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 I Chore in Chucks
Posts: 2882
   
Location: MD | http://thesoulofahorse.com/blog/a-amazing-article-on-why-horses-sho...
I read this, it does make me feel better about letting my horses get a winter coat and then keeping a wind breaker type sheet and medium weight blankets once it gets REALLY cold. It's an interesting read if you have the time, it's kind of long.
This article seems very extreme. I don't believe they truly account for that the horses are domesticated and in some situations this isn't possible for everyone.
and PLEASE don't flame me for posting this considering I envy those with clipped horses, tons of blankets, and pretty horses all winter since mine don't look like that :( |
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 Chasin my Dream
Posts: 13651
 
Location: Alberta | While we all know horses have ability to adapt we always have to look at our own situation and act accordingly. We have very cold winters and while I blanket the horses who are being ridden the rest do great with adequate feed, shelter and room to MOVE AROUND. |
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 Elite Veteran
Posts: 1182
Location: Do I hear Banjos? | The calories my old guy would have to burn to maintain his body temp in the cold are NOT calories he can afford to lose. So...he gets blanketed accordingly. He is not a "wild horse" and by virtue of his domestication and life long care... he has made it to his ripe old age. (not many his age in the wild herds I bet!)
I don't care if it's "Nature's way" or not...I do what is best on a horse by horse basis to adapt to the riding/purpose of the animal and it's individual needs. The same way with shoes, no shoes, clip, don't clip, grain, little or no grain...etc. |
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  Warmblood with Wings
Posts: 27846
Location: Florida.. | as everyone is saying.. that article is just a opinion and doesnt account for all circumstances and or areas or what the horse is adapted to. |
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Blessed 
Location: Here | Didn't this go around last year and it was proven to be false info? |
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 Undercover Amish Mafia Member
Posts: 9992
Location: Kansas | SG. - 2014-11-05 11:26 AM Didn't this go around last year and it was proven to be false info?
wondering the same thing |
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 You just got to get mean and mean it.
Location: Arkansas | SG. - 2014-11-05 11:26 AM Didn't this go around last year and it was proven to be false info?
YES!!
Way too many believe everything posted on the internet. And don't feed added ration's to compensate for the cold, wet, freezing temps. Horses enter the winter temps on the skinny side and never recoup.
Just my opinion, if you have to skimpt on rations, you don't need to be a horse owner. Nothing sadder than a horse shivering in the cold and wet and needing rations. |
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Elite Veteran
Posts: 1094
Location: Idahome | Mine don't get blankets until Jan. or Feb. We travel a lot this time of year for holidays, NFR, etc. and I don't want the person doing my chores to have to worry about blankets. It helps them build up a nice coat too. Once the new year starts we try to get back riding if the weather cooperates. Only the horses being ridded will get blankets then. The rest go without and they do just fine. All of ours are turned out together so they have the same feed, shelter, etc. We do up the hay ration, but we also make sure to keep straw layed in the bottom of feeders at all time. The hay will mix in and so they eat both allowing the hay to last longer and them to constantly chew helping keep warm. Keep their stomachs full as well. |
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Expert
Posts: 1611
| SG. - 2014-11-05 12:26 PM
Didn't this go around last year and it was proven to be false info?
Yes this is junk science and was proven false. |
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 Warrior Mom
Posts: 4400
| I typically blanket if it gets in the 30's. Im about the only one who does at the barn. Im also really the only one who rides daily as well. I prefer not having too thick of a winter coat for that very reason. Finally moving this week to our new home that happens to have an indoor arena. First time i will be able to keep them legged up during the winter months. I'll still be blanketing all winter even though they will be in the barn. Keeps them cleaner and less wooly! Ive caught grief from alot of people about blanketing my horses bringing up this article. Even had said people share this article on my Facebook page too. |
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