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Why do horses get coats and cows don't?

258 replies

noblegiraffe · 13/10/2023 19:59

Today I was driving in the pouring rain past a horse field, and they were all, bar one, wearing coats. Then there was a cow field, obviously no coats.

Which led me to wonder why some animals get coats and others don't. Who decided that horses need coats, and why? Was the coatless horse just like a cool teen who will not wear a coat however much you tell them to, or a rock-hard horse who doesn't actually need one?

Why do some dogs get coats and others not? Did they try to sell coats for cats but cats said no way?

Do other animals get coats?

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CurlewKate · 14/10/2023 15:14

Lots of horses don't wear coats. W have two-one is an Arab and nearly 30 and skinny- she wears a massive coat. A coat that probably wears more than she does. The other is a Dales who only has to look at a handful of oats to become perfectly circular. Never worn a coat in his life.
(they're called rugs by the way!)

therealcookiemonster · 14/10/2023 17:12

all those saying cats don't wear coats... seen plenty of cats in all sorts of costumes... including full on dresses. evidence enclosed

noblegiraffe · 14/10/2023 17:26

Needmorelego · 14/10/2023 13:17

This feels like a plot for a story from Bunty Comic. The poor scholarship girl at the riding school who can't afford a horse but her uncle lets her use his prize cow instead.

Yes! I put it to chatGPT. I would have totally read this as a kid.

In a prestigious boarding school nestled in the lush English countryside, there was a scholarship girl named Emily. She hailed from a small, modest village and had always dreamt of attending this esteemed institution. Emily was passionate about horse riding and had an undeniable talent, but there was one significant obstacle – she didn't own a horse.

The school's annual Gymkhana was a grand event, featuring elegant equestrian competitions, and it was the talk of the school for months leading up to it. Emily longed to participate but knew she couldn't afford a horse, let alone one that could match the exquisite thoroughbreds of her privileged peers. Her dream seemed unattainable.

One evening, while discussing the Gymkhana with her family, her uncle, Mr. Turner, listened intently. He had always been fond of Emily, and the sparkle in her eyes when she talked about the event touched his heart. Mr. Turner, a farmer known for his prized cow, Daisy, hatched an extraordinary plan.

The morning of the Gymkhana arrived, and the prestigious school's riding arena was filled with impeccably groomed horses, each more majestic than the last. Emily felt a knot of anxiety in her stomach as she gazed at her fellow students' elegant steeds. How could she, with her limited resources, compete against such splendor?

Just as the competition was about to begin, Emily's uncle, Mr. Turner, arrived at the event, leading Daisy the cow. Whispers and giggles spread through the crowd as they saw the unusual pair enter the arena. Emily mounted Daisy, her makeshift "steed," and took a deep breath.

The first event was the jumping competition, and Emily and Daisy approached the series of hurdles. They moved in perfect harmony, and to everyone's astonishment, Daisy cleared each jump with grace. The crowd's laughter soon transformed into awe-struck applause.

In the barrel racing, Emily and Daisy weaved expertly through the course, earning cheers and admiration from the spectators. The audience couldn't help but smile and cheer on the underdog team.

Finally, it was the grand finale, the cross-country race. Emily and Daisy, now fan favorites, surged ahead. Daisy, with her determined gallop, powered through the course, giving it her all. In the end, Emily and her uncle's prize cow crossed the finish line ahead of all the fancy horses.

As Emily dismounted Daisy, the crowd erupted in applause. She had won the Gymkhana, not with a grand stallion, but with determination, spirit, and an unconventional partner. The scholarship girl had outshone her privileged peers, proving that one's background and resources were no match for dedication and a heart full of dreams.

The Gymkhana was a turning point in Emily's life. She earned the respect and admiration of her classmates, and her story served as a reminder that, sometimes, it's not about the horse you ride, but the courage, perseverance, and passion within you. Emily's triumph was a testament to the fact that dreams could come true, even when they seemed utterly impossible.

OP posts:
noblegiraffe · 14/10/2023 17:26

therealcookiemonster · 14/10/2023 17:12

all those saying cats don't wear coats... seen plenty of cats in all sorts of costumes... including full on dresses. evidence enclosed

That cat is definitely plotting its revenge.

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Needmorelego · 14/10/2023 17:27

@noblegiraffe best story ever 😂

MillieVonPinkle · 14/10/2023 17:32

For dogs, I suppose it's breed/age dependent.

We have a 1.5 year old Springer Spaniel and I wouldn't get her a coat, she doesn't need it. She'll voluntarily jump in a river in the middle of January in minus temps and not be the least bothered.

She does absolutely love the hairdryer when we get home though!

