To rug or not to rug?!

[woodystar]

Hi, the issue of rugging my horse has been a long standing conflict for me and this year it's actually driving me a bit nuts!! With so much 'information' on the web and with vet/World Horse Welfare field officer/other people I know giving conflicting advice I thought I'd come on here to try and find some common sense. So long story short, Woody is nearly 16 and part thoroughbred crossed with no idea what! He is a very warm boy and for most of his life has not been rugged (apart from the first winter we had him and he was still underweight following his rescue from severe neglect), he has always had access to a field shelter which he uses a lot and although he clearly dislikes rain, he has always coped pretty well. However, last winter we were on a yard where he had to be in at night and this year we are back to him living out (with a shelter) so I'm not sure how/if this will have affected him and his ability to cope with winter weather. He is also on the slim side this year (he experienced a lot of stress at last yard which was why we moved) and certainly doesn't have weight to lose. I've always been a great believer in not interfering more than necessary, ie let his own coat and system do its job - he always has ad lib hay so can keep his internal motor firing, however I am aware that he's getting older, doesn't have a layer of fat to lose and is living out. What is best for him is the question that is plaguing me! I want him warm and comfortable but don't want to humanise things or put my own anxieties about nasty weather onto him when actually he's fine! I realise I'm sounding like a complete novice but this issue is making me feel like that! Before Woody I had native ponies who were never rugged, always lovely and warm and not remotely interested in their field shelter - he is very different and I want to get things right for him, generally I know how to do that but with this I have no idea!
Thanks so much in advance for any thoughts/advice - I really do appreciate anyone taking the time.

[VeronicaF]

personally I would listen to your instincts and rug him
you can get a lighter one doesn't have to be thick just to cover from rain scalds and the worst of this winter
thats what I would do