Ridecamp: Re: [RC] Blanketing, winter weather, and bathing horses

I also live in western Washington, actually quite near Sue and we ride
in the same area.  I have stopped using rain sheets on my horses as they
have let me know in no uncertain terms that they would rather just stand
under the overhang on the barn thank you.  Our five horses have free
access to the barn and pasture 24/7.  Just this year we added a larger
overhang to the barn and the horses love it.  Over the years we have
added lots of 5/8 chip to the area surrounding the barn in an attempt to
minimize the mud.  This has worked pretty well & we are also blessed
with fairly sandy soil, well drained.           We also ride alot in the
rain.  We wear fleece and Goretex, absolutely no cotton.  After a ride
we towel the horses off, put them in their fleece coolers and haul them
home (I0 minutes).  When we get home they get a dry cooler and are kept
in their stalls for an hour or so, at least until after the evening
feeding.  Then it's off with the coolers, no blanket unless the weather
is especially rotten.  Usually the next thing on their agenda is a good
roll.  So far in 15 years we've had no rain rot and no scratches.  Just
lucky I guess.    


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