How are you rugging your horse this winter? Pictured here is the ‘Blue Bears’ medium combo (1200D/180g) from Goodwoods Saddlery.
Winter is here, and so too is the ongoing challenge of rugging. How and when we rug our horses depends on a wide range of factors — and, according to recent research, “empathetic projection” is one such influence. Added to this are the rugs themselves, which vary greatly in quality and composition.
A horse’s normal body temperature is between 37.5°C and 38.5°C; when environmental temperatures drop, the body initiates various measures to generate enough heat to remain within this range.
Unless you have “good doers” or hardy ponies — or reside in the northern regions of Australia, where winter is sunny and dry — rugging can be important, particularly for horses that are older, struggle to maintain body condition, or are clipped.
Winter rugging depends on many factors, including breed, level of exercise or competition, age, and whether a horse is stabled or has access to shelter in a paddock. Cold, wet, and windy conditions in particular make it more difficult for horses to keep warm, and during these times natural shelter or rugs are especially important. A warm, comfortable horse requires less energy (and therefore less feed) to maintain weight and stay healthy. However, while we all aim to keep our horses warm and comfortable, over-rugging is also a very real concern.
Rugging offers the additional advantage of keeping horses dry and clean for riding. For those competing with clipped horses, adequate rugging is essential, as clipping removes a natural defence against seasonal change. In these cases, multiple rugs and a layered system may be required.
Rugging offers the additional advantage of keeping horses dry and clean for riding. Pictured here is the ‘Graphite Check’ heavy detach-a-neck (1680D/250g) from Goodwood Saddlery.
The most important considerations when rugging horses are ensuring rugs fit properly and are checked frequently for signs of rubbing, skin irritation, injury, and changes in body condition.
If the weather worsens and you are unable to closely monitor rug changes, there are other ways to help keep horses warm. Alongside providing adequate shelter, the digestion of roughage generates heat from within. Increasing roughage intake on cold days can therefore assist in maintaining body temperature. It is important to note that grains do not produce the same level of heat during digestion as hay and hay alternatives.
‘WHAT RUG TODAY?’
Emma Best is a mature student studying Equine Bio-veterinary Science at Anglia Ruskin University, Writtle, in the UK. Her final-year dissertation (2026) investigated how horse owners make rugging decisions and their perceptions of equine thermoregulation. This research was conducted via summer and winter surveys rolled out across the UK, with over 1,000 responses collected.
“Winter rugging depends
on many factors.”
Her work has recently been awarded Best Equine Academic Poster Presentation at Anglia Ruskin University, judged by industry experts, highlighting its relevance to real-world equine welfare.
“As a horse owner myself, I understand the daily challenge of deciding ‘what rug today?’,” says Emma. “It was an idea that inspired my research. Rugging decisions are part of daily life for horse owners worldwide, yet they are rarely guided by consistent scientific evidence.”
Emma Best is a mature student studying Equine Bio-veterinary Science at Anglia Ruskin University, Writtle, in the UK. Images supplied.
Emma’s UK-based research explored how horse owners make rugging decisions and the factors influencing those choices. The surveys examined rugging habits, decision-making under varying weather conditions, and understanding of the thermoneutral zone (TNZ) — the temperature range in which a horse can maintain its normal body temperature without expending additional energy beyond its basal metabolic rate.
WHAT EMMA’S RESEARCH FOUND
Emma’s study examined how owners respond to different environmental conditions and how knowledge of thermoregulation translates into real-world management.
“Unsurprisingly, rug weight increased as conditions became colder, wetter, and windier. However, temperature alone did not determine decision-making,” Emma notes. “Owners considered a wide range of factors, including weather conditions (particularly wind and rain), horse behaviour and perceived comfort, management conditions (stabled versus turnout), and breed and perceived hardiness.”
A key finding of the research was the role of human perception.
“In mild conditions, there was no clear link between how cold owners felt and how heavily they rugged their horses. However, in more extreme conditions, a strong relationship emerged. Owners who perceived themselves as feeling colder were significantly more likely to choose heavier rugs.
“This is known as empathetic projection, where human thermal perception influences animal management decisions. While empathy is central to good horse management, it may also lead to overcompensation, particularly in challenging weather.”
Overcompensation is likely, as horses and humans have different thermoneutral zones. For humans, this range is approximately 25–30°C, while for horses it is 5–25°C (noting that rain and wind chill can affect the TNZ in both cases). This means humans feel cold well before horses do — and horses are likely to feel heat stress sooner than we do.
Empathy is central to good horse management – but in some cases it can lead to over-rugging.
RELEVANCE TO AUSTRALIAN CONDITIONS
Although this study was UK-based, and much of the discussion around rugging focuses on colder climates, its findings raise important considerations for Australian horse owners.
Emma believes that understanding how owners make rugging decisions is equally important in regions with highly variable and often extreme weather, such as Australia. These conditions present unique challenges, including high temperatures and solar radiation, sudden weather fluctuations, and regional differences in humidity and wind exposure.
