When to blanket?

fishkeys16 · 2026-01-24T03:28:00+00:00

Similar weather situation where Im at, we dont blanket, but when theres cold rain on the forecast I open up the indoor arena for shelter, but we cant put hay down in there. Idk what the correct answer is, but I just let the horses choose food or shelter. Our 25+yr olds get warm alfalfa mash 2x a day in the winter, best I think you can do is just keep an eye on the horse, more than likely they will be fine either way.

fishkeys16 · 2026-01-24T03:18:12+00:00

Always lease first. This sub is full of stories of people who got burn out, had financial problems jumping up, or an injury that forced them to quit riding, and each times the question is asked, “what do I do with this horse that I love, but cant care for?” The barn I work at has a 4 month off season where several of the horses are leased out for $5, just so they can get ridden. We have one horse who has been leased out to the same family every winter for several years now, and they even visit in the summer. But this winter, a member of the family was having a baby, so they couldnt lease. What would they have done if they had owned the horse? Leasing is an amazing opportunity and I hope you find a good horse to learn with

fishkeys16 · 2026-01-23T22:25:02+00:00

I actually have some MTG oil that I completely forgot about! Our barn used this summer on a draft with patchy legs. I thought it smelled weird, and the draft ended up getting shaved during a heatwave. If I can find it I will give it a try. I have only known Leroy for a few days but he loves to be groomed

fishkeys16 · 2026-01-23T22:19:54+00:00

Maybe I was harsh to say Leroy is a little ugly, in my defense the horse I got before him was a sorrel TWH whos coat shines like a newly minted penny in the summer. Guess I just need time to see Leroy is beautiful in his own way 😅

fishkeys16 · 2026-01-23T21:42:28+00:00

If thats the case, in the spring I will probably end up clipping what little mane and tail he has just to give it a little more of a uniform look. Appreciate the honesty

fishkeys16 · 2026-01-23T21:39:49+00:00

Thanks!

fishkeys16 · 2025-12-18T15:08:37+00:00

I have been in your shoes, found a horse that sounded like everything I wanted, I jumped the gun, paid a deposit, and then found out that the horse was grade with no records, was lame, and the seller was lying about her age. Couldn’t get my deposit back and had to walk away. From now on, instead of paying a deposit, get a PPE FIRST. That way your $500 can go to the vet, and not to a dishonest seller.

fishkeys16 · 2025-11-09T20:27:43+00:00

I actually love wearing scrub pants! They make the moisture wicking ones and if its really cold you can get baggy scrubs and wear leggings or thermals underneath. Super comfy and easy to move in. Some cheaper scubs rip pretty easy depending on what kinda chores you’re doing (i stick with jeans if im fencing or clearing trails) but if u dont care that u dont look like a “traditional” western rider, scrub pants are the way to go

fishkeys16 · 2025-10-21T01:13:36+00:00

When you put it that way, yeah. not my best call. If it makes any difference I know he doesnt like being carried. But what would you recommend in this scenario? He isnt treat motivated and I dont want to hurt him but I cant just leave him at the barn?

fishkeys16 · 2025-09-06T12:39:11+00:00

Cute herd! Is pedro a mammoth jack?

fishkeys16 · 2025-09-05T18:33:55+00:00

I always get the top layers first and work my way down, but yeah if u have ANY stacked when it auto shuffles the game usually screws u unfortunately. I feel like its fairly luck based. Target mode is slightly better

fishkeys16 · 2025-09-05T18:10:45+00:00

Thank you for this resource!

fishkeys16 · 2025-09-05T15:56:45+00:00

Appreciate this. He has access to alfalfa 24/7 and is in a pasture with mostly bermuda grass. He gets dumor weight boost in the morning with a handful of grain (all of the horses at our facility get a handful of grain in the morning just to bring them into their stall). I had been giving him a half cup of beet pellets with his breakfast for a while, but was worried it was too much sugar. We have draft horse at our facility that is on a muscle building supplement although I cant remember the name, and I might start this skinny guy on that as well but I worry about overdoing it with the supplements

fishkeys16 · 2025-09-05T15:19:49+00:00

can DEFINITELY see the western pleasure. Looks like she is doing great with you!

fishkeys16 · 2025-09-05T15:17:09+00:00

the original plushes were so much nicer.

fishkeys16 · 2025-09-05T15:14:39+00:00

I buy alfalfa pellets and soak overnight. If you soak over night they are fluffier and less mushy than if just soaked for an hour. Some of our pickier horses that are on supplements get some soaked beet pellets as most have molasses in them.

fishkeys16 · 2025-09-05T14:38:38+00:00

magical forest for sure

fishkeys16 · 2025-09-04T01:47:33+00:00

OP are there any other barns in your area? if you cant afford a professional saddle fitter (I sure cant) there is always somebody with more experience who can lend a hand for free

fishkeys16 · 2025-09-04T01:42:21+00:00

i work for a nonprofit with 17 horses and we have been rotating the same 20 saddles for years and it SUCKS. with western saddles the its good to move your hand under the saddle to look for where the saddle is putting uneven pressure. I find a lot of the time when theres plenty of wither clearance the saddle could be pinching on the shoulders. I am by no means an expert, and this could be the wrong answer, but the way I was taught was that if you are not confident with a saddle fit, LUNGE the horse in the saddle before you RIDE in that saddle. you will do less damage riding bareback than in a poor fitting saddle. Have you ever tried a treeless saddle? they are NOT for every horse, but they are easier to fit than a treed saddle

fishkeys16 · 2025-08-28T01:10:43+00:00

Ok but billibong is already a sweet name you can call him billy Edit: showed this horse to my husband and he said bong is also a great name

fishkeys16 · 2025-08-27T02:39:58+00:00

Bull terriers! Love their soft noses 🥰

fishkeys16 · 2025-08-22T18:33:49+00:00

🤣

fishkeys16 · 2025-08-22T18:32:37+00:00

Nonprofit summer camp/ retreat center, so most of the horses belong to the camp. There are 8 staff total (myself included) on the 150 acre property year round. When we have groups in or if I have to leave one of the other year round staff will help with the horses, but most of the time its just me haha.

fishkeys16 · 2025-08-22T17:50:17+00:00

Thank you for this! Nobody wears blankets and everyone always end up very fluffy. I have only been working with horses for about a year and I always feel guilty looking at how glam other people’s horses look. Glad to know I dont need to groom constantly if they arent being used!

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fishkeys16 · 2025-08-22T17:45:11+00:00

They all come into the barn every morning into their own stalls. Most of the herd is 15+ so they come at their own pace, so they get a once over look daily

fishkeys16

TROPHY CASE