10/22/2025
I loved this study when I first read it years ago. Researchers in Norway actually taught horses to choose whether they wanted their blankets on or off, and the horses made clear, thoughtful choices depending on the weather and their comfort.
It reminded me so much of my heart horse, Algernon. When I adopted him from Longmeadow at 6 years old he already had arthritis in his left knee from old trauma — most likely abuse — and it progressed throughout his life until that knee was completely fused. In the winter, I used Whinny Warmers (horse leg warmers) to help with circulation and comfort.
Over time, Algernon developed his own version of that study. He would pick his leg up and hold it straight out if he wanted his warmers on, and he’d plant his foot or walk away if he didn’t. Eventually, all I had to do was stand on the porch, hold one up, and wait for his answer — and sure enough, he’d let me know what he wanted.
Horses are incredible communicators when we slow down and listen. Winter always makes me think of him — my hilarious, ridiculous, smart, amazing boy — and how much he taught me about choice, trust, and partnership. 💙
Please share your fun stories of how your horse communicates with you!
DOES YOUR HORSE WANT TO WEAR A RUG? ASK THEM!
Owners and riders often worry about whether to rug their horses, and over-rugging is increasingly flagged as a welfare concern. Constant or heavy rug use can compromise natural behaviour and thermoregulation: horses rely on piloerection — the process where tiny muscles in the skin contract and raise the hair, trapping air within the coat, which is then warmed by the horse’s body and acts as an insulator. Rugs also make mutual grooming less likely.
In 2016 researchers in Norway decided to investigate whether horses prefer to be rugged or not — by asking the horses themselves.
Twenty-three horses — warmbloods and coldbloods — were taught to touch symbols representing ‘blanket on’, ‘blanket off’ or ‘no change’ to indicate their preference. Using positive reinforcement, they learned to tap the corresponding symbol with their muzzle if they wanted their rug removed or to have one put on.
Within about two weeks, every horse learned the task. Choices were recorded in sunshine, wind, rain, snow, and temperatures from −15 to +20°C.
What happened when they could choose? On warm, sunny days (≈20–23°C), horses wearing rugs asked for rugs off, while those already bare chose ‘no change’. On wet, windy, chilly days (≈5–9°C with rain), most bare horses asked for rugs on and those already rugged stayed rugged. Trainers controlled for human cueing and even used ‘sham’ handling so a horse who chose ‘no change’ still received the same fuss, reducing bias. Some horses became notably eager to speak up — and a few who asked to remove rugs were found to be sweaty underneath.
Generally, the coldblooded horses preferred to stay rug-less compared to the warmbloods.
Why this matters: giving a horse a say in whether they wear a rug respects their agency and helps prevent over-rugging, improving welfare.
Practical takeaways: match decisions to weather, coat, and comfort; check fit and freedom of movement; and build choice into daily care — present the rug, pause, read approach/avoidance, and be ready to change your plan.
This is an older study, but it’s especially pertinent at this time of year.
Study details: Mejdell et al., (2016) Horses can learn to use symbols to communicate their preferences for wearing a blanket. Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 184, 66–73.
