Cold Snap Coming - Advice on Blanketing

[Penthilisea]

I have two horses who live out on 8 acres with a good run in shed and grain and hay and a third nekkid pony girlfriend. Pony is hairy and naked, and a total winter wonder of adaptation and comfort and chubbiness!

I am looking for advise on whether to add a layer and if so what to their current clothing in the coming week as the weather is due to drop to a high in the teens. Neither horse is in work, aside from a bareback trail walk once or twice a month for 20 minutes. Both are barefoot, on MSM and a smartpack multi vitamin.

Horse # 1 is a 28 year old QH, this is his second consecutive winter living out, and he's doing well. He is in a Saxon Midweight turnout (courtesy of tackoftheday!) and very fuzzy. I have access to a nice selection of other turnouts, and one mid-lightweight stable blanket (proto wug style). I really like the saxon turnout, but I am concerned that with highs in the teens he will be cold, and another layer would help. The other turnouts are the ones with waterproof outers and comforter like cotton inners with loft/fill, though I don't recall how much. Does layering turnouts work? Do I put the longer one on top or underneath? Horse eats senior feed and just had his teeth done.

Horse # 2 is a 18 year old TB, first year living out. He lost some weight the begining of the winter, so I stepped his blanketing and grain up a bit. He is an Taka heavyweight turnout with neck cover. I loooove this blanket so much, it fits him so well and immediatly after putting it on he started spending MUCH more time outside his shed, and looked happier. His neck is fuzzy, he isn't losing muscle, but he has ribs. His hind end looks terrific, he has GAINED muscle there.
I do have a mid-light weight stable blanket that fits this horse, and that is my instinct to add, although I also have the proto wug mentioned above, and a selection of turnouts (again, as described above). He eats senior and pellets, teeth also just done.

So... what do you do when a cold snap is coming blanket wise? What is the protocol for layering blankets?

Weather report:
Monday hi 32 low 20
tuesday hi 38 low 16
wednesday hi 22 low 11
thursday hi 25 low 4
friday hi 16 low 4

[sublimequine]

If you told us the actual temps youll be facing, that would make things easier. :lol:

[Addison]

I would definatly add the lighter weight blanket as a base layer and use the heavy blanket on top. Ideally, the top layer should be wind and water proof. If they have good winter coats they should be comfortable with the added layer. I would make sure they have alot of hay to eat and offer some tepid water at least once a day. (Obviously, always have water available)

What about the pony?

[Auventera Two]

Weather report:
Monday hi 32 low 20
tuesday hi 38 low 16
wednesday hi 22 low 11
thursday hi 25 low 4
friday hi 16 low 4


You call that a "cold snap?!" :eek: :lol: :lol: :lol: Sorry. I couldn't resist. Our highs this week are 0, with a -25 to -30 wind chill. If it were actually 22 degrees, I'd be out riding every day! :yes: When it gets up to 25, the blanketed one doesn't even wear blankets.

When its so cold that your horses eyeballs have steam coming off them, you know its cold. Sometimes I go out, and their eyes are steaming, and the steam is freezing on their eyelashes. We have many days that never get above 0.

Two nights ago my husband and I took the dogs for a walk at 9 p.m. We got about 1/2 mile from home and said "Geeze, it feels cold out here." We got back home and while watching the TV saw it was -3 with -10 windchill. Well no wonder it felt cold. haha

[Penthilisea]

Ok, you're right AV2. It's merely colder then usual in this area. How do I prep my animals for colder then usual weather?

[BoysNightOut]

My horse is a fuzzy TB, and has been wearing his 180G Midweight up until this week. I switched him to his 380G heavyweight for a few days, as the highs are expected to be in the single digits. Anything above 15-20'F, he stays in his midweight.

I personally think your horse's should be fine in what they have now. But that's just my opinion. Low 20's isn't that cold. :)

[gabz]

Just feed them more hay and make sure they take in more water.

My 22 yr old QH that hardly grows any hair for the winter is in a mid-weight blanket. I watch him - and feed more hay when the temps dip. If he were to start shivering then I would do something different.

