Sheets and sweat...
JJ
maybe it's Comet's sheet?
First off, it's around 55 here today, and sunny. NOT a day I'd
actually want Comet to be wearing a sheet. But the BO is away and the
farm-sitter left the sheets on today. I got to the barn a little
later than my usual time...I got there around 12:45 pm or so. Comet
was sweaty under her sheet. I suspected she would be. And not just
where the sheet was touching her. Her back and flanks were also
sweaty - she wasn't miserable I don't think but definitely a tad too
warm.
I uncovered her and we went for a nice ride...I groomed her and
groomed her and...ya know groomed her some more...while she slowly ate
her lunch - until she was dry and all "pretty" again. I then turned
her back out nekkid. It was still around 55 and sunny so, she can be
all-natural for the rest of the day.
I did check the other two mares, because I wouldn't want them to be
miserable either...and *neither* of them had a stitch of sweat on
them. Neither felt hot or even that warm under their sheets. Hmmm...
Now Comet has *always* been one to "heat up" like this. In fact, I
don't even own a heavy weight blanket for her. She has a sheet and a
mid-weight blanket. Only during the coldest part of the winter do I
double up...blanket underneath the sheet. This gives me a lot of
flexibility for her and has worked for us for years now.
We are in eastern PA...it does get cold here and she's on t/o even in
the winter time. Only left in if we have a really bad ice storm that
we can't compensate for with bedding or break up the ice near the
barn...Not very often though last year was pretty nasty. She has
Borium and snow pads up front and hind shoes removed for the winter,
so she can still go out in most conditions and prefers to...
I have Dover's Rider brand "clothing" for her. Their t/o sheet and t/
o blanket. I've been w-a-y pleased with their quality. In fact, I
still have and use Comet's blanket that I bought around 9 - 10 *years*
ago. Yes, she still has the same one. She's been wearing it even out
on t/o for probably 8 of those years. Bought her t/o sheet at the
same time, but did have to buy a new one when her previous "friend"
Fleck decided it needed a new "vent" in it. <grin> The waterproofing
isn't what it was - so she does have a new sheet and blanket bought
just a year ago. Same brand. I also like the way they fit her body.
ZERO rubs, fit her great. So, I've stuck with what works for us. My
point is that these are not "expensive" items...I know folks who have
very expensive clothing for their critters - and that's fine.
I think the other two mares do have what some would consider "better"
brands of sheets...My BO used to own her own tack shop so could get
lots of really nice things at "cost."
So, is it just that Comet is a "hot" horse (her normal body temp runs
a bit "low" by the way) or maybe my sheet (and blanket) are just more
insulating than the others? Or maybe they don't breath as well? The
other two mares are also wearing waterproof t/o clothing...
It's not a huge deal, I was just curious what others may have run
into. Comet is always wearing "lighter" in weight clothing because
she gets sweaty and I don't want her to be uncomfortable. I've read
and believe that horses (in general) are better off a little cool, vs.
too hot. They can compensate better for being cool, they can't take
their own sheets off, at least not in a good way...<grin> And Comet
is the oldest and thinnest of the bunch.
Liza is a 22 yr old TB, Addy around 12 yrs I think is a Dutch
WB...Comet is 28 and a TB...if breed matters...And Comet will be cozy
in a sheet when the others (and not just at this barn) are in
blankets, or in her mid-weight blanket when others are in heavy-weight
or doubled up...
Interesting to me. JJ
Tara
news:a50a1550-5f32-46f5...@d21g2000yqn.googlegroups.com...
>
> So, is it just that Comet is a "hot" horse (her normal body temp runs
> a bit "low" by the way) or maybe my sheet (and blanket) are just more
> insulating than the others? Or maybe they don't breath as well? The
> other two mares are also wearing waterproof t/o clothing...
IME price doesn't equal effectiveness in horse/rider wear. You could *give*
me a Rambo but I'll never pay the money to buy one again. Rebel's ripped
within 1 week yet his Stateline Tack t/o has lasted more than one season.
The SLT was $100 cheaper. Anyway...regarding your question about Comet, yes,
some horses run hotter/colder than others. I have a freshly clipped gelding
just back from 2 months in western PA that doesn't need a sheet while I have
a mare from the same trainer's farm in PA who was clipped 2 weeks ago who
needs sheet from 50-60 and blanket below 50 right now. Then I have a
Trakehner mare clipped about 3 weeks ago who will soak with sweat if you put
anything on her above 45. They're all different.
Tara
MA Sandy
> "JJ" <jefferso...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
Interesting. HRH Reason's Rambo rain sheet is now entering its EIGHTH
winter and is still just as waterproof and untorn as the day I bought
it! BUT I have heard others have issues with them being ripped.
However, that was the best investment (except for the heavy Rambo that
is on winter #7) I have ever made horsewise!
Sandy
(Reason says: Blanket? I don't want no stinkin' blanket. I don't
care that I was born in Florida and am a Thoroughly-stupid-bred, which
is doubly supposed to make me woosy about the cold!!! I wear my
blankies only to keep my crazy human happy! OK, I'll concede the
freezing rain, but..... ;-))
redbranch
> "JJ" <jefferso...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
I agree on the Rambos...had two of them and they fell apart within a
few months. And now they;re made in China as well....but they haven't
dropped the prices to match. My guys are wearing Shires Stormcheetas,
at $179 each....half the price of Rambos and ten times better
quality. Some of my Shires are four and five years old and look like
new.
