This week my Snap is some of the blanketed horses at the farm where I ride. Most of these horses are performance horses in the 3 day eventing world & most of them have a wardrobe to revival any fashionista. They have outdoors winter blankets, indoor winter night blankets, rain sheets, cooler sheets, fly sheets, travel blankets, sun sheets. Blanket storage for 12 horses is a constant logistics nightmare! On a couple of these horse you will see some of they have trace clips (shaved). In spite of the blankets some horses will still grow a thick winter coat.
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| Blue Velvet |
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| McDuff (foreground) & Kegan |
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| Fargo |
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| Ruffton |
a smart group and I love that they are looking at you with interest as you snap them
ReplyDeleteGorgeous horses...and very fashionable!
ReplyDeleteWho knew horses had a wardrobe?
ReplyDeleteNow I've learned something new today. I didn't know horses needed options
ReplyDeleteThe options are mostly because these horses are show animals. One of our summer boarders takes both her horses to Florida for the winter! She shows on that circuit during the winter months. It is a rich man's game for sure - hence why I don't own a horse of my own.
DeleteWhat a great set of pictures for Snap! Now I wasn't surprised by the variety of blankets, my greyhound has more coats than me. Ooooh! that's given me an idea for Snap! Thanks.
ReplyDeleteI bet they need some warm coats in that weather. The coats are so pricey too and if you get one that likes tearing them ....ugh
ReplyDeleteOh Maggie don't I know about the cost of winter blankets. One of the boarders has two horses, who by mistake were put out together on Monday & with in 30 minutes both had ripped their blankets to shreds, not repairable. Owner HAD to go get two new ones which cost her $890.00 (Cdn)!!!!!! Our stable person, who made the mistake, feels awful.
DeleteDo you go riding in the snow? Does the horse's hooves make a crunchy sound as it steps through snow? Or is it too dangerous to ride then?
ReplyDeleteDo these horses like Blue Velvet all have to be quartered inside a barn or stable on winter nights?
Hello Marilyn. Yes we ride outside, sometimes, but we also have a large indoor arena, although it does get cold in there too. Ice is dangerous to horses, not so much the snow & yes their hooves make crunchy sounds through the snow. All of the horses at this barn are stabled indoors at night in any season. As these horses are expensive show animals their care & protection, as much as it is for horses, is the owners priority. Some farms offer outdoor boarding or summer nights outside. At this stable, only a few of these horses go out without another in the same paddock. Most have individual paddocks, so they don't kick each other. Plus we have large packs of coyotes in the area & no sense inviting problems.
DeleteWhat beauties
ReplyDeleteMary Lou. I just couldn't believe it when I read "...large packs of coyotes..."
ReplyDeleteDo you pay to ride these show horses or are you a trainer in dressage or do you just visit them? No, the first idea is probably not right. They are expensive animals although you do sound like a horsewoman. Ps All that snow and I am Down Under at the beach this weekend.
Marilyn I am not a trainer, neither the skill or the talent. I pay for my lessons & the horses I get to ride are at the kindness of my friends. I use to part board (pay half the expense). Now if the owners/riders get too busy, I get more riding in. The coyotes wouldn't necessarily attack the horses but would un-nerve the horses & could cause the horses to run & injure themselves.
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