How to tell if he’s cold

Now that winter is properly here, you might be wondering whether your pony is chilly out in the field. It’s a kind thing to worry about, but here’s something that surprises a lot of people: ponies are much better at handling cold than we are, and many don’t need a rug at all.

Ponies grow a thick, fluffy winter coat that traps warm air against their skin, a bit like wearing a built-in duvet. As long as they have shelter from wind and rain, plenty of hay, and water to drink, most healthy ponies stay perfectly cosy.

So how do you check if your pony is actually cold? Don’t go by his ears or his legs, those often feel cool even on a warm pony. Instead, slip your hand under his coat at the base of his neck or behind his shoulder, where his body is. If that feels warm, he’s fine. If it feels genuinely cold there, he might need help.

A pony is more likely to need a rug if he:

• Has been clipped (his coat has been shaved off for work).
• Is very old, very young, or unwell.
• Is a fine-coated type that doesn’t grow much winter fluff (think Arabians or Thoroughbreds).

And remember, hay is winter fuel. Munching forage actually warms a pony from the inside as he digests it, which keeps him warmer than any rug. If you’re not sure whether your pony needs rugging, ask your coach or the yard owner who knows him. Rugging the wrong pony can make him too hot and sweaty, which is just as uncomfortable as being cold. Warm tummy, full of hay, out of the wind. That’s a happy winter pony.