Some horses do run "hotter than others....adjust accordingly. And we
all know Ms. Comet is *Hot*. ;-)
Sharon Potter
Red Branch
Laurel Reddick
wrote:
>Just wondering here, if some horses just run "hotter" than others? Or
>maybe it's Comet's sheet?
>snip
JJ I have had Bucas Smartex turnout rugs for mine gang for years. They
are expensive (around $250), but you might find one on ebay. They are
very well made with nice cotton liner. Ruth W. is going to inherit
ours when we fold up shop.
http://www.tackshopcanada.com/product/BU-001
Laurel
JC Dill
> Some horses do run "hotter than others....adjust accordingly. And we
> all know Ms. Comet is *Hot*. ;-)
LOL. On one of my photography forums, one of the gals has a .sig that
says "I'm still hot. It just comes in flashes now." She's actually
still pretty "Hot" too. I think that applies to Comet as well. :-)
jc
Emily Brooks
"Tara" <irn...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:7mgp47F...@mid.individual.net...
> "JJ" <jeffe...@hotmail.com> wrote in message
> news:a50a1550-5f32-46f5...@d21g2000yqn.googlegroups.com...
>
> *give* me a Rambo but I'll never pay the money to buy one again.
>
My Spot is still using his ancient Rambo waterproof sheet. Still waterproof
but I did have to get the tail flap reattached when I had all my blankets
cleaned this past Spring. I've had that blanket 6 years, at least.
All the rest of my turnouts are Dover HUGs - newly remodeled this year with
crossed surcingles, like all the real new ones have. At least one of those
is 5 years old and the rest are 4 years.
I have a Weatherbeeta stable blanket that some idiot turned Cash out in
once-upon-a-time. Until then, it had held up for multiple years. Also now
repaired. It's what I would use under Spot's sheet if he needed more
warmth - hasn't been out of it's bag in a couple of years now.
Emily
Grizzly
Just remember, those aren't hot flashes, those are Power Surges!
Sue Leopold
I've had good luck with Rambos - two original green sheets are going
strong although Choccie's may never be actually green again! Two
heavyweight Wugs (the purple ones) and again, Choccie's may not actually
ever be truly purple again. (There is a theme here and its name is
"mud.") And one ginormous black what-ever-the-heck the name of
the one with the separate neck cover is for Cruiser. All were bought on
sale (the originals and Wugs from Robin's tack shop when it was still
in business in Nazareth, PA) and Cruiser's from VTO Saddlery - you
can get some good buys during their sales. I like them because they
have a nice long "drape" so have good coverage over the body which
I like for horses with full body clips (typical for hunters and jumpers
in work over the winter) Nina also bought Choccie a Hug turnout
sheet last year and it's quite nice, also a nice full drape. It is still
blue.
But for a hidden secret blanket there is Beval Saddlery's "house" brand.
Really nice, reasonably priced, really, really good hardware (my biggest
gripe with Rambo is the hardware) and they have 20 percent off sales
a couple times a year (sheets in spring, blankets in fall and the big
February mega-sale) which really lowers the price. And the good thing
is you are not picking through leftovers in weird sizes - they always
have a good inventory, even the big sizes.
The Beval blankets are in the same price range as the Shire's blankets
Sharon mentions above (I think the highest priced is the heavy weight
turnout at about $160) but the 20 percent off really drops the price
down. It's the Gladstone line.
http://www.beval.com/Category/Horse-Clothing.aspx
(Of course, if you want to spend a lot of money, you can certainly do
that at Beval!)
Tara
news:1j9cdrj.14onbqkyvt98iN%svle...@earthlink.net...
>
> The Beval blankets are in the same price range as the Shire's blankets
> Sharon mentions above (I think the highest priced is the heavy weight
> turnout at about $160) but the 20 percent off really drops the price
> down. It's the Gladstone line.
>
> http://www.beval.com/Category/Horse-Clothing.aspx
>
> (Of course, if you want to spend a lot of money, you can certainly do
> that at Beval!)
>
> Sue
> svle...@earthlink.net
Nice. I got Cash a blanket from Jeffers last year which was designed by one
of their staff. Its called Silhouette and it has working surcingles on both
sides of the blanket so you can put it on/off from either side of the horse.
Its also nice because you can remove them for washing. Its a super-sturdy
blanket, really nice fit & inexpensive. I ordered the same silhouette in
rain sheets this year because I liked his blanket so much.
Tara
Sue Leopold
> Nice. I got Cash a blanket from Jeffers last year which was designed by
> one of their staff. Its called Silhouette and it has working surcingles on
> both sides of the blanket so you can put it on/off from either side of the
> horse. Its also nice because you can remove them for washing. Its a
> super-sturdy blanket, really nice fit & inexpensive. I ordered the same
> silhouette in rain sheets this year because I liked his blanket so much.
>
> http://www.jeffersequine.com/ssc/product.asp?CID=1&mscssid=0K2DBPSECG3K9JU
> PMTW3QAL2CVK6DTF2&pf_id=0034743
>
> Tara
Really nice design and a great price! I like neck rugs for turning out
the
clipped ones in very cold weather. Thanks for the link - will pass this
information on to friends.
Thanks Tara
JJ
> IME price doesn't equal effectiveness in horse/rider wear. You could *give*
> me a Rambo but I'll never pay the money to buy one again. Rebel's ripped
> within 1 week yet his Stateline Tack t/o has lasted more than one season.
> The SLT was $100 cheaper. Anyway...regarding your question about Comet, yes,
> some horses run hotter/colder than others. I have a freshly clipped gelding
> just back from 2 months in western PA that doesn't need a sheet while I have
> a mare from the same trainer's farm in PA who was clipped 2 weeks ago who
> needs sheet from 50-60 and blanket below 50 right now. Then I have a
> Trakehner mare clipped about 3 weeks ago who will soak with sweat if you put
> anything on her above 45. They're all different.
