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Author
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Topic: Winter Blanketing
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Blue_Ice_Firefly
Member
Member # 1226
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posted December 25, 2003 10:24 AM
Hi Guys!
I'm new to this forum and I just have my very first question to ask on this forum ![[Smile]](smile.gif)
I recieved an Awesome Weatherbetta Arion High Neck TB Medium Blanket from my Awesome Parents!! I'm just wondering when I should put it on. I'm wondering because since its the middle of winter my adorable TB mare already has a coat. Should I just put the blanket on now and keept it on her 24/7 unless its really warm out, Or when should I put it on (ie. Just at nights, just during turnout, or just when it gets a certain temp and above). Or Should I just wait till next winter and start blanketing when it gets chilly out and then in mid winter change to her weatherbetta from her fall blanket?
Thanks! Try to respond ASAP if you can!!!
Merry Christmas!
Thanks again!
![[Running Horse]](graemlins/horse.gif) ![[Blushing]](graemlins/blush.gif)
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*Blue*Ice*Firefly*
-*xoxo*-
*Forever*And*Always*
[IMG]http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044254863155166280554.jpg[/IMG]
Posts: 80 | From: Barn, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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spyro1
Member
Member # 647
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posted December 25, 2003 11:28 AM
wow, cool pressie form your parents:) I am not that qualified to answer your blanketing question, I am from South Fl and it doesn't get too cold down here, so I have been sheeting when it goes below 60 and blanketing when it goes below 50. I only blanket at night because it warms up a lot during the day down here. I am sure that a *snow bird* can help ya though:) ![[Big Grin]](biggrin.gif)
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http://members17.clubphoto.com/beth819817/2122088/guest.phtml
Only those who risk going too far, will ever know how far they can go.
Posts: 2755 | From: Sunny South Florida | Registered: Aug 2003
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horse_crazy
Member
Member # 334
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posted December 25, 2003 11:41 AM
Well, If the horse is already wintered up and doesn't shiver when it get very cold outside I see no reason to put a blanket on the horse. Plenty of hay will help a horse keep warm. If you want to put a blanket on her I'd wait until next winter and start putting it on then, before she starts to winter up. But if you see that she shivers you could putit on her. But other than that I wouldnt put a blanket on her! We've gopt a turnout sheet(just a little thinner than a winter blanket) and a heavy winter blanket, and the only time we use them is if we see a horse shivering, otherwise they ALL have winter coats and are outside 24/7 (except the babies weanlings/yearlings stay int he barn at night).
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Mares:
Honey-buckskin(in-foal to a smutty buckskin stallion)
BG-palomino/dunalino(foaled a beautiful filly)
Dibby-dun(in-foal to a palomino stallion)
Star Bucks-buttermilk buckskin(not bred, we may just use her as a riding horse)
Fillies:
Lizzy-grulla(will be used as a broodmare in the future, due to an injury as a weanling...we are unsure if she will be riding sound, although she might be, as her injury has healed so well...you can't even tell)
Sheba-black(hopefully will be shown in Halter classes starting this year)
Blue-blue roan(we aren't too sure what we are going to do with this filly yet....but she is a cutie)
Geldings:
Poco-sorrel/overo*Paint*(Awesome riding horse!)
Brandy-*FOR SALE*(Nice 2 yr old, going into training soon, price will go up, feel free to ask me about him..if you are interested)
Foals:
Tinker Bell- Red dun filly. Nice short neck, long legs, beautiful eyes..absolutely beautiful. Very people friendly.
Other 2 foals are expecting between May and June.
Posts: 853 | From: Wisconsin | Registered: Jun 2003
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Blue_Ice_Firefly
Member
Member # 1226
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posted December 25, 2003 12:51 PM
So Would I basically be able to blanket during the night (if its cold) and take it off during turn out or vice a versa (FYI- It can also be used as a Stable Blanket if that helps), I'll give you the website that descirbes exactly my blanket if you would like. OH yah if this helps any, she is a Thin skinned TB!
Here it is.
Weatherbetta Arion High Neck TB Turnout Blanket
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*Blue*Ice*Firefly*
-*xoxo*-
*Forever*And*Always*
[IMG]http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044254863155166280554.jpg[/IMG]
Posts: 80 | From: Barn, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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Dawn
Member
Member # 14
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posted December 25, 2003 12:56 PM
I would try putting it on her at night only. Make sure that she's not sweating and that she's not getting cold during the day.
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Heard in the midst of a handwriting exam ~ "And to think, we could've been bio-chem majors."
Posts: 6885 | From: Tennessee | Registered: Nov 2002
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Blue_Ice_Firefly
Member
Member # 1226
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posted December 25, 2003 01:36 PM
Hi Dawn,
Thanks very much! The gorgues blanket is a med-weight blanket so I dont think she'll sweat with it on but I also have another question! 'LOL'. Even though she has her winter fur already will it effect her to being blanketed this late into the winter, with her winter fur already grown?
Thanks a bunch guys you guys have been very useful!
