Is it OK to put rugs on a wet horse?

[KingaRoo]

I am looking after a friend's horse for two weeks while she's on holiday. I'm an experienced rider but never had my own horse.

I was riding today and got caught in unexpected heavy rain. I had no option but to turn the horse out still wet with rugs on. There is no stable or shelter where I could have dried him off first. Is this OK?

Also she doesn't have any exercise/waterproof rugs so I can foresee this being an ongoing issue over the next two weeks!

[Funkycats]

Rugs are more breathable now so I think you did the right thing.
A rug on a wet horse is more likely to rub. I try not to do it but in circumstances like you describe, I would. The canvas new Zealand rugs wouldn't have allowed the horse to dry off.

I've been known to leave a wet rug on horse to dry over night. It's very effective way of drying the rug. Have to be cautious if the horse is underweight though as it uses extra energy to heat itself and wet rug.
It's really important to change rugs regularly or at least take them off to check the horse's condition. I have known people to not check under a rug for 6 weeks or so which really shocks me.

[pelirocco123]

On the whole horses are pretty hardy ,we tend to baby them in the UK !

[Booboostwo]

A rug that is wet on top but dry through is perfectly fine on a horse. The horse's body heat will dry it. A rug that has wet through needs changing asap as it both makes the horse wet and cold and it stops the horse's hair from rising and drying themselves.

[Iwantmychairback]

How about putting a layer of straw along his back before tugging? It keeps the wet rug off his back and allows air to circulate to dry him off. Straw will gradually fall out whilst he walks around

[Sizeablecontours]

I'm old enough to remember "thatching" a wet and tired cob after a heavy day's ride as a child.

You basically towel the horse down and put straw as evenly as you can along horse's back so that it creates an air space between it and the rug. Then the heat from the horse's body dries it all out.

As long as the horse gets regular turn out times in its paddock with nothing on its back in good weather, all should be fine. It would be better if your charge had a field shelter though!

[Strawberrycreamsundae]

I remember (and used) thatching, string rugs, New Zealand’s, jute rugs et al. Definitely showing my age!

[Chesntoots]

Canvas New Zealands and string rugs! Can I add putting a blanket / duvet under your jute rug, making a little triangle and then securing with a surcingle? I am very old....

Sorry OP, not helping much but a retro pony thread would be awesome!