>
> Tara
Thanks Tara...the next day was a bit cooler and she had on what should
be a "summer weight" sheet and was still a tad sweaty. I guess it's
just how she is. Take care, JJ
JJ
>
> Interesting. HRH Reason's Rambo rain sheet is now entering its EIGHTH
> winter and is still just as waterproof and untorn as the day I bought
> it! BUT I have heard others have issues with them being ripped.
> However, that was the best investment (except for the heavy Rambo that
> is on winter #7) I have ever made horsewise!
> Sandy
Hi Sandy, I hear ya. Comet still has her sheet and blanket from at
least 8 - 9 years ago now. I think the waterproofing isn't *quite* as
good, but they still work. JJ
> (Reason says: Blanket? I don't want no stinkin' blanket. I don't
> care that I was born in Florida and am a Thoroughly-stupid-bred, which
> is doubly supposed to make me woosy about the cold!!! I wear my
> blankies only to keep my crazy human happy! OK, I'll concede the
> freezing rain, but..... ;-))
Hi Reason. Comet here. I'm a southern TB myself. Born in KY...now I
live in PA and have been up here for quite some time. Most of the
time, I'd prefer to be nekkid myself...but my person worries about
me. She does take off my stuff if I'm too hot though. So I do
appreciate that. <sigh> We do what we have to for our people eh?
Take care, Comet
JJ
> Some horses do run "hotter than others....adjust accordingly. And we
> all know Ms. Comet is *Hot*. ;-)
Hmmm...I'm not sure about the reputation I might be getting out
there. It's flattering though. Thx, Comet...
JJ
>
> LOL. On one of my photography forums, one of the gals has a .sig that
> says "I'm still hot. It just comes in flashes now." She's actually
> still pretty "Hot" too. I think that applies to Comet as well. :-)
>
> jc
Hi JC, I remember you from that day when I had to stand around for so
long...And you were pointing that thing at JJ and I and clicking it.
JJ does that too, but her little "box" is much smaller but it makes
similar noises. She calls it "taking pictures" but I don't get it, I
didn't see her "take" anything. Anyway, thanks for the complement.
I'm getting quite a rep out there. Comet
JJ
>
> Just remember, those aren't hot flashes, those are Power Surges!
Oh is that we are supposed to call them. ;-) JJ
JJ
Thanks Sue for the info.
> (Of course, if you want to spend a lot of money, you can certainly do
> that at Beval!)
Uh yeah! At my first barn, a bunch of us would get together for an
annual Christmas shopping trip. We usually went to Beval's...I could
usually only afford a salt brick and some treats for Comet. I did
splurge once and bought a new girth there - it lasted for a few years
but I've since had to replace it.
It is a nice tack shop to wander around though! :-) JJ
JJ
>
> Nice. I got Cash a blanket from Jeffers last year which was designed by one
> of their staff. Its called Silhouette and it has working surcingles on both
> sides of the blanket so you can put it on/off from either side of the horse.
> Its also nice because you can remove them for washing. Its a super-sturdy
> blanket, really nice fit & inexpensive. I ordered the same silhouette in
> rain sheets this year because I liked his blanket so much.
>
>
> Tara
That looks like a nice brand. I've been using Dover's Rider sheets
and blankets. I've been very happy with those as well. Thanks for
the link though...JJ
JJ
>
> My Spot is still using his ancient Rambo waterproof sheet. Still waterproof
> but I did have to get the tail flap reattached when I had all my blankets
> cleaned this past Spring. I've had that blanket 6 years, at least.
>
> All the rest of my turnouts are Dover HUGs - newly remodeled this year with
> crossed surcingles, like all the real new ones have. At least one of those
> is 5 years old and the rest are 4 years.
>
> I have a Weatherbeeta stable blanket that some idiot turned Cash out in
> once-upon-a-time. Until then, it had held up for multiple years. Also now
> repaired. It's what I would use under Spot's sheet if he needed more
> warmth - hasn't been out of it's bag in a couple of years now.
>
> Emily
It's nice when you get some good wear out of their "clothing" isn't
it? JJ
JJ
>
> JJ I have had Bucas Smartex turnout rugs for mine gang for years. They
> are expensive (around $250), but you might find one on ebay. They are
> very well made with nice cotton liner. Ruth W. is going to inherit
> ours when we fold up shop.http://www.tackshopcanada.com/product/BU-001
> Laurel
Hi Laurel,
I'm not looking for any new "clothes" right now. I just bought Comet
a new sheet and blanket a year ago. She still has the old ones too -
which are a good 8 - 9 years old now. They are in good shape, but
she's on more turnout now and I wanted some spares, just in case...
Thx for the recommendation though, JJ
Sue Leopold
Cruiser is very fond of the treats they sell in the cellophane bags. I
think they are homemade. (Then again, I am a bit at a loss to think
of what specific kind of food Cruiser is not fond of!)
I am in charge of diving into the closeout bins. One year scored a set
of open front jumping boots and ankle boots for ten bucks plus the
removeable liners for a couple of bucks a set. SCORE! :-D
The closeout racks empty early - first thing Wednesday morning of
the sale is when to be there for the big bargains but that is sheer
madness. Worth it though.
I always throw my name in to the free drawings but I never win
*anything* Doesn't keep me from trying though.
