The Ultimate Seasonal Guide to Rugging Your Horse in Australia

Practical Tips for Keeping Your Horse Comfortable, Healthy, and Happy Through Every Season

Rugging horses is a hot topic among Australian horse owners, and for good reason—our weather is anything but predictable! From frosty winter mornings in Tassie to the sweltering summer heat in Queensland, understanding when, why, and how to rug your horse is essential for their wellbeing. In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know: how horses regulate their temperature, which rugs to use and when, the advantages and disadvantages of rugging, tips for caring for unrugged horses, plus seasonal care including cleaning and repairs. Whether you’re a seasoned equestrian or just starting out, you’ll find practical, down-to-earth advice to keep your horse snug, healthy and looking their best.

Understanding Horse Temperature Regulation

Horses are surprisingly good at regulating their own body temperature. Most horses feel comfortable in temperatures between 5°C and 25°C. They have a natural ability to fluff up their coats to trap warm air in winter and shed excess hair in summer. It’s common for horse owners to over-rug, but remember: horses feel the cold differently to us, and are often warmer than we think!

• Signs your horse is too cold: Shivering, tucked-up appearance, cold ears, reluctance to move.

• Signs your horse is too warm: Sweating under the rug, restlessness, damp coat, lethargy.

Always check under your horse’s rug by sliding your hand behind their wither—a warm, dry feel means you’re on the right track.

A little Winter hack for you: purchase some stick-on heat temperature gauges (like these) and put on the inside of the rug near the shoulder. This should tell you their ambient temperature in the rug (this works and is very useful!)

Here's a guide on temperatures (feels like) and what rugs to consider (these are in degrees Celsius for us Aussie's):

One additional thought here is if it is Summer and warm, the flies may be annoying the hell out of your horse, so if it is warm, look into a good quality fly mesh rug to stop the nasty buzzers from irritating your horse, and creating an air flow layer near their coat.

Signs you might need to do this include:

• Running eyes

• Swishing tail constantly

• Skin twitching with clear signs of flying insects landing on their skin

• Sometimes kicking out (this can usually be due to those damn bot flies - they don't sting but buzz loudly and lay eggs on the horse's coat... which is another thing to have to manage and help the horse deal with)

• Irritability

• Stomping their feet

• Not wanting to stand still as they are being irritated

The Pros and Cons of Rugging Horses

Benefits of Rugging

• Weather Protection: Rugs can shield horses from cold, wind, rain, and intense sun, helping to prevent chills, rain scald, or sun bleaching.

• Weight Management: Especially useful for older, clipped, or underweight horses that struggle to maintain condition in winter.

• Maintains Coat Appearance: Keeps the coat clean and smooth, handy for show/competition horses, those in heavy work or are sweaty Betty's!

• Pest Control: Fly and summer sheets can help deter biting insects and reduce skin irritation.

• Feed Bill Savings: potentially don't need to feed as much extra nutrition to keep the horse's condition in the colder parts of the year.

• Time Saver: not as much time needed to invest in keeping your horse clean and coat groomed/sparkling.

Drawbacks of Rugging

• Overheating Risk: Over-rugging can cause horses to sweat and overheat, leading to discomfort and even health issues.

• Skin Problems: Rugs that are too tight, poorly fitted, or left on damp can cause rubbing, hair loss, or fungal infections.

• Reduced Natural Adaptation: Horses adapt to the climate by developing their own thick winter coats; excessive rugging can interfere with this natural process.

• Maintenance Effort: Rugs require regular checking, cleaning, and repairing, adding to the owner’s workload.

• Ill Fitting: Rugs need to fit correctly in order to not be uncomfortable or cause other skin/medical conditions. Layering may not be the best option as it puts added pressure on the horse - consider rugs with liner systems (they are brilliant for addressing this concern)!

Horses at Home or on Agistment?

This plays a vital role in what rugging approach you may take.

