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View Full Version : 'Nother blanketing question..........


reefy!
Oct. 28, 2009, 12:59 PM
We've been very seasonal here in the SW, 80's in the daytime, 50's at night.

We had a cold front push down from the north overnight and today's highs are in the high 50's/low 60's, with overnight temps in the high 30's today and tomorrow/night - BRRRR! Not normal for this time of year and by the weekend we'll be back to the usual 80/50 range.

I'm trying really hard not to blanket this year, my horse doesn't really like them, he always seem a tad sore after blanketing, not to mention the DRY desert air and static electricity that makes him bonkers and I just don't really think we need them here most of the winter.

However, he doesn't have a thick coat - I'm thinking pile on the hay and let him be for these 2 nights.

Yay or nay?? I blanketed last winter, horsey made terrible faces each time he got it on! I'd rather leave him be but me, being a wimp in the cold, projects those feelings on to my horse. I never even got them cleaned over the summer so he'd have to wear a dirty blanket, too, HORRORS ;)

Anybody?

jenm
Oct. 28, 2009, 01:25 PM
However, he doesn't have a thick coat - I'm thinking pile on the hay and let him be for these 2 nights.


If your horse doesn't like wearing a blanket, I vote for extra hay and let him be. My horse doesn't care much for blankets either and I'm fairly certain she didn't wear one for the first 6 years of her life and she came from the Pacific Northwest.

Last night at my barn I heard someone from the lesson program say this to a newbie: "If the night is chilly enough that you want to wear a jacket, chances are the horse feels the same way and wants to wear a blanket..." Huh?! :confused: :rolleyes:

Tee
Oct. 28, 2009, 03:15 PM
I'd do the same, just a whole bunch of hay.

reefy!
Oct. 28, 2009, 08:25 PM
"If the night is chilly enough that you want to wear a jacket, chances are the horse feels the same way and wants to wear a blanket..." Huh?! :confused: :rolleyes:

:lol: But see, I sort of feel the same way. I have to really fight the urge to NOT blanket him. He came from Spokane, no idea if he was blanketed or not.

I figure he can burn a few calories keeping warm so maybe he won't be so crazy in this sudden cold spell :(

I much prefer my summer/fall horse to the winter/spring version of him :winkgrin:

For the record, extra hay, an extra hug and kiss from me, that's what he's getting. Me, I'll be bundled up, it's only 49 outside after being about 78 at the same time yesterday - BRRRRRRR!!!!

stoicfish
Oct. 28, 2009, 08:48 PM
Just found this article and posted on the other blanket thread
http://www.thehorse.com/ViewArticle.aspx?ID=393