If any of the horses show signs of shivering, then you may want to add a liner or replace a mid-weight with a heavier blanket. But so long as the horse's body stays relatively dry, they should be okay.

Horses generate warmth also, by moving around. Stabled horses may not have the exposure, but they cannot move and generate warmth beneath a blanket.

P.S. Overblanketing a horse can cause them to sweat. If they sweat and are wet/damp under the blanket, they are worse off.

[ThoroughbredFancy]

Just make sure they have some hay to munch on to help keep them warm.

I almost rather have my TB get a bit cold and have hay to munch on then him over heating. And knowing him he would get sick from being too hot since he's a living barometer. :rolleyes:

He just wears a mid-weight in the winter and we are supposed to have some nights were it will dip into the negative single digits and I will just put his cotton sheet under that and he'll be fine. Inside the barn is usually 20° warmer than it is outside. Especially at night when all the horses are in. Thank god for new barns with great insulation. :)

[webmistress32]

sorry to be an a@@ but that's not cold.

Chicago with sub-zero temps predicted all this week is cold.

[joharavhf]

I would feed extra hay....I *may* add a fleece sheet underneath the older horses....but the pony should be fine! But keep hay in front of them at all times!

[Angela Freda]

So penthilisea, just tell your horse it's not as cold here as in Chicago and to buck up! :D

Goodness, everything is relative folks.

I blanketed my oldster earlier than usual this year because he has been ill and was underweight and I wanted every calorie to go to fat/weight/energy rather than keeping warm.

Right now he is wearing his midweight waterproof t/o, and tomorrow for the dip in temps he'll get either the fleece or chill chaser underneath.
I'm dreaming of a hood for him, but I think the BO/BM would read me the riot act if I tried that.

[SquishTheBunny]

Cold is RELATIVE. For a horse that is not used to weather like that, that IS cold.

When my horse came home from florida, he INSTANTLY grew about 2 inches of fur and had it standing on end! Even though it was 15 degrees here, it was a LOT colder than florida.

[saultgirl]

I'm wondering the same about blankets --- tonight the temps are going down to about -24F (-31C) and it's supposed to be like this for the next 3 days. I was thinking I would put on a fleece blanket liner and winter turnout (400 fill) on top of that. Our daytime highs might reach -5F (-20C) or so but it's supposed to be windy!!

I'm heading out to ride in a few minutes because tonight is the last warm night before the cold snap -- it is only 22F/-5C right now, not cold at all!

[Lieslot]

I was thinking I would put on a fleece blanket liner and winter turnout (400 fill) on top of that.

That's exactly what I'll be doing this week.
My temps are about the same as Penthilisea's.
I found that just adding a fleece to a heavy weight blanket traps in a lot more heat then without. Adding another stable blanket underneath a heavyweight, I find waaaayyy too heavy and uncomfortable for them to move.

I saw Harvey the other day, he does indeed look really happy in his pretty blankie :yes: :). Actually the TAKA heavyweight should probably be fine for him.
Have you got like a fleecy cooler or so you could put underneath Injin's Saxon. That will help a lot already.
If you do layer two turnouts, I would put the one which is the roomiest in the shoulders on top regardless of length, so he doesn't feel too constricted when walking around.

I quickly put in another ride this morning and might do so tomorrow, coz I think the rest of the week, will be too cold for me, brrrrrrr, not looking forward to that.

The night temps forecast seems to swinging up & down, "weather.com" can't seem to make up its mind. First they said -1F for Thursday nite, then they changed it to 2F and now it's saying 8F, so who knows, maybe by then we'll be okay with 10F ;). But either way, me not liking it this cold :D.

[Angela Freda]

The night temps forecast seems to swinging up & down, "weather.com" can't seem to make up it's mind. First they said -1F for Thursday nite, then they changed it to 2F and now it's saying 8F, so who knows, maybe by then we'll be okay with 10F ;). But either way, me not liking it this cold :D.
Ok before I hit the big 40, I would have never said this but...
'First they said -1F for Thursday nite, then they changed it to 2F and now it's saying 8F,..'
What is the freakin' difference? Once it's below 20 all bets are off for me these days!
:lol:

[yellowbritches]

I wouldn't worry about it. Feed them some extra hay and if it is windy, try and encourage the to hang near their shelter. The only time I throw something on fat, wooly outside kept horses is when I'm worried about ice and sleet.