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*Blue*Ice*Firefly*
-*xoxo*-
*Forever*And*Always*
[IMG]http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044254863155166280554.jpg[/IMG]
Posts: 80 | From: Barn, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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Dawn
Member
Member # 14
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posted December 25, 2003 01:39 PM
Well, it won't get any thicker and she might start shedding. That's why you need to watch her and make sure that she's not getting cold during the day.
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Heard in the midst of a handwriting exam ~ "And to think, we could've been bio-chem majors."
Posts: 6885 | From: Tennessee | Registered: Nov 2002
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Blue_Ice_Firefly
Member
Member # 1226
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posted December 25, 2003 01:40 PM
Hi Dawn,
Yah, I know it wont get any thicker LOL, but um.. is it a bad thing if she starts sheeding, or will it hurt her if she starts shedding?
Thanks a bunch! What nice people you are!
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*Blue*Ice*Firefly*
-*xoxo*-
*Forever*And*Always*
[IMG]http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044254863155166280554.jpg[/IMG]
Posts: 80 | From: Barn, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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Dawn
Member
Member # 14
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posted December 25, 2003 01:41 PM
The only thing about her shedding is that she could get cold in the day without the blanket. But if you keep a watch out for it, you can just start leaving the blanket on during the day as well.
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Heard in the midst of a handwriting exam ~ "And to think, we could've been bio-chem majors."
Posts: 6885 | From: Tennessee | Registered: Nov 2002
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Blue_Ice_Firefly
Member
Member # 1226
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posted December 25, 2003 01:44 PM
Okay, Thanks! If she does start shedding it wont hurt her right.. *Just making sure I am taking in everything correct* (This is when the 'Worry Mommy' syndrome comes into play with my adorable mare! LOL. But yah, If she does start shedding out, would it hurt her to keep it on her 24/7?
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*Blue*Ice*Firefly*
-*xoxo*-
*Forever*And*Always*
[IMG]http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044254863155166280554.jpg[/IMG]
Posts: 80 | From: Barn, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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Dawn
Member
Member # 14
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posted December 25, 2003 01:49 PM
It won't hurt her to shed out early. If you do end up blanketing her all the time, make sure she's not too hot. It would be better for her to be a little chilly than too warm.
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Heard in the midst of a handwriting exam ~ "And to think, we could've been bio-chem majors."
Posts: 6885 | From: Tennessee | Registered: Nov 2002
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Blue_Ice_Firefly
Member
Member # 1226
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posted December 25, 2003 01:51 PM
Okay, Like if she does shed out early and does become hot, do I put anything on her like a sheet or just take the blanket totally off her and keep her naked?
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*Blue*Ice*Firefly*
-*xoxo*-
*Forever*And*Always*
[IMG]http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044254863155166280554.jpg[/IMG]
Posts: 80 | From: Barn, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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Dawn
Member
Member # 14
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posted December 25, 2003 05:58 PM
If you have a lighter sheet or blanket, that would be fine. As long as she doesn't get sweaty cause then she'd be much more likely to get sick than from being cold.
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Heard in the midst of a handwriting exam ~ "And to think, we could've been bio-chem majors."
Posts: 6885 | From: Tennessee | Registered: Nov 2002
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Jumpers
Member
Member # 961
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posted December 25, 2003 06:40 PM
Horses adjust very easily and the Arion is an awesome blanket for such a situtation. My horses wear these and they are not obnoxiously heavy. They basically break wind and damp, not create lots of insulating heat.
I would start with it at night or when the weather is bitter cold (like 15 or thereabouts) and after a couple of weeks start leaving it on during the day.
Your horse should be just fine. I've had awesome luck with these blankets. They are comfortable, they breath well and are not that heavy.
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"If I fail - I fail. But at least it will be a monumental failure." Mel Gibson
Posts: 3011 | Registered: Nov 2003
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Blue_Ice_Firefly
Member
Member # 1226
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posted December 25, 2003 06:58 PM
Hi Jumpers!!! Thanks a bunch for all your personal expierence! None the Less THANKS A BUNCH DAWN!!Jumpers I'm going to PM you now I have a question please check yours!
THANKS!
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*Blue*Ice*Firefly*
-*xoxo*-
*Forever*And*Always*
[IMG]http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044254863155166280554.jpg[/IMG]
Posts: 80 | From: Barn, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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Jumpers
Member
Member # 961
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posted December 25, 2003 07:09 PM
Okay I'll go there now!
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"If I fail - I fail. But at least it will be a monumental failure." Mel Gibson
Posts: 3011 | Registered: Nov 2003
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belle4
Member
Member # 864
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posted December 26, 2003 03:21 AM
I see you live in Canada. I live in Northern Michigan. Our horses are not blanketed in the winter. They come in at night and out during the day. If they are shivering, we blanket until they warm up. Usually they only shiver if they are outside and they get wet on a windy, cold day. It's hard to stay ahead of the weather. If you decide to blanket, you have make sure the blanket stays dry. That means having another one to put on while the wet one is drying.