Starfish Farms
My gelding's Weatherbeeta Taka has been around for ages - 6 yrs -
that's ages in horse blankets, right? My daughter just bought one for
her TB at Equine Affair. Re: "hot horses", I have a go-anywhere, do-
everything mare who had to wait on the trailer in a sheet (in winter)
for about 15 minutes while I caught my rogue gelding. Of course he had
to run by and taunt her a few times <g>. She got upset in the trailer
and, when we were finally loaded and took off I felt her kicking, went
back and checked. She'd heated up and with the sheet didn't get a
chance to cool and even ran a fever! I turned around, went right to
the vet who examined her and cooled her with a wash and we just
toweled and toweled her. I'd never had anything like that happen
before. Now if I'm not sure whether to blanket to haul or not, I
don't.
Laurie
Cricket
"Starfish Farms" <lba...@svcable.net> wrote in message
news:ebcc7ee6-b8fa-4287...@d10g2000yqh.googlegroups.com...
I've known horses fat enough to be on the edge of foundering, tipped over
that edge by, as far as anyone could tell, nothing but being blanketed when
they didn't need to be.
An overweight horse who isn't clipped is already wearing a pretty heavy set
of long underwear...add a blanket on a forty degree day, and there's nowhere
for that body heat to go but to the extremities.
I read somewhere that a healthy dry horse, unclipped, is *most* comfortable
(not just "can cope") from 55F down to 15F. That's barring gale force
winds. of course, or seeing that they have a windbreak...
Cricket
Ruth Baltopoulos
> I've known horses fat enough to be on the edge of foundering, tipped over
> that edge by, as far as anyone could tell, nothing but being blanketed when
> they didn't need to be.
>
> An overweight horse who isn't clipped is already wearing a pretty heavy set
> of long underwear...add a blanket on a forty degree day, and there's nowhere
> for that body heat to go but to the extremities.
>
> I read somewhere that a healthy dry horse, unclipped, is *most* comfortable
> (not just "can cope") from 55F down to 15F. That's barring gale force
> winds. of course, or seeing that they have a windbreak...
Don't get me started :)
At the farm, I've had to put my steel toed boot down on the clothing
issue. If left unchecked, some of the horses would be wearing 4 or 5
layers at times. Fine and dandy when you are the workhorse of your own
desires, but absolutely ridiculous in our particular situation.
With the co-op, I've told folks that we can deal with two layers at
most, coming on and off as needed. Since the agreement is that the
horses are in under 20 degrees at night (and the barn stays above
freezing when full of beasties) or whenever precipitating, this seems
reasonable.
What we've settled with is that the horses wearing clothing (6 out of 8)
will have a lightweight waterproof under 50, and a heavier waterproof
blanket under 35 or 40. They pop the heavy on over the light at night,
and generally whip it off in the AM, depending on temps.
None of the horses are clipped, and with the exception of the WB mare,
grow nice, fluffy winter coats. I've got to say that after three years
of observations of this herd, Charlotte and the other unclothed mare
look the most comfortable out there in the weather.
I have no problem with people dressing their horses, regardless of my
own philosophy, but when I see animals wearing poorly fitting layers,
hanging to one side, causing rubs, or owners with 14 different
temperature specifications for different layers, it does make me grit my
teeth, just a little.
--
Ruth B
Jane Saranac
"Ruth Baltopoulos" <rud...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:yZxNm.227939$Xw3.1...@en-nntp-04.dc1.easynews.com...
>
> I have no problem with people dressing their horses, regardless of my own
> philosophy, but when I see animals wearing poorly fitting layers, hanging
> to one side, causing rubs, or owners with 14 different temperature
> specifications for different layers, it does make me grit my teeth, just a
> little.
> --
> Ruth B
It's pretty clear to me that the blanketing is for human convenience only.
One, if they are covered they get less furry which makes them get less
sweaty if we work them a lot and don't want to clip. Two, if they are
covered they get less muddy and take us less time grooming before we ride.
Because I have succumbed to convenience I do blanket the horses we ride but
only very lightly. I've always been very impressed by a former trainer
telling me that a horse can't really get too cold in these climbs (if dry)
but they can easily get too hot.
Ruth Baltopoulos
> It's pretty clear to me that the blanketing is for human convenience only.
> One, if they are covered they get less furry which makes them get less
> sweaty if we work them a lot and don't want to clip. Two, if they are
> covered they get less muddy and take us less time grooming before we ride.
> Because I have succumbed to convenience I do blanket the horses we ride but
> only very lightly. I've always been very impressed by a former trainer
> telling me that a horse can't really get too cold in these climbs (if dry)
> but they can easily get too hot.
I was ready to come to blows with my eldest, when on a few gorgeous,
sunny, breezy days of 70 degree temps this month, she wanted her horse
in at least a lightweight to keep him clean. No kidding, he looked
miserable.
He grows a good hair coat and was standing under his leafless tree
looking put out in his sheet, while all the others were cavorting and
rolling in the dirt. So I took it off. I'd rather listen to the
complaining later than have him clothed on one of the few nice days left
in the season.
--
Ruth B
Emily Brooks
"Ruth Baltopoulos" <rud...@comcast.net> wrote in message
news:yZxNm.227939$Xw3.1...@en-nntp-04.dc1.easynews.com...
>
> philosophy, but when I see animals wearing poorly fitting layers, hanging
> to one side, causing rubs, or owners with 14 different temperature
> specifications for different layers, it does make me grit my teeth, just a
> little.
