Phoenix Arizona Area , nighttime temps are ususlaly 30-40'F this time of year, she is in a mare barn 12X16 stall, just want to keep her comfortable! should I put a blanket on her at night? or is she Ok with just her winter coat? SHe's 22 yrs old and I'm thinking maybe I should blanket her. anyone got opinions???
Just looking for opinions?
2007-12-06 02:13:30 · 21 answers · asked by nbell402 3 in Pets ➔ Horses
Adding:
She has a nice winter coat quite heavy for this area, I think, she is not shivering and has acutally gained weight in the past 6 months, she is looking so good right now weight wise. I just was concerned!
2007-12-06 02:45:57 · update #1
Studies have shown that horses wearing blankets have a cooler skin temperature than horses without. The blanket crushes the hair to the skin - which decreases its insulating capacity. Bottom line - mother nature designed them well and unless you have interfered (like clipped the hair) don't interfere.
2007-12-06 12:12:59 · answer #1 · answered by autonomous 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since she's gained weight, has a good winter coat, and is in a nice 12 x 16 stall (draft free I am guessing) she should be fine without a blanket.
Do make sure you have good hay for her. Just the act of digesting hay creates considerable body warmth. And it's worth spending the money on good hay.
Arizona is also normally pretty dry - but up in the White Mountains it's also pretty cold - and snowy. Plus, there can be early spring and late fall rains.
So, just like you - if she's wet and cold - then by all means blanket her.
Believe it or not, 40 degrees and rain/sleet is by far more dangerous than 20 degrees and snow.
So just watch her. If she looks like she's falling off, or is shivering for any reason, then blanket her.
2007-12-06 04:04:03 · answer #2 · answered by Barbara B 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All horses have an extremely good way of controlling there own body temperature, blankets and rugs only confuse these perfections. All horses are able to put a few extra pounds on for the winter and grow very thick hair to keep the cold out. Wild horses have no choice over being rugged or not, and there is no difference with a tame horse either. We as human beings are the ones who choose to put rugs on because we think they are going to get cold, but in fact what we are doing is confusing there bodies. The mare you have with rain rot, would obviously feel the cold as her hair always appears wet, does she have loss of hair? I'm presuming yes on this one? Iodine scrub on rain rot is very good for this, don't know what you are using at the mo?. If you can, bring her in to a stable and keep her in at nights in really cold weather, she can always then just lay down in some straw and be a very happy mare. xx
2016-05-28 10:38:08 · answer #3 · answered by madeleine 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If she apears shivery then blanket her if not she'll be fine. I have three horses and a donkey but I only blanket one of the horses when the temp is forecasted to drop below 40F. For some reason this particular horse does not grow a thick winter coat. Even though he stays in the barn at night he still shivers when it's cold. I only blanket him at night removing the blanket for daily turnout.
2007-12-06 02:53:16 · answer #4 · answered by PRS 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The answer to your question can only be answered by your Mare! Is she shivering? Is she loosing weight?
If your mare is in good weight, and has a good winter coat she will be able to be comfortable in much colder weather. Leave her with plenty of hay and she will be fine.
My gelding works hard during the winter and sweats alot, so I clip him and then blanket him. If your mare is not working hard and has a good coat - she is fine!!!!!!
2007-12-06 02:28:10 · answer #5 · answered by fillyba 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd say rug her. It'll help keep her warm and in good condition. A lot of horses lose weight in winter, spending energy on growing a thick winter coat and trying to keep warm. Putting a rug on her would benefit her greatly, as older animals tend to feel the cold more, and get a bit arthritic. Make the rug a light one though, as a heavy rug may over heat her.
2007-12-06 03:12:04 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Go out one night after the temperature has fallen and check to see if she is shivering. If she is, she may need to be blanketed. Remember though, if you start blanketing her at night and turning her out in the morning, fluff her fur back up after removing the blanket.
Some older horses can get cold at night. But if she isn't shivering, she should be fine.
2007-12-06 02:26:27 · answer #7 · answered by Loves the Ponies 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If she has a nice winter coat and plenty of hay she should be fine. A light sheet will not hurt her if it starts to get colder. Hay will be the best way to help keep her warm. The digestion help warm her from the inside out.
2007-12-06 02:26:43 · answer #8 · answered by Jenn 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
She should be o.k with just her winter coat, but a light sheet wouldn't hurt. I have 3 horses, they all have 12x12 stalls and I live in Maine. I don't put on their blankets unless it gets down past 20 degrees.
2007-12-06 04:18:01 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋
A light blanket should be okay, since you are in a warmer climate, it shouldnt be to much of a problem. If you really are concerned though, then put a light blanket on her.
2007-12-06 02:34:07 · answer #10 · answered by animegirl10000 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