If your horses are on your own property, you are able to tend to them a number of times a day. So, rugging can be adjusted more frequently, which is fantastic.

However, if you are on agistment and can only see your horse a limited time, then you should be extra diligent in your rugging approach. Consider the following:

Visitation Frequency	Rugging Suggestion
Once per day	Rug for the warmest "feels like" temperature, whilst considering rain/dampness
1-2 times per week	Consider no rugging, or paying someone to adjust the rugs for you
Less than once per week	No rugging, your horse is not going to benefit from rugs not being taken off and being groomed. Rubbing from rugs staying on for long periods of time is like a really badly fitted bra or undies that you can't take off! Also, if they are sweating from being too hot, you run the risk of major skin infections.

If You Don’t Rug: Supporting Your Horse Through Harsh Seasons

Plenty of Aussie horses thrive unrugged, even through chilly winters or sweltering summers, especially if they’re healthy and have natural coats. If you choose not to rug, you’ll need to pay extra attention to some key areas:

Grooming

• Regular Brushing: A thick winter coat can get matted or trap dirt and moisture. Daily grooming with a curry comb and dandy brush keeps the skin healthy, improves circulation, and helps shed old hair.

• Checking for Skin Issues: Unrugged horses are more exposed to rain, mud, and insects. Examine for scald, rain rot, or parasites to catch issues early.

• Mud Management: In wet seasons, clean mud off legs to prevent mud fever and allow the skin to breathe.

Nutrition

• Increase Forage in Cold Weather: Horses generate heat by digesting fibre. Increase good quality hay or pasture access to help them maintain body temperature and condition during cold snaps.

• Monitor Body Condition: Routinely assess your horse’s weight and adjust feed as needed to avoid weight loss in winter or excessive gain in summer.

• Provide Shelter: Natural or man-made shelter is critical for unrugged horses, providing protection from wind, rain, and harsh sun.

• Water Access: Ensure constant supply of fresh, unfrozen water in winter and ample clean water in summer.

Types of Horse Rugs: Choosing the Right Rug for the Job

There’s a rug for every season and situation. Here’s a rundown of the most common types and when to use them:

• Fly Sheets: Excellent for warmer days, and protection against the nasty and annoying flies. Extra tip, spray your horses' legs with a fly spray to keep the dreaded bot flies at bay.

• Summer Sheets: Lightweight cotton or mesh, perfect for keeping the sun and flies off during hot, dry days. Great for horses prone to bleaching or skin irritation.

• Turnout Rugs: Waterproof and durable, designed for paddock use in wet or cold weather. Available in various weights, from light (no fill) to heavy (300g+ fill) depending on your climate and horse’s needs.

• Stable Rugs: Not waterproof, but warm and cosy for chilly nights in the stable. Usually quilted or padded.

• Combo Rugs: Extend up the neck for extra coverage—great for clipped horses or those needing extra protection.

• Coolers and Fleece Rugs: Used after exercise or washing to wick away moisture and prevent chills.

• Rain Sheets: Lightweight, waterproof, and ideal for sudden wet weather without adding warmth.

Material options include cotton, polycotton, canvas, and synthetic fabrics. Choose breathable, hard-wearing materials for our variable Aussie conditions.

Concerned about mane rubbing out (and yes, this is also uncomfortable for the horse... imagine being in an uncomfortable bra all day and not being able to take it off and scratch at the indentation in your skin?!)? Investing in an anti-rub bib (I recommend the Le Mieux anti-rub bib - tried and tested on all our large Friesian X's).

If you'd like to learn the options for rugging - across entry level to luxury ranges, check out my post on "Choosing the Right Horse Rug: A Guide to Brands, Quality, Denier Strengths, Closures, and More".

Seasonal Rugging Guide: When and How to Rug

Australia’s climate varies widely, but these general tips will help you get rugging right year-round:

• Summer: Most horses cope well unrugged, but use summer sheets or fly rugs if needed. Avoid heavy rugs—overheating is a real risk.

