[UpNorthEq]

Hi all ,

I just needed to vent about this situation I am in.

First a bit of a back story - all of my horses are blanketed 2 are seniors 1 has cushing’s (and has been clipped throughout the year) and the other has issues keeping weight on over winter . Then my yearling and my barrel horse are also blanketed - she is blanketed because I do ride her during the winter and I don’t want her to get a chill or it to take a super long time to cool her back down. I pony the yearling off of her for exercise throughout the winter also.

The reason for blanketing for me is numerous factors. 1. I live in Ontario, Canada. The weather is sporadic and constantly dropping drastically. 2. My horses live outside 24/7 there is no trees or windbreakers other than a run in shed. Which to my 3. Point not all horses can fit into the shed - because I have four and they don’t all get along that well sometimes horses get chased out or are stuck outside of it. 4. The ones that don’t have ailments are being worked. So for me it is easier to blanket everyone and not have to worry about horses getting cold (In freezing rain and high wind) and colicky.

However - the horse world is amazing and some people seem to think they know better than me (their owner). The other day I was confronted with someone questioning why I blanket my horses. I explained my situation with two being old girls , and the no barn and no guarantee of all of them having shelter and being out in the open. This person continued to attack and criticize my decision without even knowing some of the health problems and conditions my horses have.

I don’t understand why in the horse world people can’t just respect what other people chose to do , they aren’t this persons horses so why do they care so much what I do with them? Personally I don’t care whether people blanket or don’t - as long as they are basing their decision on what their horse specifically needs. Not just doing what is cheap and convenient.

I’m not looking to start any kind of blanketing debate of who does and doesn’t blanket. I just needed to get this situation off of my chest.

Thanks .

 

[horselovinguy]

Hope that helped you to feel better...

Do as you know is best for your horses and their living conditions.
You pay the bills, you own them and it is your conscience that is involved.
As for what others say...turn a deaf ear.
Let them make their comment and politely respond with a thank-you for sharing your thoughts...and do as you want/need. :Angel:

I find that today so many feel entitled to tell you your business...
It is also not what they want to share, but how they share that puts many off to listening.

You make your decisions based on what you know works for your horses and how they live.
Sounds to me you have this well under control and have thought it through, applied what you know with good results...
Carry-on...
With that I shall shut-up and lurk.
:runninghorse2:...

 

[Woodhaven]

You know your horses and their needs. plus if there isn't quite enough room for everybody in the shelter it usually is the weakest that is outside and how will you sleep at night if you worry about your horse?
I prefer no blankets but will be the first to put one on if I think the horse needs it.

 

[farrieremily]

My friend was commenting just this morning that someone was harassing her because she doesn’t blanket unless there’s a reason.

You can’t win. Everyone seems to feel their opinion is fact and law.

Sometimes people are genuinely trying to be helpful but those ones tend to except your reasons as well.

Good luck, better to get it out here than get in an argument that could turn nasty.

 

[Sherian]

half the people I know think I am crazy for blanketing my horses and half think any horse without a $600 dollar rhino blankets changed at 5 degree temperature changes is going to die. The same for me stabling at night, shoeing, using a bit, my choice of feed and doing joint injections on the oldies.

You can't win, don't get sucked into justifying your decisions and walk away from them (figuratively or really).


Arguing with an idiot is like playing chess with a pigeon. It'll just knock over all the pieces, poop on the board, and strut about like it's won anyway."

 

[Foxhunter]

It isn't just with blankets, no matter how you do something there is always some one who will know better.

You have two choices with people like this, ignore them or, get them to prove their way is better - knowing they will fail!

 

[Dreamcatcher Arabians]

You were not put on this earth to live up to other people's expectations. They're your horses, blanket or don't as you need to and see fit. Anyone who wants to give you grief about it is being rude and has no consideration for your feelings or respect for your person. Therefore, after being polite the first time they give you their opinion say, "They are my property to do with as I see fit. I have not asked, nor do I require any input from you. Have a nice day.". That's for the 2nd time the same person bothers you. The third time, I'm a lot less polite and I'll let you be as creative about it as you please. I tend to say things like, "Talk to the hand. I heard you the first 2 times you bothered me about this. I wasn't interested then and I'm not now. Go AWAY.". After that I tend to give 2 word comments. Anyone who bothers me a 2nd time or more tends to get to watch me channel Doc Martin.

 

[Jolly101]

I’ve always thought this debate was a tad foolish, when people tend to generalize blanket or no blanket on all horses. I think, like anything else, we must consider the horse’s needs on an individual level. I blanket mine, who are usually outside 24/7 with shelter and they honestly seem much happier that way. If a horse seemed happier without a blanket, then I’d leave them without.

A fellow boarder preached that blanketing a horse was unnecessary and did not benifit the horse in any way. Her horse that was turned out 24/7 without shelter had been losing a lot of weight and muscle in the middle of winter and they were puzzled. Their chiropractor suggested they try blanketing for a bit and the horse started gaining weight Again. I’m sure other horse’s would be just fine without, but this horse was also a thin skinned thoroughbred that was ridden a lot and that year was a wet and cold winter.

So, do what you think is right for the Situation.

 

[Dreamcatcher Arabians]

My daddy used to say, "You're arguing with a stump.", when referring to the kind of people that not only need to think they're right but need to bully YOU into thinking they're right.

