To Rug or not to Rug - I had to take an unusual decision

Usually my horses are allowed to be naked and grow as much hair as they need to be comfortable.
But - what if temperatures plumet from +30°C down to +10°C within 2 days? Add wind and rain and this gives very uncomfortable, grumpy horses.
So I took an unsual decision and actually blanketed all my horses.
Whats your take on blanketing? Does your horse wear a rug in winter? Or is he a "natural"?
Let me know in the comments!

[@PaulaWyatt-m4i]

Exactly the same as you.... No hard and fast rules just according to weather and/or horses needs 😊

[@NancyBrielleDandy]

Thank you Gabi. That's a great video. ❤

[@MaryAnnJohnstone]

Thanks for your sensibility on this. So many folks are hard-core about not blanketing and criticize those of us who do. My horses shiver and appear miserable if they are not blanketed, even inside the stall, (they can go in or out)and they don't grow very thick coats so I do what you do. They are much happier that way and so am I. I ride in the winter and do not clip so drying sometimes can be tricky, that's why I try to work with them early in the day and they have coolers I use too and I just walk them til they are dry. (I have been known to even break out a hair dryer haha)You are always so smart :) Thank you for normalizing blanketing!

[@gabineurohr]

@@MaryAnnJohnstone right, we shouldn't get religious in any horsey question. Quarter horses also don't grow big coats and need some extra protection.

[@mothergoose3890]

My horses live outside with shelter. Yes, I do what you do, I look to see if they are comfortable. And if not, then the blankets go on. I have a new yearling now and it will be fun to see how she likes her blanket when necessary 😊
Thank you for sharing Gabi❤

[@gabineurohr]

Sounds like you have a very similar set up as me. Maserati was very funny when I put a blanket on him the first time. He thought that he couldn't move anymore. He just stood there, not moving for quite a while. Until I put the halter on and led him a few steps, then he was fine. Funny man

[@o-niko]

Thanks for your video! It came just in time as I am thinking about which blankets to get for mines as it seems like they could use some at times. They live outside and have free access inside stable too.
I have a senior Standardbred that grows nice thick fur but it is soft and not really waterproof. Another one is teen-ish warmblood but he also often gets grumpy in the colder season.
So I am connecting the dots now and assume that blankets may help them 😊
Cheers from Latvia!

[@mirjamhenderson9804]

I like the way the blanket fits on your arabs.
My Arab gets realy grumpy when it gets wet, cold and windy.
Yes I blanket through the winter as he hates to be cold.
We have been lucky with the weather. We are having nice fall weather but cooler temperatures here in BC, Canada.
So he started to have a fall coat. I have his blanket ready for once the weather changes.😊
My horse lives on a track system.

[@gabineurohr]

@@mirjamhenderson9804 right? They get super grumpy - this is my indicator for when they need a rug.
Great your lives in a track system - would love to have one again too

[@MaryAnnJohnstone]

Is the track system like a "pasture paradise" system? I would like to have one of those. If so, is that different shelters located along the way?

[@gabineurohr]

@@MaryAnnJohnstone yes it's the same as paddock paradise. Usually there is just one or two shelters but several feeding areas along the track