What size rug for newborn foals?

Question

My mare is due early May and I initially hadn't planned on buying any foal rugs, at the very least waiting until the thing is here so I can measure it however given the recent weather if it doesn't warm up towards the end of april I'd like to have at least one rug I can stick on the foal right away if it's cold or wet to get them turned out. Her foaling box is a decent size, thick stone and can be quite cosy and will be deeply bedded with straw - I figure this means unless we're ridiculously cold then it shouldn't need a rug while stabled but if it's wet/cold then it will need one for turnout.
My basic question is what sor of size should I be buying? This is the first foal from the mare but vet said it felt big when he last checked her (about 2 months ago).
Mare is 15'1 cob and dad is 15'3 tb.

Thanks

see arr harr · Accepted Answer

Don't rug a foal, it can interfere with movement.  I've seen yearlings tied in at the front because they were rugged as tiny babies and there is no space to move at the chest so they learn to restrict themselves.  Someone a few farms down from me uses bits of sacking as foal rugs - they're waterproof and cover the back only - personally I keep them in when it's absolutely foul and turn out if it's only a wee bit wet.

Good news: apparently all the blocking of air flows that mean it's snowing all the time is going to result in a warmer than average late April and May.  That probably means it's going to rain from June to September but I'll take a good forecast where I can get one.

foxhunter1949 · Answer

I have been with mares and foals for years and unless there is an issue with a sick foal never use a rug on wither mare of foal.

Foals will be exploring and will leap and bound around the mare - ever seen a foal with a foot stuck through the straps of a rug on the mare? I have, not funny,

Like Rach, foals born early in the year (Jan/Feb) time are fine out during the day for a couple of hours no matter what the weather as long as they are feeding well from the mare. By May a foal will be fine without a rug. 
Also a foal has very soft skin, they grow rapidly and rug rubs happen in a matter of moments.
Save your money.

Anonymous · Answer

I would leave it until after the birth and get one if only really needed. In all the years I have been around foals we have never used one. 
We normally have foals as early as Feb and if the weather is that bad we just don't turn out.

Driver · Answer

Most foal blankets are quite adjustable to fit most foals, and account for a growing foal.

? · Answer

They make foal rugs that are adjustable in size. Here's one that adjusts from 28-42" and has a good waterproof shell. 
http://www.valleyvet.com/ct_detail.html?pgguid=df04c9b6-6295-433a-9244-746303ebaf60&ccd=IFH003&utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&mr:referralID=261ccde2-998e-11e2-9dea-001b2166becc

What size rug for newborn foals?

5 Answers