> --
> Ruth B
I intend to settle my Hoover clothing problem this winter by not taking a
blanket to the barn until/unless it's going to stay freezing or less for an
extended time. It should make it hard(er) for the barn folk to dress him if
he has none. I don't put it past some of them to go find something unused
and drape it on him.
Spot's turnout sheet is already there but His Elderliness needs a bit more
help in the dry/warm department than the Hoover does, with his
16-years-younger self and enough natural insulation.
I just had this conversation with a friend last night who was discussing
clothing her horses based upon her own personal menopausal thermostat (tying
back to yet another thread here). My comment - they're adapted to the
steppes of Russia, unless they have special needs like Spot, they don't need
clothes in Georgia. Her response - if they're warm enough, they stand around
at night rather than pace the stalls, so the stalls are easier to clean in
the morning. This person has enough land, fenced and cross-fenced to never
have them in ... and expresses a preference for that. How hard is this to
figure out?
Emily
Ruth Baltopoulos
> I intend to settle my Hoover clothing problem this winter by not taking a
> blanket to the barn until/unless it's going to stay freezing or less for an
> extended time. It should make it hard(er) for the barn folk to dress him if
> he has none. I don't put it past some of them to go find something unused
> and drape it on him.
Oh, yah. Find the poor horse something, anything!
> Spot's turnout sheet is already there but His Elderliness needs a bit more
> help in the dry/warm department than the Hoover does, with his
> 16-years-younger self and enough natural insulation.
Yep, the strategy can be totally different for older horses, sometimes.
We have a senior mare whose thermostat just doesn't operate all that
well anymore.
> I just had this conversation with a friend last night who was discussing
> clothing her horses based upon her own personal menopausal thermostat (tying
> back to yet another thread here). My comment - they're adapted to the
> steppes of Russia, unless they have special needs like Spot, they don't need
> clothes in Georgia. Her response - if they're warm enough, they stand around
> at night rather than pace the stalls, so the stalls are easier to clean in
> the morning. This person has enough land, fenced and cross-fenced to never
> have them in ... and expresses a preference for that. How hard is this to
> figure out?
Like you, I have had this conversation many times. It can be a head
banging on the wall thing.
The mare I hauled up here from upstate NY a few years ago grew up living
outside with no clothing ever, her whole life. At age 13, her new owner
started piling on layers, despite any attempt at reasonable
conversation. Misery.
--
Ruth B
Sue Leopold
> Don't get me started :)
>
> At the farm, I've had to put my steel toed boot down on the clothing
> issue. If left unchecked, some of the horses would be wearing 4 or 5
> layers at times. Fine and dandy when you are the workhorse of your own
> desires, but absolutely ridiculous in our particular situation.
>
> With the co-op, I've told folks that we can deal with two layers at
> most, coming on and off as needed. Since the agreement is that the
> horses are in under 20 degrees at night (and the barn stays above
> freezing when full of beasties) or whenever precipitating, this seems
> reasonable.
>
> What we've settled with is that the horses wearing clothing (6 out of 8)
> will have a lightweight waterproof under 50, and a heavier waterproof
> blanket under 35 or 40. They pop the heavy on over the light at night,
> and generally whip it off in the AM, depending on temps.
We clip our horses (full body clips, not trace or blanket clips) and I
have *never ever* needed more than a heavy and medium weight
blanket in single digit and below temps. NEVER. And this was a
cold barn not one like yours where it typically stays above freezing.
Most of the time they need either their medium or heavy blanket
with maybe a sheet on top for convenience (easy to wash when
too muddy)
> None of the horses are clipped, and with the exception of the WB mare,
> grow nice, fluffy winter coats. I've got to say that after three years
> of observations of this herd, Charlotte and the other unclothed mare
> look the most comfortable out there in the weather.
Ralph who is 26 finally needs a blanket this year - he does get cold.
Otherwise - no blankets on unworked horses, they do much better
without and frankly the maintenance on them is *easier* w/o
blankets. Convenience and all that stuff. :-)
> I have no problem with people dressing their horses, regardless of my
> own philosophy, but when I see animals wearing poorly fitting layers,
> hanging to one side, causing rubs, or owners with 14 different
> temperature specifications for different layers, it does make me grit my
> teeth, just a little.
It's not rocket science but a blanketed horse requires more care not
less. The decision to clip or not really depends on workload. IME
blanketing does nothing to retard hair growth; it's dependent on
light and genetics. A blanket does make the hair lay down and look
smoother but MHO it doesn't make a difference in how much a horse
sweats and heats up with work. With a horse in hard work a clip
of some sort is the best option. The vast majority of horses in light
work do very well with a natural coat in the winter.
AKogler
Those people are crazy. Even when I lived in Ashfield, which gets a
lot colder than where you are,. I didnt clip, and i only blanketed in
a raging ice storm.
Here, in SD, where we can get so hot, I clip everybody, and put
lightweight Rambo and Rhino rain sheets on them at night. They live
outside. We are usually 48-56 at night. It can be foggy and damp. If I
clip early, and the nights are high fifties, I dont put their sheets
on. They are off in the day regardless...unless its a really cold and
driving rain. Wonder, my 16 yr old OTTB, will really shiver if hes
cold and wet, so he gets a little more babied and I have a heavier
winter to rug for him if the weather is really nasty.
Your people are goofballs. To double blanket an unclipped horse! Good
grief!
Abby
John Hasler
> An overweight horse who isn't clipped is already wearing a pretty
> heavy set of long underwear...add a blanket on a forty degree day, and
> there's nowhere for that body heat to go but to the extremities.
Yes. IMHO most blanketing borders on abuse.
