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Discussion on Winter Blankets for Foals
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Member:
kshayden
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Posted on Monday, Oct 6, 2008 - 6:38 pm:
HI,
I have a 4 month old colt that I would like to hear everyone's thoughts whether I should blanket him this winter and what are the suggestions?
I live in Northern CA where we *might* get a frost or two each winter. We usually get cold, rainy days where it can just drizzle for several days in a row and stays cloudy/cold.
My mom lives in Missouri and laughs at me because I blanket my horses and she never does. I have an old rescue mare that is thin and Cushings treated that I will even put 2 blankets on because if she gets wet, she will shiver. I also have a 3 YO princess that hates to get wet so she gets a blanket too. We don't really get the hard winter hair I have seen in Missouri either.
So, I have this little guy and am wondering what the thoughts are for blanketing him. Since he still lays down alot, I do worry that his little feet could get stuck in the belly or leg straps. It is also reasonable to think that he could grow out of 2 or 3 blankets before the winter is over. What size is better. The pony blankets would fit him around the middle but really large across the chest to fit him right.
Do I measure him the same as an adult to fit?
Thanks in advance. Kathy
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Monday, Oct 6, 2008 - 8:03 pm:
Hello Kathy,
you will find the answer to your question and many personal testimonies at Horse Care » Routine Horse Care » Winter Care for your Horse.
DrO
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Member:
juliem
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Posted on Monday, Oct 6, 2008 - 10:16 pm:
Foals this age easily withstand much colder temps and thrive with no blankets. Does your foal have plenty of room to move around? To get out of the wind if it's accompanied by rain or snow? Have plenty of hay--not concentrates or grain, but grass or grass mix hay? I have seen so many foals injured (it seems their first year is devoted to insuring the local vet has a fully funded 401K)that I would not blanket. I think you invite more problems than you solve. Last year I had three weanlings and they rarely went in their shelter and we have 20 degree nights routinely in the winter as well as wind, rain and snow. They had plenty of room to move and generate heat and seemed happy to do it! One of them even shed prematurely (bare skin) and I worried about frostbite! Of course like most of our horse worries, that was totally without basis and she was fine!
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Member:
dres
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 7, 2008 - 10:28 am:
Kathy i am in Northern Ca.. and don't blanket unless i have a horse training hard thru the winter and is clipped... Our winters are mild comparing to others , and remember a horse LOVES the colder weather.. Unless this foal is under weight or some kind of illness... he will be fine.. really!~ And so will your other horses, give them a place to get out of the wind and rain and watch... they will stand in the wind and rain and be very happy..
On the first day God created horses, on the second day he painted them with spots..
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Member:
kshayden
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Posted on Tuesday, Oct 7, 2008 - 10:44 am:
Thanks so much for the advise. Yes, I have 20 acres for them to roam (not much grass on it at the moment) and a large barn and a run in. The old rescue mare that shivers stands in the rain and doesn't come inside. I do believe they are hardier if they have to 'deal' with the elements rather than be pampered but hard to watch sometimes. Sounds like my thought on him getting himself caught up are correct and best not to set him up for injuries as he gets in enough trouble as it is.
They get lots of grass/clover hay.
I will 'try' to not blanket my little princess this year though I have to admit I did this past weekend with the storms.
I will be sure to tell them you guys said not to when the weather is cold...LOl.
Thanks!!! Kathy
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