Winter horse question?

Question

I have a new horse in Minnesota. He hasn't been clipped in several months but he is slowly growing his full coat back. So far, I have had a turn out sheet on him. He is living out in a pasture, not stall kept. But now the temperatures reach the single digits at night, not including wind chill. When do I need to switch to his winter blanket?

Answer 1

NOW.

Or would you rather you waited until he's shivering and colicked?

Put it this way, if you can't stand outside for an hour with only a light sweater on, your horse is cold, too.
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And, FWIW, protein has nothing to do with keeping a horse warm. The act of digesting forage keeps a horse warmer. Literally, 'burning' calories. That is NOT to say you should dump extra sweet feed in front of him when it's colder out.

Please read up on basic horse care. Cherry Hill published some wonderful books for the first time owner. Also, find an equine vet NOW before you need one.

It would be horrible if your horse suffered due to accidental neglect.

Answer 2

As long as he has grown in his full winter hair and has a good layer of fat on him, keep the blanket off!

Blankets can actually harm a horse as their bodies are built to withstand the winter months. Blanketing will make him sweat and not be able to accurately regulate his body temperature. This can cause his immune system to break down and cause health problems.

The most important thing to do during winter months is to make sure your horse has 24/7 access to WATER, preferably in a heated bucket or a tank with a heater installed. The #1 winter problem for horses is dehydration as they cannot get their daily water requirements through ice and snow--they must have clean, clear water to drink at all times.

Also, feed hay free choice if you can. Hay generates calories which generates warmth. The continual digestion of hay creates a kind of internal heating source that warms the horse from the inside out. We feed alfalfa over the winter but almost any kind of hay will do, as long as it's proper hay, free of mold and weeds.

If he does not have shelter then make sure he at least has a wind-break to the north and west. Horses can withstand a snowstorm but that cold wind is harder on them.

Keep the blanket off and put lots of hay and fresh water in front of your horse, and he will be a happy camper all through the winter months! :)

Answer 3

Being in Minnesota also, I wait till I see my horse shiver some before putting on the blanket. I also put on the blanket when the temps drops 20 degrees over night (including wind chill) then take the blanket off when the temps stabilizes again.
This way he still works on growing is winter coat.
Also anytime we go below -10 with windchill. blacket goes on.
15 degrees fells warming in the winter then 50 in the summer.
On older skinny horse putting the blacket on earlier but will reduce the winter coat.

Answer 4

Depends on the horse. My horse is rarely blanketed and I live in Michigan, with very similar temps. She has hay all the time to keep her digestion active and keep her warm from the inside, she has a run in shelter and she's got a full coat. Depending on the breed, what you're doing with him during the winter (riding and training wise) and how his coat is he may be okay with just the turn out sheet, naked or he may need a full blanket. Many a horse is quite content to be out in the snow, rain, sleet and ice with their butt to the wind. I would suggest chatting with your vet if you're unsure of when to blanket. They can look at the horses health, his access to shelter, general condition, etc... and suggest a blanketing routine.

Answer 5

Since you have kept him covered so far and it is getting down to the single digits I would say now. You can take it of if it warms up considerably in the daytime. Our horses here in PA have had time to have their coats grow in. They have never been blanketed and they have buildings to get into out of the wind. They are so fuzzy right now they are kind of silly looking.

Answer 6

Probably about now.. Single digits, brrrrr. I live in Maine, and one of my horses is pastured all year also.. He has quite the coat of hair. It's been pretty warm recently but according to the weather man, he's going to need his winter blanket soon.

Answer 7

I hope you are feeding him other then just grazing. Also by leaving a blanket on him all the time can be dangerous for if it gets damp or wet it will cause a chill instead of keeping him warm. Plenty of water supply and salt and mineral blocks for them to lick on. How are your selenium levels out in your region? If they are low you will need to supplement for this. Let your horse be alittle more on the heavy side for these cold months to protect him. Are there any sheds or lean 2's out in the pasture for protection so they may get out of the elements and wind if need be?

Answer 8

I live in Ohio and only but a blanket on my horses in the winter time, if I need to transport one...we put extra corn in the sweet feed and have lots of hay and water for them in the winter time.

Answer 9

If his winter coat hasn't grown in yet, you need to put his winter blanket on now. I have a TB mare who needs her blanket put on when it hits 20 degrees. You didn't mention if you have a shed for your horse, he definitely needs one.

Answer 10

Now! Get one from your local feed or tack store. Or buy one on line from Jeffers Equine or Valley vet. Measure from in front of chest to back of hindquarters for size in case you didn't know. They have the Kodiak style for severe weather and if you can't afford it, at least get him a heavy canvas and shelter! Maybe a boarding stable for these cold months if they have room.