here in canada it is really cold, how do i know if my horses are warm or too cold?
i put them in there stalls at night but i find the barn is cold. they go out during the day and in at night during the winter and they stay out all summer long.
pls give me suggetions
2007-01-16 10:54:22 · 8 answers · asked by horses 2 in Pets ➔ Other - Pets
they all have winter coats expect one but shes wearing a blanket.
2007-01-16 11:07:10 · update #1
Im in canada also and it is cold!!! LOL My horse has grown quite a good winter coat so I havent worried about him to much in the cold but I do have a TB who gets alot colder and I blanket him when the temperature drops to low. I can normally tell he's cold by feeling his legs and belly. Also he tends to tell me because he will stand there shaking if the winds blowing! Did your horses grow there winter coats? if they did they should be fine. The main thing is keeping them out of the strong winds. If they are in the barn at night that should be sufficient enough to keep them warm.
2007-01-16 11:03:03 · answer #1 · answered by meecaf11 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
My mom keeps her horses in their stalls at night in the winter time. It protects them from the wind which can get a bit chilly at times. Horses can handle the cold weather. A cold barn feels a lot colder to us then to them. You will know if they are cold if they start to shiver. If they do, make sure you put a blanket on them. If a horse shivers too long you can have some serious problems. To tell if they are shivering put your hand on their belly or on the backside.
Keep the horses weight up to a healthy level and keep them in their stalls at night and out of the wind, and they should be fine.
2007-01-16 19:07:28 · answer #2 · answered by Jensies 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Well, rug them up well, well-fitting and wind-proof during the day, and very snug and warm during the night. If it's really cold they may need to wear 2 rugs at night, but at least the barn will keep the wind and the worst of the chill off them. It's good that they're out during the day, as moving around will help both their circulation and relief of boredom.
Feeling their ears can be helpful in determining if they are feeling cold, but if they are really over-exposed you will know it it, as they will lose condition, and if the situation is serious this can happen quite fast. So if they are still looking healthy, bright and themselves, and their weight is normal, you can be pretty sure they are doing fine.
And if you are really worried they may be getting too cold, you can always ask your vet!
2007-01-16 19:03:56 · answer #3 · answered by meptastic 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
You can put your hand underneath on their chest between their front legs and see if they feel at all damp or sweaty. It is unnatural for horses to be kept in climate controlled environments, so it's actually better for them if the barn is cold but not too cold, as long as it's still cold outside. Just make sure they are maintaining their weight, and put blankets on them if you notice them shivering.
2007-01-16 19:24:05 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
If your horses are maintaining their weight OK they are warm enough- if they are losing weight, put a rug on and feed them more. That is the best way to tell.
2007-01-16 18:58:16 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Check their pulse,see if they're losing wieght or keeping their weight.
2007-01-16 19:59:07 · answer #6 · answered by klumpper 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
do they have their winter coat or have they been trimmed
2007-01-16 19:04:49 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
need points! you should check their body temp.
2007-01-16 18:59:18 · answer #8 · answered by Emily 2 · 0⤊ 3⤋