• Autumn: As nights cool, start with light rugs and adjust as the weather changes. Watch for sudden cold snaps.

• Winter: Use heavier turnout or stable rugs, especially for clipped or older horses. Layer rugs if needed but avoid over-rugging.

• Spring: Gradually reduce rug weight as temperatures rise. Monitor for sweating and remove rugs promptly in warm weather.

Always consider your horse’s breed, age, health, and whether they’re clipped. Transition between rug types as seasons change and remember it’s easier for a horse to warm up naturally than to cool down if overdressed.

My rugging mantra is: "It's preferable for them to be too cold rather than too hot. Therefore, when uncertain, opt for lighter rugs if the temperatures are borderline."

Cleaning, Storing, and Re-Proofing Rugs: Seasonal Care Made Easy

Proper care extends your rug’s life and keeps your horse comfortable. Here’s a simple routine:

1. End of Season: Remove all rugs at the end of winter or summer. Shake out dirt and loose hair.

2. Cleaning: Wash rugs before storing. Use a hose and stiff brush for spot cleaning or pop them in the washing machine (see tips below).

3. Repair: Ensure you thoroughly inspect each rug and get them repaired for any damages found. Reach out to The Horse Rug Whisperer (they do washing, re-proofing and repairs f or horse rugs in the Canberra region).

4. Re-Proofing: Use a product like Nik Wax Rug Proof to restore waterproofing after washing, especially for turnout rugs.

5. Storage: Dry rugs thoroughly, fold neatly, and store in a clean, dry area. Avoid damp tack rooms or sheds to prevent mould and mildew.

DIY Rug Cleaning Tips

Washing horse rugs doesn’t have to be a chore, and you don’t need fancy gear. Here’s how to get the job done:

• Washing Machines: Use a large, heavy-duty machine if possible. To protect your machine and avoid clogging, put rugs in a dedicated horse rug washing bag. Remove all buckles and straps where possible (if not, do them up to reduce any damage when they are moved during the cycle).

• Products: Choose a specialist detergent like Nik Wax Rug Wash for gentle yet effective cleaning. Follow with Nik Wax Rug Proof for waterproofing. Avoid standard laundry detergents—they can damage waterproof layers.

• Hand Washing: For delicate or heavily soiled rugs, soak in a trough or large tub with rug wash, scrub, then rinse thoroughly. For any rugs with wool, I recommend a special wool detergent.

Removing Hair and Drying Rugs

Before washing, tackle the hair! Use a rubber curry comb, grooming block, or vacuum to remove as much as possible. This not only helps your machine but ensures a better clean.

For drying:

• Hang rugs over a sturdy fence, clothesline, or rug rack in the sun (if possible).

• Avoid tumble dryers—they can wreck waterproofing and shrink rugs.

• Make sure rugs are completely dry before storing to prevent mould.

Rug Repairs and Professional Services

Small repairs (like stitching a loose strap or patching a small tear) can often be tackled with a heavy-duty needle and thread, iron-on patches, or even a bit of duct tape in a pinch. But for bigger jobs—think major tears, broken surcingles, or waterproofing issues—it’s best to call in the pros.

As the seasons change, it’s a great time to book professional repairs. For Canberra region people, I recommend reaching out to The Horse Rug Whisperer for expert repairs, alterations, and re-proofing to keep your rugs in top nick. Don’t wait until winter hits—beat the rush and get organised early!

Conclusion: Rug Right, Ride Happy

Proper rugging and care not only keep your horse healthy but also save you time and money in the long run. With a bit of planning and regular maintenance, your rugs will last for seasons to come—and your horse will thank you for it. If you choose not to rug, attentive grooming, good nutrition, and adequate shelter are the keys to helping your horse thrive through every Australian season. So get out there, check your rugs, book those repairs, and enjoy a happy, comfortable horse all year round.

And remember, just because you are cold, doesn't mean they are!