winter blanket blunders

couggirl · 09-20-2007, 03:39 PM

Well once again winter is upon us...ok, not for a month or so but that's soon enough for me.

I'm wanting to blanket my 27 yr old mare (my avatar). As much as I want to believe that she can handle the cold weather her older body just can't do it anymore and it showed last winter when she lost close to 150 lbs.

Which she has gained back, plus more!! She's not fat just healthy! She has a shelter to get out of the everyday weather, right now she is fed both hay AND grain to give her a boost, but I want to help/make it easier for her to stay warm. Last winter she only got hay (I was told that would be sufficient, but obviously not) so this winter she will be on her hay and grain regimen with adjustments as winter sets in. (More hay for the colder weather) The weather in Eastern Washington State can be pretty cold and harsh. It can get down into the teens for weeks. Although we don't get a lot of snow and rain it just gets flat out cold and dry. So after all of that

here's my question: What type of blanket should I get for her? What kind of insulation/if any should I look for/stay away from? What kind of exterior should I get? (800, 1200 Denier) Bellyband??? Heavyweight or midweight? Certain brand? In other words...HELP!!!

Any info that you guys could share would be wonderful!!

Lindsay

seerfarm · 09-20-2007, 04:05 PM

You most definitely will need one that is a turnout both water and wind repellant and breathable. 1200 denier with ripstop is really good. Weight will be determined if you are gonna be able to get out and take it off if the weather warms during the day. I have a WeatherBeeta Orican with the high neck, and you can get it in light, medium and heavy weight. I have owned this blanket going on the 4th winter and it is as good as new. This blanket also comes with a 2year warranty. Schneiders also makes very good blankets, I have one of those that is also going on 4 years and has only one small pick in it. Schneiders also has a clearance section for there blankets and you can get some good deal. There website is www.sstack.com. So it is a matter of what you like and are looking for, there are certainly enough made out there to choose from.

Slim Pikkens · 09-20-2007, 04:13 PM

You might find that if you feed her 4 or 5 lbs day of Senior's, instead of grain, in two feedings that she will start to pick up and have a better coat. The Senior's provides the extra oils and dietary necessities the oldies need.

beth55051 · 09-20-2007, 04:51 PM

I'm guessing that your weather is similar to ours.

I would suggest looking at the www.sstack.com (Schneiders) website and finding either a midweight turnout style blanket or one of their technofleece turnout style blankets.

Get one with at least 1000 denier. (though many of the waterproof blankets are only a 600 denier but treated) That's what I use on most of my guys. I have one middle aged gelding with weight and arthritis issues and for him I have a lightweight and a midweight, if it gets really nasty I'll put both of them on him.

I like the heavier denier because by nature it's more water repellant even if it's not treated. It also blocks the wind which makes a huge difference in keeping them warm and keeping weight on them.

Weatherbeetas are great also, I'm just not as familiar with them though I've gotten a few this summer off of ebay used to replace my older worn out blankets.

I do not like Canvas blankets with the wool lining. Great for trailering but not great for turnout use. They tear very easily, tend to rub the hair off and when they get wet they're heavy and useless.

couggirl · 09-20-2007, 05:12 PM

Thanks so much you guys! I will look at that website and see what I can find. Do you guys think a bellyband is a good thing or is it something that doesn't add that much of a benefit?

Slim Pikkens: When I said grain I actually meant senior feed. Sorry I wasn't clear enough!

She gets at least 8 scoops (8-10 lbs) of nutrena senior pellets a day right now, split up into 3 feedings. I'm trying to put a little extra weight on her before winter just to give her a head start. Is that a good idea or bad idea??

Beth55051: The wind can be horrendous here. We live in a large valley and the wind can rip through you all the way to your bones. I think that is what hurt my girl the most last year.

There are TONS of blankets to chose from so I get a little intimidated when looking at all of them. So if you experienced horse people can give me a little nudge in the right direction I should be ok.

