Is It OK to Put a Rug on a Wet Horse? Debunking the Myth
Is it OK to put a rug on a wet horse? In most cases, absolutely not! Applying a rug to a soaking wet horse can trap moisture, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and potentially leading to skin problems; however, there are specific scenarios and rug types where doing so can be beneficial if done correctly.
Understanding the Risks: Trapped Moisture and More
For centuries, horse owners have debated the practice of rugging wet horses. While the impulse to keep a horse warm and dry after a workout or exposure to rain is understandable, simply throwing a rug on a sopping animal can do more harm than good. The primary concern revolves around trapped moisture.
- When a horse is wet, its natural cooling mechanism (sweating) is already in action.
- A rug can impede this process by preventing evaporation.
- The resulting damp environment, especially under a heavy, non-breathable rug, creates an ideal environment for bacterial and fungal growth.
- This can lead to skin conditions like rain rot (dermatophilosis) and other infections.
When Rugging a Wet Horse Might Be Acceptable
While generally discouraged, there are exceptions where rugging a slightly damp horse can be beneficial, provided specific conditions are met:
- Breathable Rugs: The key here is breathability. Rugs made from materials like wool or specialized synthetic fabrics designed to wick away moisture are essential. These rugs allow for air circulation, facilitating drying.
- Slightly Damp vs. Soaking Wet: The horse should only be slightly damp, not dripping wet. If the horse is saturated, it’s better to towel it dry or allow it to air dry as much as possible first.
- Temperature and Climate: In colder weather, rugging a slightly damp horse with a breathable rug can help prevent chills and speed up the drying process.
- Clipping: A clipped horse loses its natural insulation, making it more susceptible to cold, even when slightly damp. A breathable rug can provide needed warmth in this situation.
The Drying Process: A Layered Approach
If you determine that rugging a slightly damp horse is the appropriate course of action, following a structured approach is crucial:
- Towel Dry: Begin by removing as much excess moisture as possible with absorbent towels. Focus on the areas under the girth and saddle.
- Choose the Right Rug: Select a highly breathable rug specifically designed for wicking away moisture. Wool rugs or wicking fleece rugs are excellent choices.
- Monitor Regularly: Check the horse frequently (every hour or two) to ensure the rug is not becoming saturated and that the horse is not overheating or developing skin irritation.
- Change Rugs as Needed: If the rug becomes damp, replace it with a fresh, dry one. You may need to repeat this process several times.
- Avoid Plastic or Non-Breathable Linings: Ensure the rug has no plastic or non-breathable linings that would trap moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many well-intentioned horse owners make mistakes when rugging wet horses, leading to potentially harmful consequences:
- Using Non-Breathable Rugs: This is the biggest mistake. Using a waterproof or heavily insulated rug on a wet horse is almost guaranteed to cause problems.
- Rugging a Soaking Wet Horse: As mentioned earlier, attempting to rug a horse that is dripping wet is counterproductive and harmful.
- Failing to Monitor: Not checking the horse regularly to ensure the rug is not becoming saturated can lead to overlooked problems.
- Over-rugging: Putting too heavy a rug on the horse can cause overheating, especially if the horse is already slightly warm from exercise.
- Ignoring Skin Issues: Failing to recognize early signs of skin irritation or infection can allow the problem to worsen.
| Mistake | Consequence | Prevention |
|---|---|---|
| —————————— | ——————————————- | ———————————————————————– |
| Non-breathable rug | Trapped moisture, skin infections | Use only breathable rugs like wool or wicking fleece |
| Rugging a soaking wet horse | Exacerbates dampness, increases risk of infection | Towel dry or allow to air dry first, then consider a breathable rug |
| Failing to monitor | Overheating, undetected skin issues | Check the horse frequently, especially in the early stages |
| Over-rugging | Overheating, discomfort | Choose appropriate rug weight based on temperature and clipping status |
| Ignoring skin issues | Worsening infection, prolonged treatment | Regularly inspect the horse’s skin for redness, irritation, or sores |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the symptoms of rain rot, and how can I treat it?
Rain rot presents as crusty, matted lesions on the horse’s back, rump, and sometimes legs. The hair will often stand on end and easily come out in clumps, leaving raw skin underneath. Treatment involves removing the scabs with gentle scrubbing (often requiring medicated shampoo), keeping the affected area clean and dry, and applying an antifungal or antibacterial ointment as directed by your veterinarian.
Are certain breeds more susceptible to skin problems from rugging wet horses?
While any horse can develop skin issues from trapped moisture, horses with thick coats or those that have not been clipped are generally more susceptible because their coats retain more moisture. Similarly, horses with compromised immune systems may be more prone to infections.
What type of rug is best for drying a slightly damp horse?
Wool rugs are an excellent choice because they are naturally breathable and absorbent. Wicking fleece rugs are also designed specifically for this purpose. Avoid rugs with waterproof or plastic linings.
How can I tell if a rug is breathable enough?
A simple test is to hold the rug up to your mouth and try to breathe through it. If you can easily feel your breath on the other side, the rug is likely breathable. However, this is just a preliminary test; observing how the rug performs on the horse is the most reliable indicator.
Is it ever okay to use a cooler on a wet horse?
Yes, wool coolers are often used to help cool down a horse after exercise, even if they are still slightly damp. The wool wicks away moisture while allowing air circulation, preventing the horse from becoming chilled.
How often should I check on a horse that I have rugged while it’s damp?
You should check on the horse every hour or two, especially in the initial stages. Monitor the rug for dampness, the horse for overheating or shivering, and the skin for any signs of irritation.
What are the signs that a horse is overheating under a rug?
Signs of overheating include excessive sweating, rapid breathing, lethargy, and an elevated temperature. If you suspect your horse is overheating, remove the rug immediately and provide cool water.
Can I use a fan to help dry a wet horse?
Yes, fans can be helpful in accelerating the drying process, especially in a well-ventilated area. Be sure to position the fan so that the airflow is gentle and not directly blasting the horse, which could cause discomfort.
What if I don’t have a breathable rug available?
If you don’t have a breathable rug, it’s best to avoid rugging the wet horse altogether. Instead, towel dry the horse as much as possible and allow it to air dry in a sheltered area.
How does clipping affect the decision to rug a wet horse?
Clipped horses are more vulnerable to cold, so rugging a slightly damp clipped horse with a breathable rug may be necessary, especially in colder weather. However, it’s still crucial to monitor the horse closely and ensure the rug is not trapping moisture.
What should I do if I notice a skin problem developing under the rug?
Remove the rug immediately and consult with your veterinarian. Early intervention is key to preventing the problem from worsening. Keep the affected area clean and dry until you can get professional advice.
Is it OK to put a rug on a wet horse if I am actively grooming it?
No, even if you are actively grooming a wet horse you should refrain from applying a rug until the horse is completely dry. Grooming can aid in evaporating excess water; applying a rug will prevent effective drying and can create uncomfortable rubbing.