[mistylover]

Lol... i dunno.. Its cold here but i didnt think that cold my dad was telling me that -50 was impossible.. and hes smart hehe.. i dunno tho.. lol

[*Psylocke*]

Originally Posted by mistylover

Lol... i dunno.. Its cold here but i didnt think that cold my dad was telling me that -50 was impossible.. and hes smart hehe.. i dunno tho.. lol

I wish it was impossible....however no, no it isnt. It gets that cold in Alberta too so I am incredibly surprised by your thinking that! lol And of course I did mean -50C like the others said.

But about the horses, like has been said....food/water/shelter and they are fine!

Psy

[Crimson]

i only blanket if it below zero, windy and wet. We have 20 gelding all together in our winter pastures and a lean that only accomidates about 6. if they all get along. Of course this is only duringthe day, our horses stay in in at night during the cold weather months.

[Appy_Lover]

Originally Posted by Vix

It all depends on the horse. Some can handle the cold better than others, but as long as your horses have shelter away from the wind and damp and seem to be growing a fairly substantial coat they should be alright without blankets. Our three have never been blanketed and its usually -20 all winter before the windchill. The most important thing is to make sure they have a greater than normal amount of hay, free feeding is the best if you can do it, its like stoking a coal fire, the more fuel offered the more heat produced.

If you notice that your horses are noticibly shivering try throwing them some more hay, if they continue then you may have to look at blanketing them. Feeling their ears is also a good indication if they are weathering the cold well, if they are icy to the touch inside it can mean that they are cold internally.

Hope that helps!! Sorry I couldn't offer you more advice but I don't have much in the way of experience with blanketing, its been quite a few years since I've had to.

beet me too it!! i totally agree!

[Peg D]

Originally Posted by mistylover

Hey I was wondering If I should Balnket my four horses. They have a shelter, they have lots a hair, and eachother, but its windy and snowy in -20 weather an i was wondering if i should blanket them.. I know they will live but im curious what other ppl do.
What temperature does everyone blanket at?
What temperature/condition should i blanket at?
Thanks
Ashley

I did not read any other suggestions. But. this is what goes on around here in the coldest temperatures. I learned my lesson a very long time ago with young calves actually.
Food. is NO. 1
Shelter is No. 2
Water is No. 3
I have blanketed afew animals in my time, but, I have found if you want to keep warm you have to feed it.... that being a
fire
animal
yourself
pocketbook
think about it. In order to keep going you have to feed..... whatever it is.
thats why I placed food at number 1
I told you about the calves.
Well it seems that I was feeding these calves the daily ration morning and night like normal.... like any other year, day, decade.
All of a sudden the calves started dieing, one by one. 20 gone!
Took acouple of them to the U of M and we could kick ourselves.
They were starving to death. Yet I fed them morning and night.
Yea well. We never adjusted to the -30 temps that were going on that year for a month straight.
Like I said. Lesson learned.
When it gets very very cold or I know a cold snap is coming. I feed the herd straight alfalfa.
If I see a horse shivering, straight alfalfa or alot of grain.
Blankets won't do a whole lot..... feed it first.
It takes alot of energy to maintain heat. FEED IT.

[cassandra01000]

I live in BC and my mare wears a rainsheet and a winterblanket, she has since the beginning of november

[taydajumper93]

For me,
Roxy- If it gets below 40*- sheet
below 30* - light blanket
below 20*- medium blanket
below 10*- Heavy blanket
below 0*- light and heavy blanket
Max and Ginger-
below 0*- medium

Roxy is used to being blanketed, so we are strict on our schedule. Max and Ginger have heavy coats. I would definately blanket in -20!!!!!!

[cowgurly02]

I have to agree with Peg D!! Feed is VERY important in winter! They need lots!

[mustangrider]

I would blanket them but be careful that the blankets dont get wet. that could cause alot of problems too

[lvmypnt]

Della and Mia get covered when its in the 40's or below. They love their blankets and it makes me feel good when its cold and i see them all curled up in their blankets sleeping. They look very content.