about blankets never really ends.
Agneta
