Winter blankets...help?

**Orchid** · 08-11-2008, 09:40 AM

I've never had to blanket a horse before, but my old QH gelding is getting increasingly difficult to keep weight on and I'm thinking that this winter he would benefit from a blanket so he doesn't have to use so many calories to stay warm.

He has a swayback and high withers, so I need some advice on which blankets would minimize rubbing on his withers. Also, I need advice on what weight of blanket(s) to buy. He grows a super thick winter coat but we also have below freezing temps 24 hours a day from the beginning-mid November to the mid-end of March. The coldest it usually gets is around -40º F, but we sometimes get a few warm days in December and February that can be a little over 32º.

Help, I am blanket inept.

**gbarmranch** · 08-11-2008, 09:47 AM

Heather, will he be outside all the time.. or stalled.. that will help you decide on the type of blanket you want.. You may also want to get him a second lightweight one so you can double up when it hits those really low temps..

pvf · 08-11-2008, 09:51 AM

my suggestion would be to get 2 different blankets.. A heavy one when its really cold and on days when its warm use a lighter one. I can't remember the name our blankets that I used on our old girl but I'll check and get back to you.

**seerfarm** · 08-11-2008, 09:53 AM

Poor guy....he needs a binkie!

I love this blanket....Dakota has one and I have had it for 4 years now with absolutely no complaints or issues.

http://www.equestrian-tack.com/orican.html

Mid-weight, breathable, wind and waterproof with rip-stop. I have not had one single rub or irritation mark, it has a satin type lining with mess along the hot spots.

It is a bit longer on the sides too which help cover tops of the legs better. It also comes in a heavyweight 300 fill if you think you need to go that heavy, but I think personally, he would do excellent with the midweight.

**Orchid** · 08-11-2008, 10:16 AM

gbar, he is pastured 24/7 with a run-in shed and lots of tree cover.

seer, will that blanket survive Bailey trying to chew it off?

**seerfarm** · 08-11-2008, 10:20 AM

Dakota's survived an obnoxious Bucksin long yearling who loved to pick at Dakota's chest and hip! Not a pick or tear on it.

And, I believe that blanket has a two year guarantee as well.

**Applejack** · 08-11-2008, 10:22 AM

I was going to suggest the same one seerfarm posted. The higher neck should prevent wither rubbing. Check the Weatherbeeta website on their measurements/sizing because they run bigger than most other brands.

pvf · 08-11-2008, 10:24 AM

I like the kind that seer posted.. very nice blanket this reminds me I need to order a couple more this winter..

barnmom · 08-11-2008, 10:31 AM

We have 2 a light and a medium weight so we can layer, of course our winters aren't nearly as cold. We keep on the medium mostly all winter and on the extremly cold nights we give them 2.

We use the weatherbeatta, and have a few cheaper ones to go underneath, I like the saxon brand, cheap but a nice blanket. I don't know how they would hold up for an outer blanket as we use them for the liner blanket.

**beth55051** · 08-11-2008, 05:58 PM

I use high neck blankets on Sam who is the epitome of high withers! Don't go with anything that is Quarter Horse cut, it will dig into the backside of his withers. Open fronts seem to fit better on Sam than closed fronts do. And the shoulder gussets are a must! Belly bands often don't work well on geldings especially if they don't drop to pee. (SAM!!)

I have two blankets for him as he's not smart enough to get in out of the weather.

I have one that was made by State Line Tack. It's waterproof and very light weight. More like a sheet with a teensy bit of insulation and a nylon lining.

Then we have his super, uper, heavy, artic blast blanket. It also happens to be made by State Link Tack.

Saxon blankets from www.horse.com would be a good choice. Made by WeatherBeeta just not quite as fancy but get the job done quite nicely.

Otherwise if you want one that is guaranteed not to tear in Baileys teeth go to www.sstack.com and buy one from them. There a tad bit more than a Saxon but most come with a one or two year warranty against tears.

Probably more important than the actual insulation weight is the windproof and waterproofness of the blanket. If I can keep Sam dry and protected from the wind he's good to go all winter long. I try to get most of my blankets in either a lightweight or midweight insulation. The ponies tend to wear them more in freezing rain, hard winds or heavy snows than they do bitter cold.

cook1745 · 08-11-2008, 06:09 PM

My only sugestion is make sure they are 100% waterproof incase he gets caught in the rain and make sure you have a back up just incase it get wet throught the neck. I have been blanketing my horse for years in ALL climants.