[ticofuzzy]

We are looking at -10 to -15F with -30 wind chills for the rest of the week. I live in a wind tunnel so whatever they predict for wind chills is exactly what we will have. My outside horses have run in sheds, free choice round bales and heated waterers. All my adult horses are blanketed normally, either with 1 heavyweight or 1 mediumweight + 1 heavyweight (depending on the horse). For the cold snap, I add 1 more blanket to whatever they normally wear (the wimpy ones get neck covers as well). My yearlings don't normally wear blankets unless it's really cold, so they will wear 1 heavyweight blanket for the cold snap.
I will probably bring the weanlings into the indoor for the coldest nights since they don't wear blankets.

[whitney159]

Seems like every year, people start saying "oh no, it's going to be SO cold! What do I do?".
And ok, yes, I live in north carolina, it's supposed to go down to like 14 degrees F this week, and I"m whimpering every time I hear the forecast.
But every time, there are a couple of Canadians who chime in with "you call that cold?!!".
and you find out that there are some poor creatures (human and horse), who would consider your cold snap a nice winter heat wave! Yep, it's nice to know someone always has it worse!

I blanket, but have been taught that you give them extra hay and plenty of water and you'll see why they are called hayburners, they will be nice and toasty romping around outside.
Of course all of mine are butterballs and it would do them some good if they had to run a few laps around the pasture to warm up and burn off some calories!

counting the days til spring

[gloriginger]

I learned this when I moved to Phoenix, it's the drop in temperature! I never thought I'd think 50 was cold, but when you are used to 110 degrees, 50 is freakin' cold!!!!!

Also, this cold snap is suppose to be the coldest temps in years, so OP has a legit concern.

I'd give them more hay. If you have a liner for under the medium weight that might be good.

Also for all the "that's not cold" these are the temps- but I know in MA they are saying that Saturday will feel like -20 with the wind chill.

[2 tbs]

Be very very very careful with blankets. One layer is always better than several when dealing with a horse. They are built to handle the cold weather quite well. Their hairs puff up and lock the heat in. Ever see a horse standing in a snow storm that is actually accumulating snow on it's back? Yeah, that's because the heat has been locked in next to the body so the horse is warm but the "outter layer" of hair is cold so the snow can lay there without melting.

As said above, too many layers can make them hot which makes them sweat which we all know being wet and cold is never good. It can also create a false sense of warmth to the unblanketed parts of a horses body so the hair doesn't puff up and protect them from the elements. It can lead to frostbite on those areas-I've seen it and it's ugly-you don't want to do that.

Make sure there is enough hay to get through the nights and of course plenty of water available to keep them hydrated. Unless the winds are intense or there is rain/freezing rain the horses will deal just fine. If they are already blanketed then there is no reason to change or add coats - just make sure they have hay and shelter should they decide to use it.

[IsolaBella09]

New Jersey has been cold and WINDY like no other. My horse is clipped, goes in a stable blanket and a heavy weight turnout blanket and he's happy. He gets extra hay during the day to keep him occupied and full.

Perhaps getting a liner? I've used them before and they're great for adding some extra warmth under a turnout sheet/blanket.

[DML]

The best thing that will keep your horses warm is hay, as long as they are eating that will keep them warm. Maybe a shell to keep the wind/snow/freezing rain off of them.

I wish a cold spell for us was 20F, would make riding much better,
But cold spells here are -30C to -40C(-22F --40) and this is supposed to be one of our colder winters ;(

[hrsgirl07]

I wouldn't worry about them too much. I have bit the less is more bug the last few years after seeing the horses at shool live out side 24/7 with no blankets and just a single run- in for the entire group (usually 4 horses), this is in the part of CT that is a constant wind tunnel year round and all of the horses seem fat and happy every time I go to see them.

