how big a blanket?

enigma · 09-07-2008, 03:50 PM

My mother has 3 horses who have been in the Phoenix area who have just moved to Denver. Over the last week, it's been down to 40 at night, and the older mare (20s) has been shivering a couple of days while eating her breakfast. The younger mare has been shivering once, and the gelding just wants to be fed.

Wondering what we could do for sheets or blankets that won't inhibit hair growth, but would still help keep them warm. We have upped the hay for the two mares already.

Also, competitive pricing info (sources) on blankets would be greatly appreciated. Saw clearance stuff at horse.com, but not sure if those 39 dollar ones would be warm enough.

Any thoughts?

BarnBum · 09-07-2008, 03:55 PM

Are they kept out in the elements or are they stabled ??

You definatly need a water proof blanket. Worst thing is a cold horse with a wet blanket.

If they are shivering in the 40s what about when it snows and in the 0's !! Heavy duty blanket would be my suggestion. These horses aren't used to the cold/snow.

Big D and Weetherbetta are my fav's

Pricey but very nice blankets. Not the el-cheap b/c you get what you pay for in my opinion.

**seerfarm** · 09-07-2008, 03:57 PM

Are these horses out in the elements with a run under, or do they come into a barn stall with more inclement weather?

enigma · 09-07-2008, 04:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by seerfarm

Are these horses out in the elements with a run under, or do they come into a barn stall with more inclement weather?

We have them in two different places right now, and my mother's barn should be finished by November. I was shocked that they were so cold so early in the season!!

The older mare is in a dry lot (with two others) with a 3-sided shelter. The younger is turned out during the day and is brought in to a stall/run at night. Would expect the turnout/bring in to continue when the other barn is finished.

**beth55051** · 09-07-2008, 09:45 PM

The Saxon blankets at horse.com are a good blanket for the money. Made the same and by WeatherBeeta just not quite as long on the sides and more of an economy model. I've had several that are still in great condition after a few years of occasional use and my guys are all outside horses that like to run through the woods.

Definitly a waterproof turnout style blanket if they're outside horses. Midweight insulation for later in the winter, light to none for right now if you choose to blanket them already. I try very hard to resist blanketing my guys this early in the season.

enigma · 09-07-2008, 10:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beth55051

The Saxon blankets at horse.com are a good blanket for the money.

Definitly a waterproof turnout style blanket if they're outside horses. Midweight insulation for later in the winter, light to none for right now if you choose to blanket them already. I try very hard to resist blanketing my guys this early in the season.

Thanks for the recommendation -- I was shocked that they were that shivery this early on!!! So, do we need two weights? One for cold overnight in the barn, and one for turnout? Mine look like woolly mammoth crosses when it gets cold, but I do like a little something when it gets truly cold. I'm thinking radiant heat in the barn after seeing this!!!

midkniggit · 09-08-2008, 01:21 PM

My Saxon's were super cheap ($35 on clearance) but have held up really well. Just be warned, they run BIG.

You don't necessarily need two turnout blankets - you can do a layering system instead. I have fairly lightweight waterproof turnout blankets for each horse, and then I layer a fleece or wool blanket under when it's REALLY cold.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Big Blanket	Draft Horse Mama	Equine Humor	21	12-29-2007 08:54 AM
To Blanket, or Not to Blanket - that is the question!	Ponderosa Starr	Tack, Apparel and Equipment	8	12-05-2007 07:10 AM
Big shoes to fill - Gideon's big debut!	Promise Ranch	Meet the Horses	13	10-30-2006 01:00 PM
To Blanket or Not to Blanket, that is the question.	Iwuvspunkyhorseys1	General Horse Advice	7	10-17-2006 09:15 PM
Teaser Pony Stallion? UPDATE: Big, BIG change of plans!	NChase	Breeding & Genetics	27	02-22-2006 10:57 AM

09-07-2008, 03:50 PM
enigma Weanling Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Colorado Posts: 426	how big a blanket? My mother has 3 horses who have been in the Phoenix area who have just moved to Denver. Over the last week, it's been down to 40 at night, and the older mare (20s) has been shivering a couple of days while eating her breakfast. The younger mare has been shivering once, and the gelding just wants to be fed. Wondering what we could do for sheets or blankets that won't inhibit hair growth, but would still help keep them warm. We have upped the hay for the two mares already. Also, competitive pricing info (sources) on blankets would be greatly appreciated. Saw clearance stuff at horse.com, but not sure if those 39 dollar ones would be warm enough. Any thoughts? __________________ There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man. ~ Winston Churchill

09-07-2008, 03:55 PM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,542	Are they kept out in the elements or are they stabled ?? You definatly need a water proof blanket. Worst thing is a cold horse with a wet blanket. If they are shivering in the 40s what about when it snows and in the 0's !! Heavy duty blanket would be my suggestion. These horses aren't used to the cold/snow. Big D and Weetherbetta are my fav's Pricey but very nice blankets. Not the el-cheap b/c you get what you pay for in my opinion. __________________ Murphys Horse Law - A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of people who are watching !! Last edited by BarnBum : 09-07-2008 at 03:58 PM.

09-07-2008, 03:57 PM
seerfarm Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portal, Ga Posts: 7,732	Are these horses out in the elements with a run under, or do they come into a barn stall with more inclement weather? __________________ "To know the road ahead, ask those coming back".

09-07-2008, 09:45 PM
beth55051 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 4,696	The Saxon blankets at horse.com are a good blanket for the money. Made the same and by WeatherBeeta just not quite as long on the sides and more of an economy model. I've had several that are still in great condition after a few years of occasional use and my guys are all outside horses that like to run through the woods. Definitly a waterproof turnout style blanket if they're outside horses. Midweight insulation for later in the winter, light to none for right now if you choose to blanket them already. I try very hard to resist blanketing my guys this early in the season. __________________ *Do not mind anything that anyone tells you about anyone else. Judge everyone and everything for yourself.*

09-08-2008, 01:21 PM
midkniggit Halter broke Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Lexington, KY Posts: 136	My Saxon's were super cheap ($35 on clearance) but have held up really well. Just be warned, they run BIG. You don't necessarily need two turnout blankets - you can do a layering system instead. I have fairly lightweight waterproof turnout blankets for each horse, and then I layer a fleece or wool blanket under when it's REALLY cold.