About Summits Valley Shires and Sport Horses

A horse blanket is used to keep the horse warm during cold weather. It can also protect the horse's coat from dirt and debris and prevent sunburn during hot weather.  

We use them to keep them dry and warm on a very limited basis.  For example, if its below 60 but the wind and the rain is freezing cold., we may put a rain jacket on (a waterproof Blanket with no insulation.) if the horse is very young or very old.  If it is 0 degrees Fahrenheit, we may put a waterproof jacket on to keep them warmer.  In our area of Arkansas, usually a weight of 200 is great.  For our matriarchs in their 20's, or those who are suffering health problems we may put a 300 Wt. blanket on.  They only get blanketed for about one week a year. 

 Babies born in other than summer will probably get a foal saver blanket on for the day they were born, plus perhaps a regular foal blanket.  It should be stated that newborns don't always regulate their own temperatures until their 3rd day.  We had a baby born in summer who had to be sprayed down every 2 hours for the first 2 + days because his body didn't deal with the outside weather well.  After that he was fine in the same environment.  

Horses are meant to be moving around outside even in weather we can't stand.  Of course, all horses should have at least a wind break.

When the temperature is unseasonably cold and the winds are high, brrr I build them a wind break of stacked hay in the woods.  They do well.  Only extreme weather puts them in the barn.

 On the reverse end, unseasonably hot like this year, I put hay bales in the woods.  The woods are 10 degrees cooler than not in the woods.  A tree helps with shade, but a woods or forest is a blessing for heat relief.  

Spraying them down or having a mister is another good way to help with high temperatures.  If it is hot, don't think a wetting down for a minute or two is good.  With my big ones, I find 20 minutes of hosing brings their temp down 1 degree.  If your horses are like mine, they will stand in a line at the fence. You can spray them all down going back and forth continually with the hose for a half hour to 45 minutes.  They line up when someone sees you with the hose! It's more popular than grain in the heat.

Horses should receive at least 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise each day, but this may vary depending on their age, breed, and health condition. Some horses may require more exercise to maintain their health and fitness.  I believe horses should be out 24/7.  If stalled, at least an hour of exercise.

Some common riding disciplines include dressage, show jumping, eventing, barrel racing, and trail riding. Each discipline requires different skills and techniques from both the rider and the horse.