--
John Hasler Boarding, Lessons, Training
jo...@dancinghorsehill.com Hay, Jumps, Cavallox
Dancing Horse Hill
Elmwood, WI USA
Ruth Baltopoulos
> We clip our horses (full body clips, not trace or blanket clips) and I
> have *never ever* needed more than a heavy and medium weight
> blanket in single digit and below temps. NEVER. And this was a
> cold barn not one like yours where it typically stays above freezing.
>
> Most of the time they need either their medium or heavy blanket
> with maybe a sheet on top for convenience (easy to wash when
> too muddy)
We got Cue in late full, and he was a hairball extraordinaire. He lived
in a show barn with rotating turnout in drylots, and was ridden almost
every day by either myself or one of my daughters (there was an indoor).
He NEEDED to be clipped. He was not in good shape initially, and would
be soaked after riding. NO amount of time would cool this horse out
adequately to get him dry (slight exaggeration).
I had a waterproof lightweight sheet and a midweight blanket. Both Big
D, which I love by the way, harking back to the origins of the thread.
And both are still kicking, 12 years later, no rips, surcingles and
buckles intact. Anyway, he did fine with those two layers.
> Ralph who is 26 finally needs a blanket this year - he does get cold.
> Otherwise - no blankets on unworked horses, they do much better
> without and frankly the maintenance on them is *easier* w/o
> blankets. Convenience and all that stuff. :-)
I totally agree. Charlotte is in light work after hunting season (end
of November). This coincides nicely with when her coat gets heaviest.
She's usually fit enough that the riding we do over the winter barely
works up a sweat.
> It's not rocket science but a blanketed horse requires more care not
> less. The decision to clip or not really depends on workload. IME
> blanketing does nothing to retard hair growth; it's dependent on
> light and genetics. A blanket does make the hair lay down and look
> smoother but MHO it doesn't make a difference in how much a horse
> sweats and heats up with work. With a horse in hard work a clip
> of some sort is the best option. The vast majority of horses in light
> work do very well with a natural coat in the winter.
Complete agreeance.
--
Ruth B
Ruth Baltopoulos
> Cricket writes:
>> An overweight horse who isn't clipped is already wearing a pretty
>> heavy set of long underwear...add a blanket on a forty degree day, and
>> there's nowhere for that body heat to go but to the extremities.
> Yes. IMHO most blanketing borders on abuse.
While in the NSHO of many others, the abuse lies in not blanketing.
Data, anecdotes, proof and pudding aside, the horse NEEDS to be covered
as if it feels temperatures like its human owner.
Double misery.
--
Ruth B
Ruth Baltopoulos
> Those people are crazy. Even when I lived in Ashfield, which gets a
> lot colder than where you are,. I didnt clip, and i only blanketed in
> a raging ice storm.
Tell me. The challenge is dealing with them without tearing my hair or
gnashing my teeth.
> Here, in SD, where we can get so hot, I clip everybody, and put
> lightweight Rambo and Rhino rain sheets on them at night. They live
> outside. We are usually 48-56 at night. It can be foggy and damp. If I
> clip early, and the nights are high fifties, I dont put their sheets
> on. They are off in the day regardless...unless its a really cold and
> driving rain. Wonder, my 16 yr old OTTB, will really shiver if hes
> cold and wet, so he gets a little more babied and I have a heavier
> winter to rug for him if the weather is really nasty.
> Your people are goofballs. To double blanket an unclipped horse! Good
> grief!
And the double layer rule is only at my insistence and in deference to
the members of the co-op and keeping things simple (stupid!).
--
Ruth B(S)
Tara
news:yZxNm.227939$Xw3.1...@en-nntp-04.dc1.easynews.com...
>
> At the farm, I've had to put my steel toed boot down on the clothing
> issue. If left unchecked, some of the horses would be wearing 4 or 5
> layers at times. Fine and dandy when you are the workhorse of your own
> desires, but absolutely ridiculous in our particular situation.
You're kinder than I am. I recently po'd almost every one of my boarders by
mandating that they have 1 temperature-appropriate item of cothing for their
horse only. I will NOT do layers or "jammies" or sleazies or any other
nonsense with the exception of necessary shoulder guards. I'm battling the
clock in getting them in, fed, blanketed, out & stalls cleaned while I can
still see to do it so I refuse to add 3-5 minutes per horse to my turn out
routine just to do layers. If their horses are clipped I expect to see rain
sheets & medium-weights on their blanket bars and if the horses are
unclipped I only want to see rain sheets. You can imagine the
behind-the-back comments going around particularly from the owners who
refuse to accept that their horses are perfectly comfortable when mom is
shivering in her sweater.
Tara
Mary McHugh
> Cricket writes:
>> An overweight horse who isn't clipped is already wearing a pretty
>> heavy set of long underwear...add a blanket on a forty degree day, and
>> there's nowhere for that body heat to go but to the extremities.
>
> Yes. IMHO most blanketing borders on abuse.
>
I definitely agree. Nothing makes me cringe more than to see these poor
horses in heavy rugs and full coats on a sunny 40 degree day with no
shade. :(
Blaze would melt.
