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Re: [RC] Which Blanket on Trailered Horse? - heidiWill be trailering my horse a few hours south of me and was wondering how to decide whether to use a light or heavier weight blanket on her. We are in the midwest and she already has a nice winter coat on as she is pasture kept. The trailer is a 2h bp and not fully enclosed as it was about 4 slats on both sides that are open at the top and the upper back is also open. I know it's one thing to just stand around in a pasture but another to be going down the road with the windchill factor thrown in, in addition to realizing as the day warms up that she could also get too warm under xxx blanket. We will be trailering in early morning (or whenever we get moving) and arriving at destination about early midday. So at what temps do you decide upon a light cotton sheet and a water-resistant woollined blanket? These are the only two blankets we've got to choose from. Should I use both perhaps? Or let her go without which I think is not a good option? I've done quite a bit of winter trailering over the years, and IMO the best choice most times is to go without, unless there are extenuating circumstances. A well-haired horse is well-equipped to deal with the situation at hand--although there is a "wind chill" coming through the slats, part of the trailer is also enclosed, and there is a trade-off between the body heat buildup in a small space and what wind does get through the slats. Á sheet will mash down the hair and rob the horse of its insulating factor altogether. A heavy blanket will likely be too warm, causing the horse to sweat and be wet on arrival. If a horse starts the trip compromised in any way--sick, wet, etc.--that is another story, and one simply has to make the best choice given the circumstances. I'd suggest carrying the blankets with you, and checking about an hour into the ride to see if she is shivering or not. If she is, put one on. My bet is that she won't be. Heidi =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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