[BelladonnaLily]

I think a midweight on an unclipped horse in those temps would be fine. I do put a heavy weight on a couple of mine when it gets rainy/windy in the cold only because they're the only blankets I have for them with attached neck rugs...and otherwise the rain will run down their shoulders. At some point I'll pick up some mid-weights for them with necks and probably won't use the heavy weights much. Simply doesn't get THAT cold in Va for the unclipped ones. But, I have 8 to outfit so I have to make do with what I have. I always have replace some every winter so I can't ever get everyone completed outfitted! :lol: And really, the main reason I blanket everyone is keep rainrot away...I really don't think they'd freeze to death! ;) This year I've been diligent about keeping at least a sheet on everyone all winter and I've not had the usual rainrot problems. My young gelding came here in October with it...and my one pony who always gets a terrible case now just has it on his forehead (he's been clipped and blanketed to his ears all winter :rolleyes:). Go figure.

[smay]

And yes, it's a BALMY 34 degrees this morning, but we're headed for the below-zeros here in a couple of days, and I find that those "swings" in the weather is what send my diverse group of equines over the edge. I have two fat and furry ponies who never need a blanket in a million years and have never shivered in their lives. I have one furry, but lean TB who can't keep warm if the wind is blowing hard or he gets wet. He stays nice and warm, even in very cold temps, if out of the wind. So he goes in a turnout rug to protect him outdoors in this weather. And my other TB is just as slick and smooth as a Florida horse and doesn't have a whole lot of extra fat cover, so he has to wear a turnout with neck cover outside, and a stable blanket inside. OH WELL! I find that it's the specific horse that you have to adapt to, rather than the actual weather sometimes! I'm still glowing about the brand-new, never worn Weatherbeeta Orion Turnout with neck cover that I just got off Craigs List for $40! Whoohoo!

[Tif_Ann]

I agree - cold is relative, and also depends on what the horses are already used to for blanketing. While I agree that here in South Dakota my boys would not even be blanketed in those temps, these horses have been blanketed in obviously higher temps since this is a cold snap coming in. Heck - just because I've blanketed more this year (bought medium weights which made it easier to give in to my horsey-guilt) I have to blanket mine when it drops down to about 10, while last year I never blanketed unless it was under zero.

That said - go by what your horse is telling you, not the numbers on the weather. If they are cold, add a layer or go to a heavier blanket. Only you will know what tells you that your horse is cold. Last night I guess my pinto was shivering and cold to touch at all the points we check and waiting at the gate wanting his blanket(my sister checked on them for me), so obviously needed a layer, but the QH wasn't cold or shivering. He was just very grumpy, and his mood improved greatly once blanketed.

Check the usual spots, if they seem cold or they seem off, they probably need a heavier blanket.

[ticofuzzy]

Be very very very careful with blankets. One layer is always better than several when dealing with a horse. They are built to handle the cold weather quite well. Their hairs puff up and lock the heat in.

Horses lose all their natural insulating properties in the wind. I agree they are built to handle cold quite well, but when there are 35mph winds, they cannot get that insulating layer of air under their hair and they DO get quite cold. My horses have to go out in the wind to eat their round bales, so they need to be protected from it. Since it is always windy here, most of mine wear blankets all winter since they never get the chance to use their natural defense from the cold. When your horse is used to wearing a heavyweight blanket at 20 degrees, they need something more when it is -20. Keep in mind, also, these are not fat/furry shetland pony types of horses.

As said above, too many layers can make them hot which makes them sweat which we all know being wet and cold is never good. .

In these extreme temperatures that they are predicting, I am certainly not the least bit worried that my horses will be hot/sweaty. I have NEVER had one of my outside horses become hot or sweaty in the winter, no matter how many blankets they are wearing. I stick my hand under every horse's blanket, every day. I suppose that if someone had a very old blanket that didn't breathe, then the horse could build up condensation under the blankets during the course of their normal release of heat (during the digestion process), but any of the newer blankets made these days will breathe just fine.

