WINTER BLANKETING!!!

[cutters456]

So i quite like this topic, being with the cold weather and all. Also, the use of blanekts is a huge issue among horse(wo)man. I wanted to furthermore discuss it among the members of this forum so I thought I'd move it from a totally different thread (conformation) to one of its own.

I'm going to once again have to agree with tazzy. I either keep my horses in a barn, but the ones that do go outside get big heavy full winter blankets (blankets with the hood) on from October to about April. They never come off unless its atleast 10 degrees outside and the sun is out, but then the blankets go right back on before sunset.

I also live in Alberta where its very cold for over half the year. My horses that stay outisde get used just as much as the ones that stay in the barn, so they usually keep quite a slick coat, which is why they rarely get their blankets off between those months. From my experience, it does prevent a horse from growing a thick and heavy winter coat very much. Even with the blanket they get a little fluffy, but do not get the wooly coat goin on. The difference between my horses and some un-blanketed neighbouring horses is like day and night when it comes to coat density.

I completely support the decisions of people who are against the use of winter blankets because it interferes with their "natural lifestyles". But i laugh a little at those comments. It's also against a horse's natural instincts to let people ride them, to let people throw things all over them without moving. Think about that one. Anyways, thats completely off topic.

So I'd love to hear everone's opinion on this subject. I know its always one of my favorite things to talk about because there are so many different points of view.

[horsetrainer89]

I am really not against it, but I usually don't do it. I do have exceptions though. The one fact that is true is that horses are more comfortable being outside with nothing on in the winter time but their winter coats than horses that are outside in the summer time with their slick coats.

That being said, the only time I blanket my horses is after a show in the winter and they are going to the barn to the trailer after the show. Once they are at home, they spend the night with it on and then it comes off in the morning. The other exception that I have is if a horse is body clipped. That is an absolute must to have on two blankets and a hood (oh by the way that is a great way to keep their coats nice and slick (two blankets) during the winter if they are outside).

I really have nothing against blankets, but the long coat they get in the winter really doesn't bother me. I still show them with the winter coats mainly because I compete in speed events and the horses looks isn't really an issue. If I did have a horse that shows, I would absolutely blanket them and keep them in a heated barn.

[dqh]

We don't blanket our horses....we are also in Alberta. The horses grow nice thick winter coats and do perfectly fine. They are outdoors 24/7 year round (except for the mares at foaling time). They have shelter that they can use when they like but they don't spend a lot of time in there.
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[bullsie]

I live in western PA and we never blanket. Although everyone has a box stall if they seem cold - which isn't often. Usually occurs when it is 50 degrees one day and 25 below zero the next (I think they sweat due to the heat and then the sudden drop in temp leaves them chilled). Those changes are hardest on everyone.

We keep everyone regularly wormed and well fed so winter isn't a big issue with them and in most cases they do stay out 24/7. Several winters ago one of our mares got away from us in regard to her weight. Pretty much like a crisco can with legs. She never developed a winter coat - didn't need to she had enough fat to keep warm with!

We never bothered with blanketing only because we just didn't seem to need to.

[EAhola]

We live in souther Colorado where it can get to 20 below with wind -- making the chilll factor even worse.

The horses are in a paddock with a run-in and never get a blanket. They do get wormed monthly and get extra feed (grass) during the colder months.

If I have a show horse, then they get a blanket and a skinny just because I don't want them to get over heated showing in the winter time.

Horses like water dogs have 2 layers of fur/coat that they grow in the winter. The inner layer repels moisture and helps keep them warm.

It really just depends on what your preference is but mother nature did give them what they need and as long as they are heathly I don't bother.

It's like ---- put your coat on I"m cold. :--)
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[crysann]

I have a split decision... My Quarter horses never have blankets even in the snow. I do give them the option for a barn but they never seem to take it. I think they like the cold weather, they both get really heavy winter coats (I think a polar bear would be jealous).
But with that said my Arab mare has to have a winter blanket, now I'm in Oklahoma, but she requires the HEAVY winter blanket with a hood and all. Poor thing just stands out and shivers so bad that her knees almost give out on her. The vet said that it was because she was Arab, I just shrug my shoulders and deal with it.
I have a few other friends that have the same problem one horse is fine and doesn't need anything, but another horse has to have a blanket. I guess it's like a person, I'm freezing anywhere below 65 degrees and my husband says he's hot.
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