Mary
horse fly
a heavy coat in the summer time....question: why would you put a coat on
your horse in 55 degree weather...i know show people do this...so horses
dont hair up....and to keep them clean...because they are too lazy to
groom...same goes for flies....anytime you can turn out...why would you
have your horse boarded up....they are made for open air spaces....have
a run in shed or barn...do you know that you will have a much more
healthy horse...horsefly100@webtv.net
Ocean of Nuance
> same goes for flies....anytime you can turn out...why would you
> have your horse boarded up
I bet I know where you DON'T live.
sharon
horse fly
winter time...i doubt that...but anyways...if you could let your horse
turn out all day and nite ....and have a run in shed or barn....let
nature take it course...let your horse hair up....it will be healthy and
a happy horse....how would you feel if you were kept in a 12x12 stall
everyday...you would go crazy...weave...crib...whatever else comes
up...if you keep a clean house or room...keep your horse clean...which
is grooming...or is that too much work...horsefly100@webtv.net email
me
Ocean of Nuance
> how would you feel if you were kept in a 12x12 stall
> everyday...you would go crazy...
How would you feel if you were trapped outside in the blazing sun and
incessant heat hour after hour after hour all the while getting eaten
alive by a seeming infinitude of biting and otherwise annoying insects?
... you would go crazy... especially if you knew you could be inside,
under fans, with frequent and regular bug mistings, out of the blazing
sun during the day. There is still the night for turn out.
sharon
MA Sandy
wrote:
Knowing that HRH Reason is an unusual Thoroughbred, I can state
unequivocably that he would TOTALLY prefer to be out stomping at bugs
RATHER than locked in a 12'x12' cave! TRUST ME; people who have had
to deal with Reason's temper tantrums after being locked in a stall
for longer than HE deems necessary NEVER question me again about him
living outside 24/7.
What the short point of all this is that every horse is different and
no one rule will fit all of them perfectly!
Sandy
(who is oh so close to trace clipping Lance because the Clyde/Morgan
in him makes him get VERY sweaty with a lot of work and NO ONE
(including me!) wants to spend THAT much time cooling and drying him
off for turnout!)
Cricket
"John Hasler" <jha...@newsguy.com> wrote in message
news:877htlr...@thumper.dhh.gt.org...
A customer stopped by the other day, last really warm day we had. She'd
ridden around the block, and she was worried about her mare - it was
sluggish.
Um, yah think? Hog fat (probably going to founder again), major hair coat
(possibly heading towards Cushings), and it was sixty something degrees out.
And it's got a big western saddle, a heavy saddle pad, and a person on it's
back. It was just hot, and probably a little sore footed. The owner had a
coat and hat on, and couldn't be convinced that the horse was just operating
in self-defense...when the environment contributes too much heat, don't
crank your own metablolism up to boot.
They have a layer of fat. They have a layer of skin twice as thick (or
more) than ours. Then they have hair - all over them, no naked face or neck
or wrists or ankles to take a chill. They have the thermodynamics of mass
on their sides, plus a slightly higher natural body temperature.
My other rant, when I get tired of the one about fat...
Cricket
Dr Corinne B Leek
Re: blankets.
Today, on a wonderful mid 50's F day, poor Huck was panting heavily.
Quite noticeable.
He's got his winter coat on.
Duh.
So it was a "take it easy, give him breaks" kinda ride. Just like
ourselves when we're in a hot situation or overdressed for the
weather.
Jen doesn't ever really blanket. Only on the rare occasion, like on
Tuesday when it was also quite warm and her horse was soaking wet from
exertion (he was "wired for sound" that day, for whatever reason). She
let him be sheeted for a while 'til he dried off.
When the weather is really windy, especially from the north, she lets
them in. If it's particularly "nasty" (ie, wet, shivery type), she'll
let them in.
She finds that it's more the wind factor than the precipitation. She
has had >30 horses for Umpty years. Of varying ages.
I'd say her experience is pretty telling.
Blankets are Not Required.
When I had mine, only Twol was blanketed, and that only for the first
year I had him, because for that first year he didn't grow a good
winter coat.
The next year he did. End of blankets.
Blankets, IMNSHO, are for humans, not the horses.
We shouldn't really fool around with their metabolism the way we do.
JMNSHO.
Corinne & Crazy Canuck Crew...
--
*** Conserve Energy: Laughter is easier than Anger!
*** cl...@ns.sympatico.ca
rayk...@rnsmte.com
"Dr Corinne B Leek" <cl...@ns.sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:ohneg5tuupdamsqmn...@4ax.com...
snip
> Blankets, IMNSHO, are for humans, not the horses.
> We shouldn't really fool around with their metabolism the way we do.
>
> JMNSHO.
>
> Corinne & Crazy Canuck Crew...
>
> --
> *** Conserve Energy: Laughter is easier than Anger!
> *** cl...@ns.sympatico.ca
Well said!!!
Tara
I agree. I don't blanket or clip Rebel. I give him a rain sheet when its
blowing cold & wet. Cash was clipped last year due to persistent & spreading
rain rot. He didn't regrow his coat until late March and he was clipped in
November. Just body-clipped him again yesterday because he's been miserable
in full coat with daily highs in the 70s and he's itchy, scratchy & rubbing
himself on everything.
I don't require blankets at my barn either but everyone has them. My
guidelines for when I'll blanket the horses (and this is only at night):
unclipped get sheets or lightweights below 40 and clipped get sheets or
blankets below 55 (at night). I stress that unclipped horses not be clothed
at all but if the owner provides the blanket I'll put it on as temperature
dictates.
Tara
Dr Corinne B Leek
<cl...@ns.sympatico.ca> wrote:
>When I had mine, only Twol was blanketed, and that only for the first
>year I had him, because for that first year he didn't grow a good
>winter coat.
>The next year he did. End of blankets.
I should add that the "blanket" was relatively light. Not a real
"full meal deal quilt". It was a heavy canvas type only.
And don't forget: I'm in Nova Scotia which probably has less wonderful
weather than the most of y'all.