Linds

beth55051 · 09-20-2007, 05:56 PM

I don't really like bellybands. I've found that they tend to shift the blankets. They also get really nasty on lazy geldings or in muddy conditions.

Jean Genie · 09-20-2007, 06:17 PM

I'm considering a blanket this year for my oldest too. She's only 14 but has never grown a real thick wooly coat like my other 2, hers is short but pretty dense. She didn't tolerate the winter as well as she usually does so I'm changing to a better feed this winter, not sure what yet and thinking about blanketing at least her for the 1st time. As our pasture is being totally redone, right now there is no outside run-in shed so they'll be out during the day and in the barn at night. It gets pretty cold, always a couple stretches of below 0, plenty of wind and snow, could be worse certainly. I'm looking at Schneider's for a mid-heavy wt waterproof, breathable model, one she can wear indoors and out so I won't need 2, or will I need 2? Won't she acclimate herself to wearing one though? Like once she gets used to wearing it, if I take it off won't she be cold? Taking it on and off according to outside temp doesn't seem healthy. Once I feel it's cold enough to put it on her there won't be many days where it will get warm enough outside or inside to take it off, even if it's sunny unless I'm really underestimating how warm they are. So I'm a bit puzzled about that. And no bellybands, huh? Good to know.

I'm quite sure she will not like wearing it and that it will take both me and hubby to get it on her, at least the 1st time. She's my one-eyed jumpy, anxious mare; the stronger fabrics, higher deniers, are also less flexible and more "noisy"; if she rubs anything, the wall, bucket, whatever it'll rustle which will alarm her, everything alarms her. I can just see her all tense, ears up, and blowing through her nose everytime she moves. It will be stressful for her when I put it on her, when I take it off her and again when I put it back on, that's my girl

.

Sirita_88 · 09-20-2007, 06:32 PM

I don't like belly bands for horses that are turned out together. It is really easy to get a leg caught in a bellyband (at least I would think so). Just get one that comes together under the belly. I have used weatherbeeta and they are great but were pricey last time I bought them. Last year I got a heavyweight turnout with a neck off of ebay, 1200 denier made by shires I believe and they are lasting just as long as the weatherbeetas. I have also heard of great success with schnieders blankets. I also suggest buying a lightweight and a medium weight. That way when it gets really cold you can use the two together.
I know it's unnatural for a horse to be blanketed, but I show mine during the winter and they have to have a short coat. Anyways, My horses have been turned out with layers and layers of blankets without a problem. They usually don't rub and amazingly no horror stories yet (knock on wood). The worst that has happened was to the blanket itself when a horse just bit and held onto a blanket and the horse wearing it took off.
RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP. But nothing a patch can't fix

Also, although my horses are stalled most of the time during the winter I still use turnouts inside the stalls. They don't rub as much, are harder to rib and don't soak up the pee as fast as a normal stall rug.

couggirl · 09-20-2007, 06:32 PM

Jean Genie: I completely understand where you are coming from with the nervousness. I use to have a mare like that too! It can get frustrating. Luckily for me this mare isn't like that. She will let you throw anything over her at anytime...but she is only like that with me. I loved watching my dad try to get the fly sheet on her this summer. He's not a horsey person anyway so she played with him lettin ghim get to her and then moving a couple steps away. She would do this for 10-15minutes until he gave up and told me to go do it.

I would come out and she would hang her head like, "Well, my fun is over I better hold still...sigh..." It's hilarious!!

I too would like to know when do I start to blanket her? I've heard that I should let her winter fuzzies grow in good and thick and then blanket her. I've also heard that I can blanket before her fuzzies are completely in.

beth55051 · 09-20-2007, 09:06 PM

I only blanket mine during nasty stretches of weather. When it's going to be really snowy, windy or those nasty freezing rains. If it's sunny out I haven't really noticed that they care how cold it is as long as it's not windy. I'll put it on as it's getting nasty and then take it off on the next warm sunny day. That's why I'm so particular about the blankets and how they fit the horse because they might be stuck in them for a while.

