How Warm is this?

[jeezitsjacki]

Im looking at a new winter blanket for Ben. This winter when it was below 40 he has had two winter blankets on just because he doesnt look as good if it is cold and he loses weight, so I was looking for one of the layering system ones. How does this one look??

http://www.doversaddlery.com/rider%92s-international-layering-horse-blanket-system/p/X1-24594A/cn/59/

[cloedoll]

Hmm I am not good with blankets but to me, 640 denier doesn't sound too high to me

[luvs2ride1979]

You need something 1000 denier or higher to hold up to turnout use and be waterproof. Don't buy any of the cheaper "off" brands. You're better saving your money for one of the good ones. The cheaper ones aren't always what they claim to be, and won't last as long.

[WashingtonBay]

That looks plenty warm and is a good idea, but they're right, the outer shell is not real high quality, and that's what takes the worst beating.

What are the blankets you have? Are they in good shape still? If one is a really good outer shell, then the best answer might be new underliner or stable blanket if you need something to go under it, those aren't expensive.

Or you could just get a good turnout heavy weight. Then you'd have all three to play with. The blankets you have when it's pretty mild, the heavy when it gets really cold.

[jeezitsjacki]

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-24378&ids=716084595

I have this one right now, which is in good shape but its really not keeping him warm enough for january/feb. when it gets around 30 at night. Any recomendations on blankets that will keep him warmer?

[WashingtonBay]

So do you want a layer to go under it? Or would you rather have one blanket that is warm enough by itself?

[jeezitsjacki]

well they have blankets that have layering systems that go together which would be nice, but im not sure how warm they are. It is just a pain to put on one blanket and then have to put another bigger blanket on top every day

[WashingtonBay]

Well, the choices I'd be picking from is whether to get a good stable blanket to go under the medium you already have, and play the layering on and off game, Or just get a heavy turnout and switch them out completely based on the weather that's coming.

[luvs2ride1979]

http://www.doversaddlery.com/product.asp?pn=X1-24378&ids=716084595

I have this one right now, which is in good shape but its really not keeping him warm enough for january/feb. when it gets around 30 at night. Any recomendations on blankets that will keep him warmer?

I would go with a fleece liner under that. Layering works really well to keep horses warm, just like it does people.

Is he body clipped? If not, then he should be fine naked for temps around freezing. I only blanket mine when it's around or under freezing AND it's either raining or windy, or both. And then I use just a wool lined turnout, no fill. If he doesn't grow enough hair coat, then you might want to look at his diet, maybe add some probiotics along with better nutrition.

If he's body clipped or older, then either layer or get a Heavy Weight turnout.
http://www.doversaddlery.com/weatherbeeta-orican-turnout-blanket/p/X1-24371/cn/2368/
http://www.doversaddlery.com/pessoa-tundra-ultimate-turnout-horse-blanket/p/X1-24671/cn/2368/
http://www.doversaddlery.com/riders-international-supreme-heavyweight-turnout-horse-blanket-/p/X1-2450/cn/2368/

Liners:
http://www.doversaddlery.com/riders-international-fleece-horse-blanket-liner-/p/X1-24395A/cn/71/
http://www.doversaddlery.com/deluxe-polartec-200-blanket-liner-/p/X1-24315/cn/71/

[WashingtonBay]

I only blanket mine when it's around or under freezing AND it's either raining or windy, or both.Blanketing only those times is just about every day from November through March here. :) (jacki's in the same area)

On edit. I layer mine, with various combinations for each horse. Bay's system is simply two medium weight turnout blankets, one high neck, one 'standard'. He wears one of those depending on weather and both when it's colder.

Cyn has a nice stable blanket with a belly band that came with her that goes under a Medium turnout when it's really cold.

I've considered buying just one heavy for Bay this time around since he's got the mediums for milder days, and swapping back and forth.

It's really up to you.

[jeezitsjacki]

as WB said it is very wet around here. and he is a tb who is somewhat on the skinny side and cold temps (35 or below) at nights really effect his eating. I know not all people believe in this, but its what I am doing for my horse. I can tell that he is cold, and he has been happier all winter with 2 blankets, its just a pain to take on and off

[WashingtonBay]

If he doesn't grow enough hair coat, then you might want to look at his diet, maybe add some probiotics along with better nutrition.

I don't think nutrition has a thing to do with the amount of hair a horse normally grows.

If anything, I've seen the shaggiest long hair on horses who are suffering poor nutrition.

Some horses just don't grow hair. Our Arab/Mustang is one. She looks summer slick all winter.

http://www.baywindfarm.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=433&pictureid=4822

[WashingtonBay]

as WB said it is very wet around here. and he is a tb who is somewhat on the skinny side and cold temps (35 or below) at nights really effect his eating. I know not all people believe in this, but its what I am doing for my horse. I can tell that he is cold, and he has been happier all winter with 2 blankets, its just a pain to take on and off

Unless you just get a heavy weight and leave that on him, you're going to be swapping layers, whether you buy one that is made to be layered or you use the ones you have.

[luvs2ride1979]

as WB said it is very wet around here. and he is a tb who is somewhat on the skinny side and cold temps (35 or below) at nights really effect his eating. I know not all people believe in this, but its what I am doing for my horse. I can tell that he is cold, and he has been happier all winter with 2 blankets, its just a pain to take on and off

Sure, I understand. Leaner built horses are often effected by the cold more. My TB/Arab does if he gets wet and it's really cold & windy, but this year he grew a mammoth winter coat, lol. He did better than last year. He had some diet changes, plus it just got cold quick, which I think encouraged an early winter coat. They started growing winter hair in late September, which is about a month earlier than normal for us.

[JetLagaside]

I prefer to have different weights in your case you would be looking for a heavyweight one and the reason being is that the more layers you add the more straps they can get tied up in ;) now I know the odds aren't high if your straps are correctly adjusted but still. Just another thought :) I have a light weight turn out, med and heavy which also gives me the option when the heavy needs to be washed I can layer the others.

[jeezitsjacki]

Ya true, I understand what is being said. I think I will keep the medium weight one, I have to get it washed this summer and a tear fixed, and then also buy a heavy weight one. The medium weight is fine for novemeber, december, march, april, but I need a heavier one for Jan and feb. Now to pick which heavy weight one!

[jeezitsjacki]

so far here are the ones im looking at... any recomendations?
http://www.doversaddlery.com/northwind-heavy-turnout-horse-blanket-/p/X1-24512A/cn/2368/
http://www.doversaddlery.com/rhino-plus-heavy-weight-turnout-horse-blanket/p/X1-24619/cn/2368/
http://www.doversaddlery.com/riders-international-supreme-heavyweight-turnout-horse-blanket-/p/X1-2450/cn/2368/

[JetLagaside]

I love any blanket made by Horseware :) I'm still using one that's over 10 years old - it needs to be replaced after this year but will still be a "back up" if I need it.

[Dakota Sunrise]

I think your best best is to buy him a good quality, heavy weight blanket.:) I like the 1200Saxon blankets a lot. My horses both have one and they stayed dry and warm all winter. I've had Dakota's blanket for two winters, and Beauty's for one and a half and they are both (meaning the blankets;)) in great shape still. And my horses are turned out 24-7, and pretty much wear them November to March. Actually they had them on last night too.:rolleyes: PA weather is just lovely.:doh:

My blankets are medium weights, but I imagine the Saxon heavy weight blankets are excellent as well.:)

[jeezitsjacki]

thanks dakota! I know all about those PA winters... my grandma lives there. yuck!

[zoel_222]

I like the first one.

[jeezitsjacki]

thanks Zoel, I think im going to go with that one