“In these environments, the risks associated with over-rugging may be even greater, particularly in terms of overheating and impaired thermoregulation. The study suggests that owners do not apply rugging decisions uniformly but instead adapt based on perceived risk.”
‘What rug today?’ Pictured here is the ‘Pacific Teal’ medium detach-a-neck (1200D/180g) from Goodwoods Saddlery.
Following the conclusion of her study, Emma believes a key future direction is the development of the BlueMist.app — a proposed digital tool designed to support informed, evidence-based, horse-specific rugging decisions.
“This study highlights that rugging is not just a practical decision, it is influenced by perception, experience, and emotional connection to the horse,” she says. “As climate patterns continue to shift, and awareness of equine welfare grows, there is increasing need for evidence-based, adaptable management strategies. By combining research, technology, and real-world owner insight, the future of rugging decisions may become more precise, personalised, and welfare-focused, both in the UK and globally.”
UNDERSTAND THE RUGS YOU’RE USING
Not all rugs are equal; some will keep your horse significantly warmer and drier than others. When choosing waterproof turnout rugs – which are the primary rugs used by Australian horse owners during winter – the two main options are canvas and synthetic.
Both types should ideally be “ripstop”, meaning the outer fabric is woven with a crosshatch grid of thicker threads to prevent small tears from spreading.
Canvas winter rugs
Canvas — typically made from cotton or poly-cotton blends — is the traditional choice. It is often considered more breathable, as well as tougher and more durable. Canvas rugs may be unlined or lined with various materials for added warmth, while the canvas itself is generally measured in ounces (oz) per square yard.
- 10oz–12oz: This is considered lightweight and suitable for transitional seasons, mild climates, or horses that run hot. These rugs are soft and flexible but more prone to tearing.
- 14oz–16oz: This mid-weight canvas is standard for general paddock use, offering a balance of protection and breathability.
- 18oz–20oz: Heavy-duty rugs designed for wet weather, cold conditions, or horses that are particularly hard on rugs. These are more rigid but provide excellent durability and weather protection.
While canvas is generally waterproof, prolonged heavy rain — especially as the rug ages — can lead to leakage. Re-waterproofing is possible to extend its lifespan.
Canvas rugs are a traditional choice that offer good breathability. Pictured here is the Goodwoods Unlined Canvas Combo (18oz).
- 10oz–12oz: This is considered lightweight and suitable for transitional seasons, mild climates, or horses that run hot. These rugs are soft and flexible but more prone to tearing.
- 14oz–16oz: This mid-weight canvas is standard for general paddock use, offering a balance of protection and breathability.
- 18oz–20oz: Heavy-duty rugs designed for wet weather, cold conditions, or horses that are particularly hard on rugs. These are more rigid but provide excellent durability and weather protection.
While canvas is generally waterproof, prolonged heavy rain — especially as the rug ages — can lead to leakage. Re-waterproofing is possible to extend its lifespan.
Synthetic winter rugs
Synthetic rugs, typically made from polyester or nylon, are assessed based on three factors: denier (outer fabric strength), GSM (insulation thickness), and waterproof/breathability ratings. Higher numbers do not necessarily equate to better quality, as this depends on material grade and specific climate needs.
Synthetic rugs come in a variety of deniers, polyfill, waterproof and breathability ratings. Pictured here is the ‘Wine’ heavy detach-a-neck (1680D/250g – 5,000mm/5,000g/m²/24hrs) from Goodwoods Saddlery.
Denier measures thread density in the outer shell. A higher denier indicates a tougher fabric but not necessarily a warmer one.
- 600D: Lightweight and budget-friendly, suitable for horses that are gentle on rugs.
- 1200D: Considered the gold standard for paddock use; durable and tear-resistant.
- 1680D+: Heavy-duty and designed for horses that are particularly tough on rugs.
Polyfill determines warmth and is measured in grams per square metre (GSM).
- 0g: Lightweight ‘rain sheets’, suitable for mild, wet weather or layering.
- 100g–150g: Ideal for cool conditions or hardy, unclipped horses.
- 200g–250g: Versatile winter weight for average conditions and clipped horses.
- 300g+: Suitable for very cold conditions, older horses, or fully clipped horses.
Quality synthetic rugs also include a waterproof membrane, the effectiveness of which is measured in millimetres (mm) using a Hydrostatic Head (HH) rating. This indicates the level of water resistance, with higher numbers offering better protection. Standard ratings for horse rugs range from 2,000mm–5,000mm.
Breathability allows moisture vapour to escape, helping to prevent sweating beneath the rug. This is measured in grams per square metre over 24 hours (g/m²/24hrs). For Australian conditions, synthetic horse rug standards range between 2,000–5,000 g/m²/24hrs, balancing moisture release with waterproofing.
Ideally, waterproofing and breathability ratings should align. For example, Goodwoods Saddlery’s current winter synthetic range is rated to 5000mm waterproofing and 5,000 g/m²/24hrs breathability across their 1680D/250g, 1200D/180g, and 600D/100g rugs.
Finally, while outer fabrics may be waterproof, water can penetrate stitched seams. When selecting a synthetic rug, always look for taped or welded seams to ensure full protection. EQ
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