I have a mustang filly. I got her in the end of February and she was in a stall. This is when I was training and taming her. She didn't need any thing to keep her warn, she was covered in hair and mud . This winter I'm wondering if I should get her a turnout blanket this winter. She cam from Oregon, and I live in an area where it doesn't snow much, but it gets pretty cold. I'm sure it was way colder for her in oregon than it will be here, all the way across the country and a lot more south. She's going to be out on the pasture for the winter, and I had decided not to get her a blanket, but then I found some rain rot in her think winter coat and I thought about it again. I hadn't been out in a week and she didn't groomed, but I'm worried about her being wet this winter. if it rains or snows there isn 't much shelter for her. She's going to be hairy and warm, but if it rains or snows, her think winter coat is going to keep her really cold for a while. I really don't want to have to spend extra money on a blanket for her, because she's going to be way bigger next winter, she already grew 3 hands since I got her (8 months ago). I'm afraid she'll out grow it during the winter. I don't have lots of extra money to spend on this and her vet and farrier are due soon. I also can't be out there to check on her every day. So what do you think, turnout blanket or not?
She'll probably have a huge winter coat since she's from Oregon, so you wouldn't need a heavy duty (expensive) turnout blanket. If you were going to get anything, I'd get like a waterproof turnout sheet that's really light but will keep her from getting soaking wet. You could also ask a few local horse people what they would do since they know your climate better.
pets question and answers,www.5d2d.com As for the rain rot, it's a fungus that thrives in wet/warm conditions. So I'd get rid of that with some sort of antifungul. I've never seen anyone have it in winter though. Usually just spring when the horses are shedding out. I hope that helps some.
If you plan on riding her throughout the winter then yes, blanket her (I'm not sure how old she is?).
Honestly if she's on 24/7 turnout she needs a run-in shed/shelter in her pasture. She'll grow plenty of hair to stay warm ... until she gets wet.
If you start blanketing you will have to continue blanketing throughout the winter. This means the blanket will need to be checked by someone DAILY because buckles and snap and straps do get twisted (especially on young wiggly horses). You will also need to check the fit of the blanket very carefully and adjust it as the filly grows. If she has never been blanketed before and has a thick winter coat, I would advise against blanketing. It sounds like you won't be able to check on her every day. What happens if it gets really hot one day and no one is there to take her blanket off? She will be able to keep herself warmer by being able to move around outside (as opposed to being stuck in a stall). Is there any shelter she can use to get out of the wind and rain? If she doesn't have a stall, then she really should have at least a run in shed to get out of the harsher elements.
I usually blanket when its under 50 degrees. I use a turnout sheet
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When it gets to the 30's i use a medium weight blanket.
I would defiantly blanket her if its under 50 degrees, she will be cold and if she doesn't have much shelter this will be good for her and she won't get rain rot or anything else. A blanket also helps with the shedding in the spring. If you plan to work her this winter, its also another good reason why to blanket her. When they get sweaty and have a think coat its not good for them, it takes them longer to cool out. A blanket helps it not grow out that much. If you don't have alot of money and considering she is growing check ebay.com, you can get some cheap blankets there. Don't buy a blanket that is going to last you years because it is going to be more expensive, don't get brand name, just get something that will last her this winter (because she still growing). Make sure it is waterproof other wise the water/snow will get into it and she will get rain rot from that too. If you have questions on what kind of blanket feel free to email me.
Well, she is a Mustang, and she was in colder parts of the country. Is she survived there, she would be able to survive where you are. She is adapted to cold and snowy weather. So, she will be fine. I wouldn't get the blanket.
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