Episode 122 covers whether or not horse blanketing in the winter is the best approach, the Breed of the Show is the Parakeet, Tigger answers a question about a grumpy mare, and in Coffee Klatch we ask: if you were going to add another pet to your family what would it be?
Listen in…
Guests and Links for Episode 122:
- Link to Sound File for Sight Impaired: Click Here
- Co-Hosts: Tigger Montague from BiostarUS and Pati Pierucci from from Pierucci Dressage
- Article: Ask Tigger: Help! I Have A Grumpy Mare
- Guest: Hedwig
- Learn more about Whole Foods for Horses and Dogs
Co-host Tigger Montague cites a recent European study on whether horse blanketing in winter is the best practice:
“They found that horses that were blanketed ate anywhere from two to eight percent less hay, [and] maintained their weight, than horses that weren’t blanketed. The explanation being, horses that aren’t blanketed are going to eat more hay to stay warm. What they didn’t say in the study, was whether these blanketed horses were clipped. So, there are some other factors that are unknown at this point.
Coincidentally, one the the holistic veterinarians, Dr. Joyce Harman, had an article recently in her newsletter that horses really are happier in cooler weather. I mean, winter isn’t nearly as difficult for them as summer. So I just thought, personally, if you’ve got a horse that you’re going to ride every day, you probably need to body-clip and blanket, and that’s kind of a given. But if you’re not going to do more than some light riding in the winter, I’m all for letting them have their woolly coat. It does insulate them and, as the research pointed out, two to eight percent [of hay] is a small amount of difference. It’s not even a flake of hay a day…”
At Healthy Critters Radio, we are hopeless animal lovers who want to share our experience and knowledge with you, for the betterment of your animals’ lives. We focus on health, nutrition, behavior, and ideas for overall well-being and happiness. Twice a month, we bring you guest experts, advice, commentary, and a lot of fun and laughter! If there is ever a topic you’d like for us to cover, let us know on our contact page!
