neck covers on rugs

redhead123 · #1 2nd Jan 2008, 11:09 AM

Do horses really need them? Perhaps if clipped..but otherwise??

I've been tempted, though mine (out 24/7) isnt' clipped..just on the basis that there is no proper shelter and it's a big field on a hilltop. I've been feeling behind his earst though and they're warm and toasty so I guess not..but if/when we get arctic weather! At my old yard they had him out in a hweight plus cover.

Gruntfuttock · #2 2nd Jan 2008, 11:19 AM

Mine has had her neck cover on since she was clipped on November. She is IDxTB, but really feels the cold, and she is out during the day in a MW with full neck, plus a fleece underneath, and she still isn't always toasty warm.

I would try him without the neck cover first and see how warm he stays without it. You can always put it on later.

Mehitabel · #3 2nd Jan 2008, 11:29 AM

i am not aware of any horses dying of hypothermia in a normal neck rug before the neck covers were invented! however they do make a difference, so for the elderly or vulnerable they save having to layer. also if your horse is a mud monster they can help with cleanliness if you want ot pop out to an evening competition in winter.

so need - no, doubtful.
sometimes helpful? yes, definitely.

#4 2nd Jan 2008, 04:14 PM

I dont use onw with Tyler as he can get very warm in his M/W rug and he rips things to shreds anyway!!!!

He has a chest, neck and belly clip, although only the bottom half of his neck was clipped and I have left his mane long, so he doesnt seem to get that cold.

If the temperatures really dropped I would get him one though. Also if we had any shows coming up

Jenny and Tyler
x

Ms Kitty · #5 2nd Jan 2008, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mehitabel

i am not aware of any horses dying of hypothermia in a normal neck rug before the neck covers were invented! however they do make a difference, so for the elderly or vulnerable they save having to layer. also if your horse is a mud monster they can help with cleanliness if you want ot pop out to an evening competition in winter.

so need - no, doubtful.
sometimes helpful? yes, definitely.

Echo that! Plus for horse that are clipped, I would say it is essential.

Nina x

Roofio · #6 2nd Jan 2008, 08:03 PM

my two have had their neck covers put on ready for tomorrows snow - j is still in just a rainsheet and Dyl has a MW on.

coss · #7 2nd Jan 2008, 08:11 PM

i have them on my rugs because i felt my older mare needed some extra protection from horizontal rain etc - also it does seem to keep her a lot warmer which she really needs.
I then bought the same rug for my gelding for a different reason, in heavy downpours the water drains down under the rug and he gets really aggitated, the neck rug stops that process (keeps him clean, keeps his mane tidier and the weather has been a lot worse recently- on dry days (no threat of rain) he has the neck rug off)