[lovin-my-mare]

I was just wondering...I live in Canada, gets very cold, lots of snow too. Now it's fall, it's raining, and it's 5 degrees celsius (20 F). I wasn't going to blanket my mare at all. Her winter coats is coming in and I want to encourage that as I don't show. Problem is cold rainy weather. I don't want her to get a chill. Can I just get a rainsheet thats breathable but doesn't provide extra warmth to encourage coat growth? Can I use it in the winter when it's snowing and freezing rain (will it withstand the weather) or should I just get used to it? I was reading that Mother Nature gave them the best coat to protect them and it's only because we are "human" that we want to blanket them. What are your thoughts?????? Thanks a bunch. The cost of blankets ranges from $100-$200.00 I will also need a new pad for her and would like to get the Pro Choice Air Ride which goes for $180.00 my way. Thanks everyone.

[cassidy]

well what have you done previously with her i mean if she has never been rugged up before i wouldnt bother till the wether gets really bad

if you want to rug her up (i no how guilty we can feel lol)
i would use just a waterproof summer sheet an then probably when it gets mega cold get a slightly thicker one!

[CJ]

I like Wetherbeetas as a basic all-around blanket. For severe weather (like last January) Raps has a Polarsham, which is Denier nylon over quilting & hospital fleece. If temps go into the mid+ 40's F and he's in it, he'll sweat. Shenandoah had a nice nylon lined, medium weight Rambo on while he was sick, kept him warm even though he was way too thin. Miller's has the Haversham/ Polarsham type blankets; I think Haversham still comes fleece lined. H/P Pricey but worth it- perfect in Canada, I bet.