There are 2 horses in a field on my way to the barn. Every day they are standing out there with with blankets on no mater if it's raining, snowing etc. You know the blankets have to still be wet days later. Can you imagine how uncomfortable and cold that must be to wear a wet coat on a cold day?
Shedding out early is ok as long as you provide and keep providing replacement warmth for them. Once you start, you can't stop in fairness to your horse. Blanketing your horse is nice, but does require more work on your part.
Posts: 1075 | From: michigan | Registered: Oct 2003
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Jumpers
Member
Member # 961
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posted December 26, 2003 04:20 AM
I understand what you're saying about the blankets Belle and I agree!! But we only use waterproof, Teflon coated blankets. We've done it that way for many years and never had a wet horse under the blanket
Some people use the BigD or BMB quilted blankets and you're totally right - wet, soggy blankets to make the horse sick!
The Weatherbeeta Arion is waterproof and windproof. We also have one horse in a Rider's International water/windeproof. She's had that blanket for proabably 4 years and the blanket looks nearly as new as it was then. Shes an old horse who is thin with barely any coat and it keeps her toasty warm and totally dry.
We have the blankets with a low tail drop and high neck so even in driving rain very little gets under the blanket.
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"If I fail - I fail. But at least it will be a monumental failure." Mel Gibson
Posts: 3011 | Registered: Nov 2003
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The Flying Moose
Member
Member # 1216
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posted December 26, 2003 10:08 AM
My horses wear two blankets while outside (12 hour turnout) and one blanket inside.
The first blanket is a heavy winter one and the second is a fleece or wool blanket.
Here the winters are about -20 at night, and -12 during the day, with wind. Most of the time its not that cold.
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Its not easy being a moose
Posts: 235 | Registered: Dec 2003
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monica-n-shiloh
Member
Member # 742
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posted December 26, 2003 01:00 PM
Hey Blue_Ice_Firefly....
My two horses are pastured outside 24/7 with a run-in shed for shelter. I let their winter coats grow in and only blanket them when it is extremely cold or nasty out, (freezing rain, heavy snow, ice, etc.) or when they are cold/starting to shake. I also make sure they have plenty of hay at night to keep them warm.
If it gets too warm then take his blankets off. You dont want him getting too warm.
Goodluck to you! ![[Red Horse]](graemlins/redhorse.gif)
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The next best thing from man, is the horse, with its beauty, intelligence and lovely nature.
At least with horses, the women always win.
Three feet make a yard, but four feet make a mess!
Posts: 1162 | From: New York | Registered: Sep 2003
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monica-n-shiloh
Member
Member # 742
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posted December 26, 2003 01:01 PM
O yea, I forgot to mention....my horses blankets are also waterproof. Dont leave the blankets on them if they get wet. They wont do any good and can end up making your horse worse off then he would have been without having the blanket on.
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The next best thing from man, is the horse, with its beauty, intelligence and lovely nature.
At least with horses, the women always win.
Three feet make a yard, but four feet make a mess!
Posts: 1162 | From: New York | Registered: Sep 2003
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Blue_Ice_Firefly
Member
Member # 1226
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posted December 26, 2003 01:59 PM
Hi guys,
Thanks so much for all of your responses to this!
I'm just wondering when I do start blanketing her with my new blanket should I just start doing it in the nights? Then once she gets shedded out enough start doing it in the day?
(P.S, Jumper, I'm about to PM you!LOL)
Thanks a bunch guys!
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*Blue*Ice*Firefly*
-*xoxo*-
*Forever*And*Always*
[IMG]http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044254863155166280554.jpg[/IMG]
Posts: 80 | From: Barn, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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belle4
Member
Member # 864
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posted December 26, 2003 02:12 PM
That sounds fine. Please, I mean no ill will by this question. Why exactly do you want to blanket? Your horse already has a winter coat. I understand that you recieved a beautiful new blanket for Christmas. Are you wanting your horse to shed early? You would probablly save yourself some work if you just left if off and only used it when the horse was shivering. Less work=better for me! Just wondering.
Posts: 1075 | From: michigan | Registered: Oct 2003
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Blue_Ice_Firefly
Member
Member # 1226
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posted December 26, 2003 02:21 PM
Oh belle, no offence taken LOL,
Well the reason I want to blanket her is because I moved her in the summer to a new boarding barn and the boarding barn is on *****, and since its on dikes theres no trees near it at all and the only shelter she has is hiding behind the barn but thats no fun for her because she cant go run and play because the wind is too cold, and none the less its right ontop of the peek of the hill which doesnt help much. Also she is a TB and of course is very thin skinned. Thanks for your concern Belle!
Thanks everyone again!
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*Blue*Ice*Firefly*
-*xoxo*-
*Forever*And*Always*
[IMG]http://mediaservice.photoisland.com/auction/Apr/20044254863155166280554.jpg[/IMG]
Posts: 80 | From: Barn, Canada | Registered: Dec 2003
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belle4
Member
Member # 864
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posted December 26, 2003 02:26 PM
Very well, blankets away!!
Posts: 1075 | From: michigan | Registered: Oct 2003
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