I like www.sstack.com they have good prices and nice blankets. What I now do andI have stable blankets of all weights MUCH cheaper and the one light sheet that is 100% waterproof that way I can take off the sheet and have all weight blanket depending on the warmth of the day or if one gets soaked I can put it to dry while I put on another balnket!!

BarnBum · 08-11-2008, 06:13 PM

Just make sure the blanets are waterproof. Last thing you want is a wet blanket on a horse when its cold.

Slim Pikkens · 08-11-2008, 07:05 PM

Orchid, your old horse is better off without a blanket if he grows a good coat. A coat flattens the loft in the hair with traps heat. ie he can wind up colder. When the sun shines on the blanket he will overheat and become wet under the blanket. When the sun goes down all that moisture will give him the chills. I live north of you so get your cold weather and more. Hay is what helps a horse generate heat as the gut digests the fiber. Softened beet pulp and Senior's will help replace the hay he may not be chewing well.

**beth55051** · 08-11-2008, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slim Pikkens

Orchid, your old horse is better off without a blanket if he grows a good coat. A coat flattens the loft in the hair with traps heat. ie he can wind up colder. When the sun shines on the blanket he will overheat and become wet under the blanket. When the sun goes down all that moisture will give him the chills. I live north of you so get your cold weather and more. Hay is what helps a horse generate heat as the gut digests the fiber. Softened beet pulp and Senior's will help replace the hay he may not be chewing well.

That's all fine and dandy but sometimes it saves alot of extra work on these old guys to help them out by properly blanketing them. I know that my guy Sam cannot eat enough fast enough to prevent him from loosing weight very quickly during a cold snap or bad snow storm. I would rather spend the money blanketing him than have to try and put weight back on during the winter. It also greatly helps an arthritic horse to keep their back and hips warmer. My old mare has a bad back, she is so much more comfortable if I can keep the snow and rain off of her back.

Technology is vastly improved in horse blankets now. I rarely, if ever find a sweaty horse no matter how much too warm it go outside for them to be wearing their blankets. The blankets I suggested all breath. They will let moisture out but not in.

cook1745 · 08-11-2008, 09:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by beth55051

That's all fine and dandy but sometimes it saves alot of extra work on these old guys to help them out by properly blanketing them. I know that my guy Sam cannot eat enough fast enough to prevent him from loosing weight very quickly during a cold snap or bad snow storm. I would rather spend the money blanketing him than have to try and put weight back on during the winter. It also greatly helps an arthritic horse to keep their back and hips warmer. My old mare has a bad back, she is so much more comfortable if I can keep the snow and rain off of her back.

Technology is vastly improved in horse blankets now. I rarely, if ever find a sweaty horse no matter how much too warm it go outside for them to be wearing their blankets. The blankets I suggested all breath. They will let moisture out but not in.

I totally agree!!!!

Slim Pikkens · 08-12-2008, 06:06 PM

Perhaps I should explain some winter differences. In the north we may get a lot of cold and snow but it's dry weather except for the odd blustery wet snowy days at the beginning of winter. It's because of the dry cold that horses fare better without blankets in winter except for those odd days. I've watched horses shiver under blankets and yes I know shivering is a warming mechanism but they shouldn't be cold under the blankets unless it's from getting too warm. A good windbreak is necessary. Mine won't go in the barn but will certainly bum up against a solid wall when windy of stay down in a thick stand of trees.

EquineAlberta · 08-12-2008, 06:53 PM

The new style blankets with the flat back don't flatten the coat as much as the old style ones that are fitted along the backs. These flat backed blankets keep a pocket of air along the spine that stays nice and warm. Sometimes the liners that they sell to go with them are fitted though...I stay away from anything that contours to the shape of the back.

I also think you are better off just getting 2 water proof blankets; one heavy or medium and one lighter and put on whichever one is suitable for the weather but do not layer. Layering compresses the blanket, changes the fit, and unless you get a liner, the top blanket doesn't usually stay in place properly. Plus, if you get two outer blankets, then you can rotate to clean one or in case of a tear.

Karen

paintedpastures · 08-12-2008, 07:28 PM

I have a old quarter horse mare,same high wither,sway back that comes with her being a senior{30yrs}.I watch my girl closely over winter for signs of chill/shivering she does well with no blanket but once it reaches close to the minus25 celcius or if it is windy she needs a blanket.I bought her a Big D new types are more hunter cut sit up higher on her wither/neck than the old style big D's.it fit her great. Her weight hasn't been an issue over the cold winters but she is on free choice hay & gets her daily grain.

