Re: RC: Blankets vs. cooler

[Pam Johnson <pamjohnj@earthlink.net>]

Rhonda,

The solution that has worked best for me is really pretty easy. I use 
an anti-sweat sheet over a small wool blanket that covers my gelding 
from his withers to his tail but only goes to the bottom of his 
shoulders. The wool wicks the moisture away from his body quite 
quickly-approx 30 min. I can turn him out in his paddock and not have 
to worry about either coming off even if he rolls. I then remove the 
damp wool from under the anti-sweat sheet and turn him out in just 
that until he is completely dry-approx. another 30 min.  I use this 
method all winter and it works well for us here in New England. (I 
bought a piece of wool at a local fabric store to function as the 
blanket. Think it cost about $10)

Pam in MA




>It has become apparent to me that if I plan to ride at all this winter, I
>need a cooler or different blanket for my horse.  We are so out of shape (or
>she has become anxious from being so herd-bound during her convalescence)
>that she is sweating on short, easy rides.  [I'm not racing her home or
>anything.  We walk as quietly as possible for the last mile before home or
>the end of the trail.]  I do not feel comfortable putting Special into a
>trailer or back out into the pasture even slightly damp.  At home, I have
>been putting my elderly horse's blanket on Special and letting her eat hay in
>a corral.  I check on her periodically until she's dry and then turn her out.
>  However, this is ticking off the elderly mare who appears to resent sharing
>her blanket.
>
>Before I invest in a blanket or cooler, I thought I would check for other
>people's opinions on which is better for our situation.  I do not wish to
>leave her blanketed all winter.  I do not wish to hand walk her dry,
>particularly.  I had some concerns about turning a horse loose with a cooler
>on because they don't look terribly secure to me and I was afraid Special
>might get it tangled in her legs.  However, she does most of her sweating on
>her neck, shoulders and under the saddle.  So, a blanket will not cover a big
>portion of the area where she's wet.  Any thoughts out there?
>
>Rhonda and Special
>
>
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