Hunter Hampton
>I don't require blankets at my barn either but everyone has them. My
>guidelines for when I'll blanket the horses (and this is only at night):
>unclipped get sheets or lightweights below 40 and clipped get sheets or
>blankets below 55 (at night). I stress that unclipped horses not be clothed
>at all but if the owner provides the blanket I'll put it on as temperature
>dictates.
The temperature does not dictate any blanketing an unclipped horse at
40 degrees...
That's crazy.
Hunter
Bill Kambic
<cl...@ns.sympatico.ca> wrote:
>On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:44:10 -0400, Dr Corinne B Leek
><cl...@ns.sympatico.ca> wrote:
>
>>When I had mine, only Twol was blanketed, and that only for the first
>>year I had him, because for that first year he didn't grow a good
>>winter coat.
>>The next year he did. End of blankets.
>I should add that the "blanket" was relatively light. Not a real
>"full meal deal quilt". It was a heavy canvas type only.
>And don't forget: I'm in Nova Scotia which probably has less wonderful
>weather than the most of y'all.
Half of my horses were born in Brazil, and the other half are "first
generation." They live out 24/7 sans blankets in TN.
We've not Nova Scotia, and the thing I'd worry about is soaking rain
followed by sharp temp. drops. Water can compromise the coat's
insulating properties. We see that here and on those days I do a
visual check and if I see "chilling" then they go into the barn to get
dried out, then back out again when dry (and the rain has quit).
Some "run ins" can help with this problem (if the horses will use it;
some won't).
We don't usuall ckip, just watch the generation of sweat and ensure
that they're dry when they go back out.
Tara
news:kgreg5tl338fc6bq7...@4ax.com...
It is but the boarders are accustomed via prior owners and if I run off my
boarders by taking a stand on temperatures then I'm out of business. Prior
owners actually blanketed more often and during warmer temps than I'm
willing to. They also pushed layering which I put a stop to so I have to
take baby steps with them.
Tara
Mary McHugh
> We've not Nova Scotia, and the thing I'd worry about is soaking rain
> followed by sharp temp. drops. Water can compromise the coat's
> insulating properties. We see that here and on those days I do a
> visual check and if I see "chilling" then they go into the barn to get
> dried out, then back out again when dry (and the rain has quit).
That's why I have a very lightweight waterproof sheet. If the weather
is forecast to be very wet followed by a temp. drop, then a sheet goes
on any horses that have shivered under these circumstances in the past.
The current pony is so fat, I think he'd probably melt even in a
lightweight sheet and he never shivers even when soaked to the skin in
cold weather. The 2 boys previous (Khan and Wilbur) both needed to be
sheeted but only in their advanced years. Shelter is always available.
Cricket
"Bill Kambic" <wjka...@gmail.com> wrote in message
news:3gofg595hr5o3tt2t...@4ax.com...
The rain followed by sharp temp drop (and it needs to be a lot of rain and a
major drop) is the *only* thing I'll blanket for - and then only some
horses.
Jack, for instance, might shiver for a few minutes, then he'll go off
bucking and kicking, come back steaming like a freight train, and be dry in
twenty minutes on his own. Scout I might throw a blanket on if I know that
weather is coming, or if it catches me unaware, I might blanket him 'til he
dries.
That might happen once or twice a year - and often not then, since around
here that nasty change tends to get followed by clear and sunny, so I just
go out and towel them down and get them running. If I had a place to shut
them in, I'd do that when I had warning of that kind of weather, and just
save myself the whole blanketing issue completely.
When people ask if I blanket, I say "I don't clip". and they look at me
weird. I also don't ride much in the winter (no death wish), so of course
that would make some diffrence.
Cricket
The Very Model of Sweetness and Light
On Fri, 20 Nov 2009 07:27:44 -0800 (PST), AKogler <ako...@san.rr.com> wrote:
>... I clip everybody...
>... Wonder, my 16 yr old OTTB, will really shiver ...
Maybe you shouldn't clip him.
Mary Healey
> ... the thing I'd worry about is soaking rain
> followed by sharp temp. drops. Water can compromise the coat's
> insulating properties. We see that here and on those days I do a
> visual check and if I see "chilling" then they go into the barn to get
> dried out, then back out again when dry (and the rain has quit).
I think it's good "insurance" to have a size-appropriate cooler and mid-
weight blanket on hand for such occasions, and in case of an illness that
might make the horse sweaty and in danger of becoming chilled. Like most
insurance, they go mostly unused.
--
Mary H. and the restored Ames National Zoo:
The Right Reverand Sir Edgar "Lucky" Pan-Waffles;
U-CD ANZ Babylon Ranger, CD, RE; ANZ Pas de Duke, RN;
Caris and rotund Rhia
Cricket
"Mary Healey" <amesn...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:Xns9CCA83A1B5161a...@188.40.43.213...
Yep - I, the anti-blanketer, have a dozen of different sizes and weights.
In the last twenty years I think I've used a blanket eight times - and two
of those were one someone else's horse who came in very underweight and with
a damaged butt muscle (so he couldn't get out and move to warm himself up).
Cricket
Nancy DeMarco
> Yep - I, the anti-blanketer, have a dozen of different sizes and weights.
> In the last twenty years I think I've used a blanket eight times - and two
> of those were one someone else's horse who came in very underweight and with
> a damaged butt muscle (so he couldn't get out and move to warm himself up).
I've blanketed Lucy on a few occasions where the temps stayed below 0F
for days at a time. She was fine, but she chose to stand in her stall
without the blanket, and she went out and moved around with it. I'd
rather she went out.
Nancy