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08-11-2008, 09:40 AM
Orchid Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 9,853	Winter blankets...help? I've never had to blanket a horse before, but my old QH gelding is getting increasingly difficult to keep weight on and I'm thinking that this winter he would benefit from a blanket so he doesn't have to use so many calories to stay warm. He has a swayback and high withers, so I need some advice on which blankets would minimize rubbing on his withers. Also, I need advice on what weight of blanket(s) to buy. He grows a super thick winter coat but we also have below freezing temps 24 hours a day from the beginning-mid November to the mid-end of March. The coldest it usually gets is around -40º F, but we sometimes get a few warm days in December and February that can be a little over 32º. Help, I am blanket inept. __________________ Be thankful.

08-11-2008, 09:47 AM
gbarmranch Administrator Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Tennessee Posts: 29,233	Heather, will he be outside all the time.. or stalled.. that will help you decide on the type of blanket you want.. You may also want to get him a second lightweight one so you can double up when it hits those really low temps.. __________________ Quality FoundationQuarter Horses http://home.earthlink.net/~vpgann Minds are like parachutes – they only function when open – Thomas Dewar

08-11-2008, 09:51 AM
pvf Regional Forums Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 6,447	my suggestion would be to get 2 different blankets.. A heavy one when its really cold and on days when its warm use a lighter one. I can't remember the name our blankets that I used on our old girl but I'll check and get back to you. __________________ www.prairieviewfarms.net Raising Reg. Paints and Quarter horses

08-11-2008, 09:53 AM
seerfarm Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portal, Ga Posts: 7,840	Poor guy....he needs a binkie! I love this blanket....Dakota has one and I have had it for 4 years now with absolutely no complaints or issues. http://www.equestrian-tack.com/orican.html Mid-weight, breathable, wind and waterproof with rip-stop. I have not had one single rub or irritation mark, it has a satin type lining with mess along the hot spots. It is a bit longer on the sides too which help cover tops of the legs better. It also comes in a heavyweight 300 fill if you think you need to go that heavy, but I think personally, he would do excellent with the midweight. __________________ The man who questions opinions is wise. The man who quarrels with facts is a fool.

08-11-2008, 10:16 AM
Orchid Super Moderator Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Minnesota Posts: 9,853	gbar, he is pastured 24/7 with a run-in shed and lots of tree cover. seer, will that blanket survive Bailey trying to chew it off? __________________ Be thankful.

08-11-2008, 10:20 AM
seerfarm Super Moderator Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Portal, Ga Posts: 7,840	Dakota's survived an obnoxious Bucksin long yearling who loved to pick at Dakota's chest and hip! Not a pick or tear on it. And, I believe that blanket has a two year guarantee as well. __________________ The man who questions opinions is wise. The man who quarrels with facts is a fool.

08-11-2008, 10:22 AM
Applejack Administrator Join Date: Feb 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 1,212	I was going to suggest the same one seerfarm posted. The higher neck should prevent wither rubbing. Check the Weatherbeeta website on their measurements/sizing because they run bigger than most other brands. __________________

08-11-2008, 10:24 AM
pvf Regional Forums Moderator Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Minnesota Posts: 6,447	I like the kind that seer posted.. very nice blanket this reminds me I need to order a couple more this winter.. __________________ www.prairieviewfarms.net Raising Reg. Paints and Quarter horses

08-11-2008, 10:31 AM
barnmom Coming two Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: northeast pennsylvania Posts: 1,848	We have 2 a light and a medium weight so we can layer, of course our winters aren't nearly as cold. We keep on the medium mostly all winter and on the extremly cold nights we give them 2. We use the weatherbeatta, and have a few cheaper ones to go underneath, I like the saxon brand, cheap but a nice blanket. I don't know how they would hold up for an outer blanket as we use them for the liner blanket. __________________ Remember to thank the horses for the happiness and joy we experience through them! It's nice to be important, but more important to be nice!