You'd be surprised how quickly your spooky mare decides she likes that blanket though. I have a gelding like that, he's always looking for something to booger at. Booger he may, but he's usually one of the first ones to shove his head through a blanket whether it be his or not.

The Schneiders technofleece blankets breath, they will alow the horse to breath and prevent them from getting sweaty if they should get to warm in their blanket. For the most part the poly fiber fill blankets will also breath somewhat though not quite as well. DO NOT buy a blanket with foam insulation. They will not breath.

Jean Genie · 09-20-2007, 09:38 PM

Thanks Beth for the advice. So I won't be putting it on her say, Dec. 15th and removing it mid March when it's starting to warm up? Off and on as the weather/temperature dictates? I better pick one out b4 the cold weather gets here. I was actually thinking about it last year, we had a heckuva bitterly cold snap and I couldn't find one I'd consider buying in her size, in stock, anywhere. Once winter arrives, they're gone quickly. Boy, and Schneider's had some really nice blankets too at remarkably reasonable prices but they were out of stock til spring, don't need one then. I know the foam blankets are bad, I'm surprised they still make them and people buy them. An inexperienced friend of a friend bought one, unaware, it got wet and soggy, they don't breathe as Beth said, or dry out for that matter and her horse wound up with pneumonia. I think I'll look at technofleece, sounds like exactly what I need.

Arabgirl42 · 09-21-2007, 12:52 PM

I'm going to put a plug in for Rambo blankets they are spendy but it was probably the best $ ever spent. I bought a med weight blanket for my mare and she did great all winter long and MN winters are cold! Also they really, really, really do an awesome job keeping snow/rain out so they don't get wet underneath. Mine held up awesome and the only thing that happened was the snap from the tail strap came off.

I will be buying another one for my new horse this winter.

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09-20-2007, 03:39 PM
couggirl Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Touchet, WA Posts: 577	winter blanket blunders Well once again winter is upon us...ok, not for a month or so but that's soon enough for me. I'm wanting to blanket my 27 yr old mare (my avatar). As much as I want to believe that she can handle the cold weather her older body just can't do it anymore and it showed last winter when she lost close to 150 lbs. Which she has gained back, plus more!! She's not fat just healthy! She has a shelter to get out of the everyday weather, right now she is fed both hay AND grain to give her a boost, but I want to help/make it easier for her to stay warm. Last winter she only got hay (I was told that would be sufficient, but obviously not) so this winter she will be on her hay and grain regimen with adjustments as winter sets in. (More hay for the colder weather) The weather in Eastern Washington State can be pretty cold and harsh. It can get down into the teens for weeks. Although we don't get a lot of snow and rain it just gets flat out cold and dry. So after all of that here's my question: What type of blanket should I get for her? What kind of insulation/if any should I look for/stay away from? What kind of exterior should I get? (800, 1200 Denier) Bellyband??? Heavyweight or midweight? Certain brand? In other words...HELP!!! Any info that you guys could share would be wonderful!! Lindsay __________________ Don\'t let today\'s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow\'s dreams

09-20-2007, 04:05 PM
seerfarm Bombproof Member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Out with the Herd! Posts: 9,635	You most definitely will need one that is a turnout both water and wind repellant and breathable. 1200 denier with ripstop is really good. Weight will be determined if you are gonna be able to get out and take it off if the weather warms during the day. I have a WeatherBeeta Orican with the high neck, and you can get it in light, medium and heavy weight. I have owned this blanket going on the 4th winter and it is as good as new. This blanket also comes with a 2year warranty. Schneiders also makes very good blankets, I have one of those that is also going on 4 years and has only one small pick in it. Schneiders also has a clearance section for there blankets and you can get some good deal. There website is www.sstack.com. So it is a matter of what you like and are looking for, there are certainly enough made out there to choose from. __________________ "One must be a god to be able to tell successes from failures without making a mistake".

09-20-2007, 04:13 PM
Slim Pikkens Seasoned Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 4,438	You might find that if you feed her 4 or 5 lbs day of Senior's, instead of grain, in two feedings that she will start to pick up and have a better coat. The Senior's provides the extra oils and dietary necessities the oldies need.

