New Mini/Weather

Hi! Getting a new Miniature Horse tomorrow and very excited. She is coming from California to The White Mountains in Arizona. Our weather is to be high 30s and in the teens at night. My question is: Should I blanket her? She will be in the barn except for a little exercise daily, weather permitting. And should I blanket her only at night? Or day and night? She does have her California winter coat. Would like to know what you all would do. Thank You

Hi Debbie , you will get a lot of different responses to your question regarding blanketing and rugs. I dont rug my minis in winter here as they grow a wonderful coat that actually keeps them insulated from the cold weather conditions here. I do rug my big horses as they are both Thoroughbreds and dont grow a winter coat like my little ones do. What are you planning on doing with your little one ? Is she usually rugged cause she is in work ect ? Does she need to be rugged?

If I had my choice , I would not rug at all. Horses will find anything they can to walk past just so they can tear a lovely big hole in the rug.

If you dont need to rug , then I wouldnt bother unless you need to. Increasing hay in winter will increase energy. Energy intake must increase to maintain body temp and body weight during the colder months.

Best of luck and have fun with your new addition, We will need to see some pics when you have a chance

I'd have a blanket handy, just in case, for at least her first winter coming from a more mild climate.

I bought a horse from SE Kansas several years ago, brought him home Thanksgiving week to NE Montana (nearly the Canadian border); he showed me he was cold, so he wore a blanket that first winter, but has rarely needed it since. He yaks up good now that he's accustomed to our weather/seasons.

I agree. Have a blanket handy but you probably won't need it. Very exciting for you! Hope to hear more!

Thank You, that's what I was thinking, she has not been in this cold of weather, next winter she should be fine. Just might need it to get through the cold days. Would post a picture but I can't seem to get it on here, saying to large and I'm not very good with the computer stuff.

Having a blanket on hand in case you need it is a good idea, better to have it and not need it than need it and not have it. Good luck with your new mini, I hope that you can figure out how to post the picture so we can see her!

Ditto to the above posts......It's good to have one, just in case......especially if you're getting a youngster. Being from CA. she may not have a super heavy natural coat.

Obviously, shivering will tell you that she needs one, but it's also a good idea to check her "arm pits". If they are warm she's fine without a blanket.

PS: To clarify......Some horses don't shiver, but their "arm pits" are cool.......so I'd blanket. If she's shivering, it's a no brainer.

She arrived today about 4. She traveled well. Such a sweetie and tiny little head. Seems to be warm enough tonight but will see Thursday ,we will be much colder. Appreciate all your help. Still can't get a picture, but she is a doll!

Good to hear she arrived safe and sound!

It's Saturday....have you any pictures to share of your new friend?

How's she adjusting to the new climate? Did you find it necessary to blanket (or rug, as they say in other countries) her?

She seen snow for the first time. Wasn't too sure about it at first. Then put her out to run and she was all about that! She is doing good, and yes she's got her blanket on. She's not use to this cold. First couple days weren't to bad and only blanketed at night. High today didn't even make 30 so she wears a little bit lighter one during the day, heavier one at night. I wish I could share her with you but I can't seem to get pics on here. Not real computer savvy. She is a black/white pinto mare. Very sweet kind little girl. AMHA/AMHR-Tammy's Silverado Classy Dreamz ® JCW Silverado Classy Dreamz (A). Sire: Scott's Creek Monarch Silverado and Dam: Lucky Four Skippa Scarletblaze. Fitting in nicely, Thank You

Debbie sent me some pictures of her little lady to resize and attempt to post for her. Let's see if I did it!

Shes lovely , Pics well worth the wait

Aww, you did it! Thanks Julie. Yes, that is her, she is doing fine. In the short time here she is experiencing all kinds of weather. Wasn't too sure what that white stuff (snow) was at first. I did get a funny look from her. Now she is experiencing the single digit temps starting tonight in the barn with her blanket on. Thanks for all the replies. Have been on this site for a long time and have learn so much from all you and your knowledge. Classy has made 3 miniature's for me. I have a palomino stallion, his son, gelding,also Palomino, and now Classy. With my limited ability with the computer stuff, Julie was kind enough to post pictures of her, again Thank You!

Thank You Ryan Johnson, first couple pictures are when she got here. The last is one of her show pictures. She sure is a sweet little girl!

That is a cute mini.

You're quite welcome Debbie! I'm just happy I could help someone (for once!) I even learned new skills.

If you decide you want to post pictures of the boys *hint, hint, wink, wink* just drop me another email.

Julie - how did you post those?

Debbie - she is a pretty mare!