I have a senior TB mare who requires an insulated hood during the coldest weeks of the winter. Last year was her first winter here so I used a hood I had from a previous horse. Over the course of the winter the hood rubbed her main out a fair bit, but her mane is so thick that by June, you could hardly tell. This is a retired horse so it doesn’t matter if she looks a little strange from the rubbed main but I’m wondering if the rubbing hood is uncomfortable for her and if I should get a slinky for her? The horse lives out 24/7 and during the coldest weeks I probably take her blanket off only once a week to groom her and check her over. For that reason I am reluctant to get a slinky - it will increase my work significantly. Any thoughts on whether it’s ok to just let the hood rub her mane?
I use Rambo turnout sheets, liners and hoods. I’ve not had problems s mane being rubbed out with those.
As long as it’s just hair being rubbed out and the skin isn’t exposed/impacted by the hood shifting, I wouldn’t worry about it. It’s not pretty to look at but it is purely cosmetic. You could also try sizing the hood down if your preferred brand offers that?
I use Schneider’s blankets and hoods. My guy is a 78-80 in their blankets which is a size large hood by their size chart. The large hood was definitely too big for him and rubbed a chunk of his mane out where the excess fabric folded over. Switched him into a medium and didn’t have that problem afterwards.
Ok, I’ll try adjusting the hood more snugly this winter. I’d prefer not to purchase another hood so as long as it’s not hurting her, she may have to deal with a rubbed main. Thanks!
Get a water resistant Snuggyhood from the UK - they’re designed for turnout and put under rugs
