If your answer to any of the following questions is yes, then it is probably a good idea to cover your pony:

• Is your pony old? Older ponies will often find it harder to maintain condition and you can help with this by keeping them warm in winter.
• Are the winters in the area you live really quite cold?
• Does your pony struggle to keep weight on or have a naturally thin coat?
• Are you likely to do a reasonable amount of riding during the winter months? A covered pony will be cleaner, have a shorter coat which will dry faster after working.

Many ponies will be quite happy to spend the winter uncovered, so sometimes it is simply a personal choice to cover your pony. It is worth noting that if you do cover your pony, you will need to check regularly to make sure the cover is not rubbing the pony and is still securely fastened.