 

[Aprilswissmiss]

Whenever people seemed like they clearly weren't listening to logic or attempting to understand what my dad was saying, he would respond to them "Hello, wall." Time to say "Hello, wall" to that person.

 

[weeedlady]

I am the only one at my barn (50+ horses) who does not blanket. To each his own.
You have made a carefully thought out decision and that decision is yours to make. Don't worry about what others think or say. Just nod your head, smile, and go on about your business.
Horse people are all very opinionated and not afraid to give advice (wanted or not).

 

[SueC]

My daddy used to say, "You're arguing with a stump.", when referring to the kind of people that not only need to think they're right but need to bully YOU into thinking they're right.

We have a nice saying here - "You might as well talk to a fence post." :Angel:

 

[Dreamcatcher Arabians]

We have a nice saying here - "You might as well talk to a fence post." :Angel:

LOL! Yup, translates the same.

 

[Acadianartist]

I get people (not horsey people, obviously) gasping in horror when I tell them my barn isn't heated. Then I tell them my horses are out 24/7, 365 days of the year, except for the odd occasion when there is a major blizzard outside and leaving the doors open would mean snow gets into the barn. They're even more horrified.

I blanket my senior horse who has arthritis and a number of other ailments I have to manage carefully. The other two don't get blanketed because they hate blankets, don't care about the cold, and will grow hair like a polar bear. So then people ask me why one horse gets a "horsey sweater" and the other two don't (to be clear, they have blankets, I just almost never put them on).

You can't win. Just shrug it off.

 

[beau159]

The other day I was confronted with someone questioning why I blanket my horses. I explained my situation with two being old girls , and the no barn and no guarantee of all of them having shelter and being out in the open. This person continued to attack and criticize my decision without even knowing some of the health problems and conditions my horses have.

You did more than I would have done (explain yourself). It's none of their business what you do with your horses.



Say "thank you" and then walk away. It's not worth the energy or the time if they are already convinced you are wrong, no matter what you say.

 

[UpNorthEq]

Wow thank you so much everyone for all the kind words and (good replies to say back). This person has been confrontational more than once to me about various things. I’ve started to get the memo they just like to stir the pot and are constantly looking for a reaction of some sort.

It got me thinking more , I don’t need to justify anything to anyone within reason. If someone asks me again I’ll just say “because I do” and end it at that 😁.

 

[SilverMaple]

I don't blanket and my horses live out with a shelter 365 days/year. They rarely use the shelter. People are horrified to hear I don't blanket. You can't win. Do what works for your horses.

 

[AtokaGhosthorse]

"Want unsolicited advice or to be judged? Have kids or get a horse." - Me, after having kids and later getting horses.

We blanket Supes because he's 26 years old and it's hard to keep weight on him these days, but he also can't eat hay anymore, so there's not a lot of fuel to keep the fires in the belly nice and toasty.

AJ is off at the breeders in the northern part of the state, and under lights right now, so her winter coat is non-existent. She gets a blanket.

Everyone else does just fine without one. If they had problems, I'd blanket who ever needed it.

 

[KigerQueen]

people think im nuts for blanketing our horses when the eather is wet and in the 50s. but i got a call last week that my fuzzy arab was SHIVERING. like it looked like she had been dunked with ice water. she shivered nearly uncontrollably as i blanketed her. she was better within 20 min. it was 56F outside! rocket gets blanketed if it will be below 45 (so dose the arab). Odie would LIKE a blanket (he will put on by himself if its on his stall). our fuzzy pony is just going to get a rain sheet this year. Rocket is 34 and has an issue keeping good weight on if it gets too cold. the arab is apparently pathetic too lol. they where not blanketed last year but they where in fully covered stalls. they are now in half covered (and now wet) stalls and its a cold and wet winter so far. you do you. if your horse needs it then blanket. if you feel the horse needs it but they dont, but are still fine then do it. these are not wild horses. more than half hour horses would NEVER be able to survive the wild and the harsh conditions.

 

[UpNorthEq]

people think im nuts for blanketing our horses when the eather is wet and in the 50s. but i got a call last week that my fuzzy arab was SHIVERING. like it looked like she had been dunked with ice water. she shivered nearly uncontrollably as i blanketed her. she was better within 20 min. it was 56F outside! rocket gets blanketed if it will be below 45 (so dose the arab). Odie would LIKE a blanket (he will put on by himself if its on his stall). our fuzzy pony is just going to get a rain sheet this year. Rocket is 34 and has an issue keeping good weight on if it gets too cold. the arab is apparently pathetic too lol. they where not blanketed last year but they where in fully covered stalls. they are now in half covered (and now wet) stalls and its a cold and wet winter so far. you do you. if your horse needs it then blanket. if you feel the horse needs it but they dont, but are still fine then do it. these are not wild horses. more than half hour horses would NEVER be able to survive the wild and the harsh conditions.

Yep I have been there and done that! My yearling wasn’t blanketed from the get go and I made the executive decision she needed one , in cold rain and freezing rain she got shivering and shaking so bad she could barely stand up straight. I get the old phrase “shivering is their reaction to get warm” but when the hay is outside In a feeder in the elements she ain’t gonna skip a meal to stand in the shed.

My riding mare does the same thing - to the point when she gets shivering that bad she just lays down like she is defeated. Scared me really bad that I couldn’t get her up once and then when I did get her up she could barely walk her legs were so unpredictably shaking.

Yearling has really thin skin (part TB) her dam also is the same way so I think it’s just genetic on her part.