Service is free for all to use.
A retailer is helping owners overcome the daily dilemma of what their horses should wear.
Durham based PetnPony has developed an online, interactive horse rug temperature guide.
It asks for a postcode before using real-time and forecasted weather data, and asking if the horse is clipped or not and turned out or stabled - then recommends appropriate rugs for the next eight hours and overnight.
The guide also factors in wind chill, rainfall and ‘feels like’ temperatures.
Advice is given about suggested weights and if a neck cover would be helpful. Provision is made for elderly or underweight horses.
There’s also a link inviting users to ‘shop rugs’ on PetnPony’s e-commerce website.
“With rugging being such a debated topic, and over-rugging becoming an increasing welfare concern, this tool aims to give owners clearer guidance based on actual local weather conditions,” said Gavin Hughes, director of e-commerce at PetnPony.
Developing for summer use
The retailer’s horse rug temperature guide is free to use. “It’s our way of giving something back to our community and loyal customers,” Gavin told ETN
The most arduous part of creating it, he said, was “gathering the data to make sure it’s giving out the correct answers.”
The plan is to keep developing it, he confirmed – including for summer use which could include fly rugs.
“The feedback we’ve had so far has been really positive,” added Gavin. “It gives positive recognition to seasoned horse owners that they are rugging up in the right way; and for those new to owning a horse, the confidence they need to rug their horse appropriately for the conditions ahead.”
As well as an e-commerce site, PetnPony has a 10,000sqft store in the city of Durham.
See the horse rug temperature guide here: https://petnpony.co.uk/pages/horse_rug_temperature_guide
