A university student is asking members of the equine community to participate in a research study with the aim of gaining a deeper understanding of horse rugging practices.Emma Best, a mature student in the final year of a BSc (Hons) equine bio-veterinary science degree at Anglia Ruskin University, Writtle,has created the anonymous survey to explore the reasons that influence why, when and how owners choose to rug their horses.The study aims to collect detailed information on how decisions are influenced by factors such as weather conditions, individual horse characteristics and owner perceptions or experiences.Difficult decisionCaring for my own horses, Bluebell and Misty, has inspired me to focus my dissertation research on rugging practices a topic I always find myself debating, especially during the winter months, said Emma.This survey explores how, when, and why we rug our horses, aiming to better understand owners approaches and equine thermoregulation.Im excited to hear from fellow horse owners, whose responses will help paint a clearer picture of these practices.Survey infoThe survey consists primarily of multiple-choice questions, with a small number of optional open-text responses, and takes approximately five minutes to complete.It is open to participants aged 18 and over, and no identifiable personal data is collected.All responses will be treated confidentially and used solely for academic research.The survey is open until Wednesday 31 December. The results will be revealed in January/February next year.To complete the survey, click here. Main image ShutterstockRelated contentToo hot, too cold, or just right? Experts explain when to put a rug on a horse (and when not to)Layering rugs significantly decreases a horses stride length, study findsTherapy rugs tried and tested to find which really workWhen do horses feel cold? Dr David Marlin explainsExperts explain when to put a rug on a horse (and when not to)The post Take part: survey explores horse owners rugging practices appeared first on Your Horse.