Foal Blanket Sizes

[MyFancyHunterPony]

I am expecting two medium pony foals and since it is cold here I bought a 40" foal blanket and was just curious if it will be too big?

[NancyM]

Yes, it will be too big to use as a newborn blanket for a pony foal. My newborn blanket for regular horse size foals is (I think) a 36 or so. The good news is that they grow so fast that your 40 inch blanket will be useful in a month or so after foaling, but I'd be looking for something smaller to use at first. Large wool cardigan sweaters from the second hand store for a couple of dollars can work OK if necessary. Do some additions of hind leg straps to it, or add a water proof covering if you are handy at sewing. The front legs go through the sleeves of the sweater.

The other option is a dog sweater/coat, for a larger type of dog if you want to spend money.

[092556]

I made a pony foal blanket out of an old winter hood that fits a top of the line small to a top of the line medium. It measures about 30" - 34". The biggest problem with most that you buy is the necks hang to low and they can get a leg through it when laying down.

1st pic is Harry at 2-3 weeks old (who will be a top of the line small) It was a bit big on him when he was born but it did stay on safely, the neck fitted snug and sits up high.
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa170/hacooke/The%20Babies/HARRY1.jpg

2nd pic is Puzzle at 2 days old (who will be top of the line medium)
http://i200.photobucket.com/albums/aa170/hacooke/The%20Babies/newbabyinblanket.jpg

[092556]

Hey MyFancyHunterPony
Let me know if you can't find what you need, I don't have any small or mediums due this year only a large. If you pay the shipping (about $10 I'm guessing) and promise to return it when you are finished I'll send it to you, its real warm, fleece lined.

[tveley]

I just bought some WONDERFUL dog coats and sheets that are exactly like horse turnout blankets only smaller. They work great for the first couple of weeks until the foals grow into the smallest of my foal blankets. I got mine on sale at Horseloverz.com.

They fit well and are just as well made as the horse versions. These are the size that fits my large greyhounds. I decided to order the dog coats for the new foals after I actually used one of my greyhound's coats since the foal blankets were too large in the neck opening. The foal kept getting her front legs up through the neck when she would lay down. It did not happen with the dog coats.

[Dressage_Diva333]

I also use dog blankets for my newborn pony foals :)

Make sure you are careful of where the belly strap is though, you don't want it rubbing on the umbilicus. I had one that was doing that, so I did a little quick sewing and brought it forward. Worked really well, and an inexpensive option.