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[RC] horses to pasture in the winter - Mary Golden
I want to thank everyone for all the great discussion/ways they keep horses in the winter -- for those who are out practically 24/7. I try to keep mine out as much as possible -- even overnight -- and I was glad to hear that the issue of frostbite isn't as big a thing as I thought it might be. I'll be putting them out no matter what...even if my Arab mare Sable needs a turnout blanket. But I do know of only one horse who has had frostbite in our region -- poor ear tips! she was a yearling when it happened.
I am still battling with my one Arab mare Sable, though. She has been in Northern New York 5 years, after spending the first 2 years of her life near Ocala, FL. She just will *not* gorw a good, thick coat, no matter what. I tried to encourage it this year -- but she spent about 2 weeks total under blankets when the temps dipped to -30. Strangely enough, we had a -30 night last night, she went without a blanket and she was not out in the barn shivering --- a first ever!
Now, if I could get some sort of natural shelter out there that they won't eat, I'd be all set (for my guys, trees=snacks)
Mary Golden
Northern New York
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