Rugging up!

[stolemyusername]

So our second boy was delivered on Saturday, he's absolutely gorgeous with his long fur and flicks mane

I've drenched him ready to go out with the other horses this morning and tried to rug him up as it's bitterly cold and raining here (0 degrees at night and pouring with sleet/rain) but he freaks out whenever I put it over him, he doesn't like the noise! The poor boy is now piss wet through and shivering (and bloody grumpy too). Our other boy is happy to stand nicely while I rug him up, has anyone got any tips on desensitising him to his rug?

He's also kicking when having his feet picked....not fun....

Other than this, he's been reasonably ok to catch, stands nicely to have his saddle on and no problems with his bit. Rides happily bareback with just his halter rope to hold onto, should I just give him more time to settle down?

[stolemyusername]

Bumping for any horse lovers around

[frostyfingers]

That looks a bit damp - where are you (or is the clue in your flag?!). Rug wise I would spend some time just running your hands over him, may be folding a rug and putting it on and off for a while, have you got a fleece or non rustly one you can use? Do the same with his feet too - endless repetition, just run your hands down his legs, then pick up and put straight down until it becomes boring for him. Health wise just keep him well fuelled so he can keep warm.

[KaFayOLay]

I start youngsters off with a towel on the back and work up to a rug.