It can also create a false sense of warmth to the unblanketed parts of a horses body so the hair doesn't puff up and protect them from the elements. It can lead to frostbite on those areas-I've seen it and it's ugly-you don't want to do that.

My horse's hair on the unblanketed parts have no problems puffing up to their fullest extent and are not the least bit fooled by the other parts of their body being blanketed. Most incidences of frostbite happen on their ears, sheath, etc... and are usually a result of that area getting wet for some reason.

[Penthilisea]

Thanks all for the input!
The plan is for the first day to wait and see. It isn't supposed to be windy or wet, but if it is BO has access to all my stuff and she can add on top or underneath as needed. She's going to be throwing hay at them and keeping a close eye because she knows I am a worry wort. :sadsmile:

I keep hearing about these fleecy liners you guys use, I don't own any. I tend to just buy turnouts. I have a few coolers, but they have neither belley straps nor leg straps, and with horses out 24/7 I will not skimp on the straps! Do fleece sheets double as coolers/quarter sheets? Do they prevent or exacerbate rubs? Wick away body moisture or keep it in?

Thanks again!

[gabz]

fleece liners can come in a few different "shapes". My horse has what we call his pajamas... It's lycra, but it was also available in fleece. Made by Robin Hood - it has hind leg straps, but that's all. It's snuggy and goes on over his head. Covers his chest, withers, body. Some even cover the neck and head. A fleece one would add warmth and wick away any moisture.

Then, there are some shaped like blankets, with straps or slots for the outer T/O straps.
Some companies make 2 and 3 piece sets so that you can layer all you want (pajama type, then stable blanket weight, then water-proof turnout, with or without neck cover)

Be very appreciative of your BO who will do those extras for you. (A pan of homemade lemon bars or brownies are usually a nice thought. )

[2 tbs]

Horses lose all their natural insulating properties in the wind. .....Keep in mind, also, these are not fat/furry shetland pony types of horses.

In these extreme temperatures that they are predicting, I am certainly not the least bit worried that my horses will be hot/sweaty.

My horse's hair on the unblanketed parts have no problems puffing up to their fullest extent and are not the least bit fooled by the other parts of their body being blanketed. Most incidences of frostbite happen on their ears, sheath, etc... and are usually a result of that area getting wet for some reason.


Did I hit a nerve or did you just feel the need to counter everything I said? It's not a big deal, I just thought it was odd that you had to pick apart my post as if I was spouting foolishness.

Certainly the extreme cold coming this week is not going to cause the horse to sweat and may be accompanied by wind that indicates the need for an extra layer of warmth but I didn't say DO NOT BLANKET YOUR HORSE EVER. I just said be very very careful when doing it. I've witnessed a horse suffer the consequences of layered blaneting and if I can throw out a word of caution to someone I certainly will.

Horse owners tend to forget that horses are not human. They do not go in and out of heated buildings all day and do not suffer the temp change shock that we do. It is not wise to put layers on horse like humans do (maybe a liner and a blanket but not 2 blankets+). Layers, depending on the type and quantity can do more harm than good.

Just be careful is all. Usually one blanket will do if the horse requires a covering. Oh, and I have 2 thoroughbreds so I know all about not having thick fuzzy shetland ponies.:)

[Mariequi]

They don't change the turn in/turn out schedule here, so Dub's in when I bring her and others in around 7:15 and out around 2:15. Hay is only in the stall. The mares pastured all the time get hay when the stalled mares are in. Dub usually lives in a midweight during the winter, but the Rambo is over 15 years old. It seems still waterproof, but I got paranoid with the single digit to below weather coming and here you never know when it's sleeting one day and heavy rain the next. So I bought her a lightweight Rambo Wug, so that she would have some definite waterproofing with the Wug over the midweight for the below 0's and freezing precip winter and for spring and fall heavy rains when the weather can make them very cold. I looked for a neck cover, but decided since I wasn't trusting the midweight I may as well buy something with a high neck instead. Trying it tonight for the first time. Hope it was a wise decision. The horses have a shed and are able to go down the hill away from the wind.