A rug is designed to keep horses and ponies warm during the cold winter months.When putting a rug on a horse, make sure the straps are fastened securely and not leave any dangling free.Put the rug on while your horse is tied up.If you are inexperienced, have a more experienced rider watch over you in case of an accident.
Step 1: The horse needs to be secured with a head collar.
Attach the head collar over the horse's head to keep it from moving while you put the rug on.The rope should be tied to a wooden beam.halters are known in the U.S. as headcollars.
Step 2: Place the rug over the horse's back.
When walking to the horse, approach from the front so the animal can see you.Slowly and gently place the material over their back.It should be in the center of the horse's back.If you throw the rug over the horse or pony will be frightened.In the US, rugs are known as blankets.Slow movements can be used to avoid scaring the animal.Don't throw your arms up or move suddenly.The front and back of the rug should be facing the right way on the horse.If the rug is on the other side, flip it around.
Step 3: The rug is on the horse's back.
Once the rug is on the horse, spread it out.The rug should cover the entire body of the horse.While still allowing the animal to move freely, it should hang a few inches below the horse's belly.
Step 4: The breast straps should be in front of the horse.
Bring the rug together in front of the horse's body by reaching around the top of his neck.Use the clips attached to the rug to fasten the breast straps.If the horse or pony tries to run away, fasten these straps first.If the rug panics, the horse can step out of it without hurting it or damaging it.There should be enough room for you to put your hand between the rug and the horse if the breast straps overlap in the front.The rug is more comfortable if you slide it backwards so that it is farther down your pony's neck.
Step 5: Fasten the surcingles.
The cross is fastened to the rug on the other side.The surcingle is on the right of the horse.Take it across the horse's belly and put it on the left side of the rug.The right-rear strap should be fastened at the front- left of the rug.Don't make the surcingles too tight around the horse's stomach.You should be able to fit a fist between the straps.If the straps are not in good working order, the horse could get its leg caught in it and fall off.If you have someone help you, you won't have to crouch beneath the horse to grab the surcingles.
Step 6: Attach the leg straps to the horse.
The leg straps will hang from the left side of the rug before they are fastened.Attach the rear leg strap to the clasp on the right-rear side of the blanket by Tucking it through and behind the horse's legs.Attach the front leg strap through the animal's legs to the left-rear side of the rug.When fastening the leg straps, do not stand behind the horse.It may kick out with a hind leg if startled.Most rugs that are designed for ponies do not have leg straps.You can skip this step if you are putting a rug on a pony.
Step 7: To keep the rug secure, fasten the fillet string under the pony's tail.
Smaller rugs don't have leg straps.There is a fillet string underneath the pony's tail.Attach the fillet string from the left side of the rug to the right side under the pony's tail.The string should be held in place with a clip or clasp.The leg straps will be replaced by the fillet strap to hold the rug in place.
Step 8: Underneath the tail flap, place the horse's tail.
A tail flap is what Rugs for full-sized horses typically have.The horse can pick up its tail when it moves because of the tail flap.The tail flaps are not necessary to hold the rug in place.
Step 9: Go out to pasture with your horse or pony.
Take a walk around the horse or pony and make sure the straps are in place.The rug is in place and the horse is ready to go outside.