08-11-2008, 05:58 PM
beth55051 Super Moderator Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: East Central Minnesota Posts: 4,734	I use high neck blankets on Sam who is the epitome of high withers! Don't go with anything that is Quarter Horse cut, it will dig into the backside of his withers. Open fronts seem to fit better on Sam than closed fronts do. And the shoulder gussets are a must! Belly bands often don't work well on geldings especially if they don't drop to pee. (SAM!!) I have two blankets for him as he's not smart enough to get in out of the weather. I have one that was made by State Line Tack. It's waterproof and very light weight. More like a sheet with a teensy bit of insulation and a nylon lining. Then we have his super, uper, heavy, artic blast blanket. It also happens to be made by State Link Tack. Saxon blankets from www.horse.com would be a good choice. Made by WeatherBeeta just not quite as fancy but get the job done quite nicely. Otherwise if you want one that is guaranteed not to tear in Baileys teeth go to www.sstack.com and buy one from them. There a tad bit more than a Saxon but most come with a one or two year warranty against tears. Probably more important than the actual insulation weight is the windproof and waterproofness of the blanket. If I can keep Sam dry and protected from the wind he's good to go all winter long. I try to get most of my blankets in either a lightweight or midweight insulation. The ponies tend to wear them more in freezing rain, hard winds or heavy snows than they do bitter cold. __________________ Do not mind anything that anyone tells you about anyone else. Judge everyone and everything for yourself.

08-11-2008, 06:09 PM
cook1745 Greenbroke Member Join Date: May 2006 Location: New Mexico Posts: 3,515	My only sugestion is make sure they are 100% waterproof incase he gets caught in the rain and make sure you have a back up just incase it get wet throught the neck. I have been blanketing my horse for years in ALL climants. I like www.sstack.com they have good prices and nice blankets. What I now do andI have stable blankets of all weights MUCH cheaper and the one light sheet that is 100% waterproof that way I can take off the sheet and have all weight blanket depending on the warmth of the day or if one gets soaked I can put it to dry while I put on another balnket!! __________________ Home of my sweet girl Cinnamon. Not fancy but she is mine!!!

08-11-2008, 06:13 PM
BarnBum Greenbroke Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Sunshine State Posts: 3,611	Just make sure the blanets are waterproof. Last thing you want is a wet blanket on a horse when its cold. __________________ Murphys Horse Law - A horse's misbehavior will be in direct proportion to the number of people who are watching !!

08-11-2008, 07:05 PM
Slim Pikkens Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,948	Orchid, your old horse is better off without a blanket if he grows a good coat. A coat flattens the loft in the hair with traps heat. ie he can wind up colder. When the sun shines on the blanket he will overheat and become wet under the blanket. When the sun goes down all that moisture will give him the chills. I live north of you so get your cold weather and more. Hay is what helps a horse generate heat as the gut digests the fiber. Softened beet pulp and Senior's will help replace the hay he may not be chewing well.

08-12-2008, 06:06 PM
Slim Pikkens Started Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Ontario, Canada Posts: 2,948	Perhaps I should explain some winter differences. In the north we may get a lot of cold and snow but it's dry weather except for the odd blustery wet snowy days at the beginning of winter. It's because of the dry cold that horses fare better without blankets in winter except for those odd days. I've watched horses shiver under blankets and yes I know shivering is a warming mechanism but they shouldn't be cold under the blankets unless it's from getting too warm. A good windbreak is necessary. Mine won't go in the barn but will certainly bum up against a solid wall when windy of stay down in a thick stand of trees.

08-12-2008, 06:53 PM
EquineAlberta Seasoned Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 4,470	The new style blankets with the flat back don't flatten the coat as much as the old style ones that are fitted along the backs. These flat backed blankets keep a pocket of air along the spine that stays nice and warm. Sometimes the liners that they sell to go with them are fitted though...I stay away from anything that contours to the shape of the back. I also think you are better off just getting 2 water proof blankets; one heavy or medium and one lighter and put on whichever one is suitable for the weather but do not layer. Layering compresses the blanket, changes the fit, and unless you get a liner, the top blanket doesn't usually stay in place properly. Plus, if you get two outer blankets, then you can rotate to clean one or in case of a tear. Karen __________________ Hillside Stable, Ardrossan, AB Do unto others as you would have them do unto you...is it really that hard?

08-12-2008, 07:28 PM
paintedpastures Weanling Member Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Sherwood park,AB Posts: 303	I have a old quarter horse mare,same high wither,sway back that comes with her being a senior{30yrs}.I watch my girl closely over winter for signs of chill/shivering she does well with no blanket but once it reaches close to the minus25 celcius or if it is windy she needs a blanket.I bought her a Big D new types are more hunter cut sit up higher on her wither/neck than the old style big D's.it fit her great. Her weight hasn't been an issue over the cold winters but she is on free choice hay & gets her daily grain.