Rattyname · 14/10/2023 17:49

Notcookie · 13/10/2023 21:24

Look at this cutie. Doesn't look too dissimilar to a Highland cow.

That’s a lion

oohsharon · 14/10/2023 17:53

I need to read this thread 🤣

therealcookiemonster · 14/10/2023 18:51

@Notcookie omgggg soon cute. is he/she yours?

ps obv you are fully within your rights to choose your username but you should know that it is very triggering for cookie monsters

Notcookie · 14/10/2023 20:08

No not mine. I have a wimpy Irish Sportshorse who shivers dramatically as soon as it gets below 10C.

LouOrange · 14/10/2023 20:11

I’ve seen newborn/prem calves in coats *rugs

Heelenahandbasket · 14/10/2023 20:12

noblegiraffe · 13/10/2023 20:03

Because in winter horses get their coats clipped

So was the coatless horse not to be ridden?

And the horses would be toasty if their coats weren't cut?

Wild horses like exmoor ponies don’t have coats out on the moors. But maybe just they’re too tough and hardy for that.

my dog won’t wear a coat yet as she’s a poodle cross gets clipped every month. What what can you do, she’s too precious

AtmosAtmos · 14/10/2023 20:15

Heelenahandbasket · 14/10/2023 20:12

Wild horses like exmoor ponies don’t have coats out on the moors. But maybe just they’re too tough and hardy for that.

my dog won’t wear a coat yet as she’s a poodle cross gets clipped every month. What what can you do, she’s too precious

What would happen if you didn’t clip? Would you still want her or would she need to be in a coat? Would there be other problems?

noblegiraffe · 14/10/2023 20:26

littleripper · 14/10/2023 11:28

Also, horses are pets and cows are livestock.
But I put my lambs in jackets. They look so spiffy and adorable.
https://animac-wear.com/products/waterproof-lamb-coat-150gm

I hadn't looked at this properly before, a company called AniMac

A company literally for coats for animals! And they all look amazing. Do I want a Goat Coat, a Ram Rug or a Cow Cover?

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Snowflake760 · 14/10/2023 20:27

Watch Tom Pemberton .. he sometimes has videos of his cows wanting to come inside because it’s raining and at 6.22 in this video you can see all the calves in their coats

HOW TO REAR THE PERFECT CALF...

In today's video i show you how we rear our baby calves on the farm. from start to finish and see see something very special! A calf is born on the day!!Hope...

https://youtu.be/nK9Kc-D9io0?si=ZU3MrEDrtwtYfiNu

Foreverdecorating · 14/10/2023 20:34

noblegiraffe · 13/10/2023 20:27

This is all fascinating, I am learning lots!

While the people who know this sort of thing are around, if we give horses coats because we clip them, why do sheep not get coats when we shear them?

I have pet sheep and I have coats for them for nighttime when they first get sheared if it is cold. Sheep tend to have their full woolies for winter though and are sheared for the hot days in summer. One of my sheep really struggles with the heat and goes in his shelter during the day in the summer. I do feel sorry for animals that are deprived of shelter so they can choose to get out of the elements

MrsHamlet · 14/10/2023 20:52

I teach in a rural location. Many years ago, Bob's mum rang to say Bob had broken his arm and couldn't come in.

What happened, I asked.

He tried to ride one of the herd. She didn't like it.

Scrowy · 14/10/2023 20:53

LouOrange · 14/10/2023 20:11

I’ve seen newborn/prem calves in coats *rugs

Something is brain is telling me it's jackets when they are worn by calves

noblegiraffe · 14/10/2023 20:58

“CosyCalf”

I love that farmers want their calves to be cosy.

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dudsville · 14/10/2023 21:05

If i remember my history, i thought this was one of the less famous outcomes of the great horse uprising.

Rowgtfc72 · 14/10/2023 21:23

I have a sausage dog. I assumed, wrongly, that being low slung he would prefer a coat when it was cold and wet. He looks shifty and will then lay flat and refuse to move.
He loves a good hat though!^^

Why do horses get coats and cows don't?
Myneighboursarewankers · 14/10/2023 21:29

Never in my life have I seen or ever imagined a sweaty horse

Puffinshop · 14/10/2023 21:46

Horses can get incredibly sweaty. They can get so sweaty they start producing a disgusting white foam, especially in places that rub like between the buttocks. There's an image for you to imagine 😉

It's truly revolting.

Notcookie · 14/10/2023 21:53

Ooh yes. I used to live in Southern France, and in the summer it was often impossible to hold onto the reins as the horses would just be covered in foamy sweat.

My horse gets really sweaty even if I just walk him slowly! I have to wash home off after every ride.