Q: I’ve heard you should only rug a horse if they’re clipped. Is that true?

A: Not necessarily. Rugging decisions should be based on the individual horse’s condition, environment, and management, not just whether they’re clipped. Clipped horses do lose their natural insulation and generally need rugs in colder weather, but some fine-coated, older, or underweight unclipped horses may also benefit from rugs for comfort and condition maintenance.

Conversely, some native or robust breeds – even when partially clipped – may be perfectly happy unrugged in mild climates if they have shelter and are well-fed. Over-rugging can cause sweating, overheating, and skin issues. The key is to check your horse regularly, feel under the rug (behind the withers is a good spot), and adapt to weather, workload, and coat condition. Rugging is a management choice, not a rule.