Choosing which rug to use can be more difficult than it sounds, and every pony is different.
The temperature guide below is roughly how I choose which rugs to put on my own ponies, but it really is only a starting point. There are so many other things to factor in before deciding what your pony needs.

But what else do I consider?

1. Is the stable inside or outside?

An internal stable is likely to be more protected and warmer than an outside stable that is open to the elements. Two ponies can technically be “stabled” in very different environments.

2. What type of pony do you have?

Is your pony a hardy, fluffy Shetland or a more refined little ‘toy horse’? Both may be unclipped, but one is likely to need more layers than the other.

Breed, coat type, age and body condition can all make a difference.

3. What is their turnout like?

If your pony lives out, how much shelter do they actually have access to?

Are they turned out with other horses, and who is the alpha in the herd? Having a lovely field shelter isn't much help if your pony isn't the one who's allowed to stand in it!

Then there's the field itself. Is it on the top of a hill exposed to every bit of wind and rain, or tucked away from the elements in a valley?

4. What type of clip do they have?

‘Clipped’ can mean lots of different things.

A pony with a full clip is likely to need more layers than one with a small bib or belly clip, so simply putting them into the ‘clipped’ column doesn't necessarily give you the answer.

5. How much mane does your pony have?

If they're anything like Boris, they're unlikely to need – or particularly appreciate – wearing a neck cover!

A pony with very little mane, or one that is hogged, may benefit from a neck cover. That might be one matching the weight of their rug, or simply a no-fill neck to give some extra protection from the wind and rain.

6. Is your pony on medication?

Some medications can affect how a pony regulates their body temperature, so this can be another factor to consider.

Suzie, for example, can get very hot when she first comes in from the grass, so it's important that I give her time to cool down before deciding what rug, if any, she needs.

These are obviously just a small example of the different factors you need to consider. The temperature on your weather app doesn't necessarily tell you how your individual pony is feeling, so I use the guide as exactly that – a guide.

And if all else fails, ask someone you trust for their advice.

Sometimes though, you simply can't win – especially during the great British spring/autumn weather roulette! 😂

Small but Mighty 🩷