09-20-2007, 04:51 PM
beth55051 Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 8,058	I'm guessing that your weather is similar to ours. I would suggest looking at the www.sstack.com (Schneiders) website and finding either a midweight turnout style blanket or one of their technofleece turnout style blankets. Get one with at least 1000 denier. (though many of the waterproof blankets are only a 600 denier but treated) That's what I use on most of my guys. I have one middle aged gelding with weight and arthritis issues and for him I have a lightweight and a midweight, if it gets really nasty I'll put both of them on him. I like the heavier denier because by nature it's more water repellant even if it's not treated. It also blocks the wind which makes a huge difference in keeping them warm and keeping weight on them. Weatherbeetas are great also, I'm just not as familiar with them though I've gotten a few this summer off of ebay used to replace my older worn out blankets. I do not like Canvas blankets with the wool lining. Great for trailering but not great for turnout use. They tear very easily, tend to rub the hair off and when they get wet they're heavy and useless. __________________ *If at the end of the day, all you have left is your integrity and honor. Then hold your head up, because that's more than most have.*

09-20-2007, 05:12 PM
couggirl Yearling Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Touchet, WA Posts: 577	Thanks so much you guys! I will look at that website and see what I can find. Do you guys think a bellyband is a good thing or is it something that doesn't add that much of a benefit? Slim Pikkens: When I said grain I actually meant senior feed. Sorry I wasn't clear enough! She gets at least 8 scoops (8-10 lbs) of nutrena senior pellets a day right now, split up into 3 feedings. I'm trying to put a little extra weight on her before winter just to give her a head start. Is that a good idea or bad idea?? Beth55051: The wind can be horrendous here. We live in a large valley and the wind can rip through you all the way to your bones. I think that is what hurt my girl the most last year. There are TONS of blankets to chose from so I get a little intimidated when looking at all of them. So if you experienced horse people can give me a little nudge in the right direction I should be ok. Linds __________________ Don\'t let today\'s disappointments cast a shadow on tomorrow\'s dreams

09-20-2007, 05:56 PM
beth55051 Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 8,058	I don't really like bellybands. I've found that they tend to shift the blankets. They also get really nasty on lazy geldings or in muddy conditions. __________________ *If at the end of the day, all you have left is your integrity and honor. Then hold your head up, because that's more than most have.*

09-20-2007, 06:17 PM
Jean Genie Started Join Date: May 2006 Location: NW Illinois Posts: 2,789	I'm considering a blanket this year for my oldest too. She's only 14 but has never grown a real thick wooly coat like my other 2, hers is short but pretty dense. She didn't tolerate the winter as well as she usually does so I'm changing to a better feed this winter, not sure what yet and thinking about blanketing at least her for the 1st time. As our pasture is being totally redone, right now there is no outside run-in shed so they'll be out during the day and in the barn at night. It gets pretty cold, always a couple stretches of below 0, plenty of wind and snow, could be worse certainly. I'm looking at Schneider's for a mid-heavy wt waterproof, breathable model, one she can wear indoors and out so I won't need 2, or will I need 2? Won't she acclimate herself to wearing one though? Like once she gets used to wearing it, if I take it off won't she be cold? Taking it on and off according to outside temp doesn't seem healthy. Once I feel it's cold enough to put it on her there won't be many days where it will get warm enough outside or inside to take it off, even if it's sunny unless I'm really underestimating how warm they are. So I'm a bit puzzled about that. And no bellybands, huh? Good to know. I'm quite sure she will not like wearing it and that it will take both me and hubby to get it on her, at least the 1st time. She's my one-eyed jumpy, anxious mare; the stronger fabrics, higher deniers, are also less flexible and more "noisy"; if she rubs anything, the wall, bucket, whatever it'll rustle which will alarm her, everything alarms her. I can just see her all tense, ears up, and blowing through her nose everytime she moves. It will be stressful for her when I put it on her, when I take it off her and again when I put it back on, that's my girl . __________________ Time spent speculating about another's actions is time well wasted.

