I'm on the NJ
coast & don't get temps below 20 very much but it does hang between 20
& 30 F most of Jan & Feb. Then we have that wet air &
often cold rain. Many years ago I was told that when the temp goes below
30 up the hay a flake or 2 per day. So for years that's exactly what I've
done & never have a weight problem. I also know by whether there
is any hay left over from Am or PM feeding & it is true, when the temp is
below 30 they eat more & when the temp is up they just don't eat the
extra.
As for
rainsheets/blankets - never used a blanket until a few years ago when I bought a
couple of Weatherbeta rainsheets. These are the greatest
things. The pastures at the barn I board at have no shelter &
when there's a cold north wind it just rips across. I used to have to
bring my guys in if it rained. Now, no matter what the weather they can be
out. They have heavy coats so I only put the sheets on for rain or
really cold days with strong wind. I know they work great because instead
of 5 horses huddled in a corner of the field, backs to the wind & heads
tucked, I have 5 horses moving around, playing, grazing etc. no matter
what the weather. Also, I never go to a ride without that
rainsheet. I'm sure it's made the difference a couple times in preventing
chills & cramps when camping at a cold, rainy
ride.
As for plastic
horseshoes, I've put over 200 mi on a set of Ground Controls & there's
still plenty of shoe.
