Monday, October 7, 2013

Blankets or No Blankets

In upstate New York, Spring and Fall are the two times of year when the question arises, "Should I put a blanket on my horse today?" Summer is a no-brainer. Generally NO blankets are needed.  Winter, another no-brainer, blankets ARE usually needed.

 It's those iffy days when it's cold in the morning and warm in the afternoon, when we equine lovers scratch our heads trying to figure out what to do.

Rule of thumb is: Put on a protective rain sheet if it's 57 degrees or cooler (down to 45).  When it gets to be below 45 (down to 38) a mid weight winter blanket works. Thirty five degrees and below I get out the heavier blankets. You can always double blanket.

It was 62 degrees today, but raining with heavy winds. Tonight it's going down to 48 degrees. If your horse gets wet and the wind blows when it's cool, they'll get chilled. My two mares shiver. So, today they have their protective rain sheets on  to keep them warm and dry. They're happy. And so am I.