09-20-2007, 06:32 PM
Sirita_88 Started Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Mt. Juliet, Tennessee Posts: 2,823	I don't like belly bands for horses that are turned out together. It is really easy to get a leg caught in a bellyband (at least I would think so). Just get one that comes together under the belly. I have used weatherbeeta and they are great but were pricey last time I bought them. Last year I got a heavyweight turnout with a neck off of ebay, 1200 denier made by shires I believe and they are lasting just as long as the weatherbeetas. I have also heard of great success with schnieders blankets. I also suggest buying a lightweight and a medium weight. That way when it gets really cold you can use the two together. I know it's unnatural for a horse to be blanketed, but I show mine during the winter and they have to have a short coat. Anyways, My horses have been turned out with layers and layers of blankets without a problem. They usually don't rub and amazingly no horror stories yet (knock on wood). The worst that has happened was to the blanket itself when a horse just bit and held onto a blanket and the horse wearing it took off. RIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP. But nothing a patch can't fix Also, although my horses are stalled most of the time during the winter I still use turnouts inside the stalls. They don't rub as much, are harder to rib and don't soak up the pee as fast as a normal stall rug. __________________ Paradise Performance Horses Home of: TC Passin The Bar Mac O TexaS What About it Mister Shys Pleasure Bar Bo Holiday Two To Tango (JC) ...4 rowdy toy aussies and 3 cats Last edited by Sirita_88 : 09-20-2007 at 06:35 PM.

09-20-2007, 09:06 PM
beth55051 Bombproof Member Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 8,058	I only blanket mine during nasty stretches of weather. When it's going to be really snowy, windy or those nasty freezing rains. If it's sunny out I haven't really noticed that they care how cold it is as long as it's not windy. I'll put it on as it's getting nasty and then take it off on the next warm sunny day. That's why I'm so particular about the blankets and how they fit the horse because they might be stuck in them for a while. You'd be surprised how quickly your spooky mare decides she likes that blanket though. I have a gelding like that, he's always looking for something to booger at. Booger he may, but he's usually one of the first ones to shove his head through a blanket whether it be his or not. The Schneiders technofleece blankets breath, they will alow the horse to breath and prevent them from getting sweaty if they should get to warm in their blanket. For the most part the poly fiber fill blankets will also breath somewhat though not quite as well. DO NOT buy a blanket with foam insulation. They will not breath. __________________ *If at the end of the day, all you have left is your integrity and honor. Then hold your head up, because that's more than most have.*

09-20-2007, 09:38 PM
Jean Genie Started Join Date: May 2006 Location: NW Illinois Posts: 2,789	Thanks Beth for the advice. So I won't be putting it on her say, Dec. 15th and removing it mid March when it's starting to warm up? Off and on as the weather/temperature dictates? I better pick one out b4 the cold weather gets here. I was actually thinking about it last year, we had a heckuva bitterly cold snap and I couldn't find one I'd consider buying in her size, in stock, anywhere. Once winter arrives, they're gone quickly. Boy, and Schneider's had some really nice blankets too at remarkably reasonable prices but they were out of stock til spring, don't need one then. I know the foam blankets are bad, I'm surprised they still make them and people buy them. An inexperienced friend of a friend bought one, unaware, it got wet and soggy, they don't breathe as Beth said, or dry out for that matter and her horse wound up with pneumonia. I think I'll look at technofleece, sounds like exactly what I need. __________________ Time spent speculating about another's actions is time well wasted.

09-21-2007, 12:52 PM
Arabgirl42 Halter broke Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 154	I'm going to put a plug in for Rambo blankets they are spendy but it was probably the best $ ever spent. I bought a med weight blanket for my mare and she did great all winter long and MN winters are cold! Also they really, really, really do an awesome job keeping snow/rain out so they don't get wet underneath. Mine held up awesome and the only thing that happened was the snap from the tail strap came off. I will be buying another one for my new horse this winter.