Posted 2015-10-03 7:46 AM Subject: RE: Acclimating an OK horse to ND
Tried and True
Posts: 21185 Location: Where I am happiest
Horses do acclimate to cold better then they do extreme heat. With that being said, they definatelly need some help. You will need a good waterproof ( Not water resistant) winter blanket and preferably one with the neck. You will also need to make sure you have a heated water tub as they will not drink the extreme cold water and definatelly have no clue about breaking ice. The last thing is you will need to make sure the horse can go barefoot as some horses just cant. Those of us know in snow country shoes + snow + ice balls in the feet and a definite hazard. The snow and ice is also very tuff on horses who are not accustomed to the slick conditions on ice and have no clue how to navigate. I have had 2 fall on ice in their paddock not knowing how to handle it. One permanent damage and the other took a year n a half off.
Posted 2015-10-05 10:53 AM Subject: RE: Acclimating an OK horse to ND
Elite Veteran
Posts: 672
I've brought up two horses from down south and they both grew a really light winter coat the first year and thought they were going to freeze to death. First winter I kept them blanketed with a heavy water proof blanket + hood and they had sheds to go in to. Now every fall they are the first to get hairy and grow LONG, THICK hair (like 3" guard hairs!!). If I want to keep the hair somewhat short I have to start blanketing in September. .
Posted 2015-10-05 10:56 AM Subject: RE: Acclimating an OK horse to ND
Professional Amateur
Posts: 6750 Location: Oklahoma
I have sent a few to ND (various times of year) and the owner's haven't had any issues getting them to adjust to the weather. Getting one to adjust to extreme heat can be trickier. Now go get your horse!
Acclimating an OK horse to ND
