Can winter rugs cause tension?
Proper rug fit is very important as an ill-fitting rug can cause a lot of tension in the front end. In the long run, this can negatively impact your horse's performance and wellbeing.
Although most horses have the ability to grow a thick winter coat and to efficiently thermoregulate, some might benefit from having an extra layer in the form of a blanket or rug. A lot of owners start blanketing their horses in the fall, to prevent them from growing a thick coat. Once they are being routinely rugged, they have to stay that way all throughout winter, as they don't have their own coats to keep them warm.
If you are rugging your horse this winter, make sure the rug fits properly.
Proper rug fit is something that is not really talked about a lot. Most owners measure the horse from the withers to the tailhead and buy a blanket of the appropriate length. We rarely think of a blanket as something that could do any harm to the horse, but if you think about it, we probably should. Have you ever worn a t-shirt with a very annoying tag at the back? Or pants with a waist that was slightly too tight? At first it doesn't seem like a big deal, but after a day in clothing like that it gets very, very annoying. If you had to stay in those pants for a month straight, it would probably have a big impact on your general disposition. A lot of blankets, even if they are the appropriate length, can be a little tight in the front end. This can create tension around the withers and the shoulder area. In the long run it can negatively impact the stride length and the functioning of the thoracic sling.
In the winter months, I tend to find a lot of horses are tense in the wither area, and very sensitive around the pectoral muscles, which is very often due to rugs being too tight in front. So, what can be done? First of all, ensuring proper rug fit is very important. This can be pretty tricky, but it's worth the effort. Try out a couple of different ones, routinely check how snug the rug fits around the withers and observe your horse while wearing it. Second, make sure to take the rug off every day, even if you are not working the horse, and give him a good brushing to stimulate blood flow. Pay a little more attention to the withers and pectorals. If your horse is ok with it, you can massage the wither area with the curry brush. Be very gentle and follow your horse's reactions.
For the pectoral muscles, try some massage. Be aware of the fact that this can be a sensitive area, so approach with caution. Glide your hand over the pectoral muscles a couple of times to see how your horse reacts. If your horse is ok with it, find the edge of the sternum with your fingertips and massage outwards. Here's a video to help you: Releasing the pectoral muscles
I recommend massaging the withers and the pectorals before you work your horse, to prevent any potential tightness from the rug spilling over into his posture and movement. If the horse reacts strongly to being touched at the withers or the pectorals, it might be time to call in a professional and consider getting a different rug.