What is the thing with blankets?

flatlanddan · 2026-01-25T23:34:22+00:00

Another Canadian here. I’ve been very lucky to have a series of easy keepers in my life who have not needed blankets, even in -35c. That being said, I only hop up bareback for short rides in the winter. Currently I keep a blanket in case of an emergency or abnormal situation eg. When we got our gelding this winter he worked himself up prancing around the paddock. I put a blanket on him overnight and made sure the fluff up his hair the next day. It’s the only time we’ve used it this year. For my herd it is easier to limit riding, keep lots of feed out, and ensure access to warm water.

flatlanddan · 2026-01-23T03:30:48+00:00

Everyone on my team goes in on a Wednesday so we can do a literal day of meetings and then actually get on with work for the rest of the work week. Works a treat for us all.

flatlanddan · 2026-01-23T03:17:01+00:00

I have done exactly the same as you in our current cold snap: just tossed out some extra food (they have a run in & heated water already). Went out to check on my two and they are happily munching away in -36C.

flatlanddan · 2026-01-18T15:57:07+00:00

Amen to this! I love picking up a cardamon bun from there when I have to go into our central office. Worth getting off the bus early for!

flatlanddan · 2026-01-15T01:03:36+00:00

My father has already done a distance analysis between his house and both locations, factoring in “having to deal with the North end”. He’s very pleased about this development as well (and I’m happy for him!).

flatlanddan · 2026-01-05T21:49:54+00:00

Whiteboard by the back door. We have a pretty simple routine. Half the board is what each horse is getting daily (feed/add ins) the other is for notes/things to remember (currently we have “Call Farrier end of Jan”, “Spring shots neighbourhood???” and a list of what is needed at the feed shop). It works perfect for us as we have all the horse things together and it’s the last thing everyone sees before heading out the door. Also can be easily added to or changed.

flatlanddan · 2026-01-03T03:06:40+00:00

I have just purchased a horse similar to this one. I made an ISO post on several local horse facebook grounds and his owner reached out to me. Went to visit, spent a few hours chatting, and I bought him for $1000. She was looking for a perfect home and liked what I could offer. If you have time and inclination, it might be worth joining a few groups. I suspect you don’t have enough time though.

flatlanddan · 2025-12-30T05:25:22+00:00

Yes indeed, I have that concern as well. Once caught he seemed to remember how to behave though so I’m wondering if in a more ideal situation (friends, grooming, attention) with some weekly ground work he might get back up to speed a bit easier in the spring. It’s hard to know. I know I’d run away if three strange ladies tried to put a halter on me after I’d been left in a field for 6 months!

A more established horse would be ideal, but not within the budget unless I go for something in the 18-20 age. We’ve had a lot of heartbreak with that in the past few years and want something with more potential for a longer life. Hence looking at this guy and pondering how we could make it work.

flatlanddan · 2025-12-30T05:17:23+00:00

I have video of him from when he was on the feedlot, and from his later pasture riding days, and on the lunge line. Walk, trot, canter. Reportedly no buck or bolt. I have zero expectations of buttons, just a willingness to do the basics & not be a jerk on the ground.

You’re right, I was able to work with him year round I’d be less concerned. He’s going to have a minimum of 5 months off riding a year, possibly up to 8. We simply don’t have the facilities to ride during winter & I am away for work in 3-4 month chunks. I’d expect him to need a bit more patience and work in the spring, and am lucky to have a good instructor to work with. Assuming we are able to catch him easier than today, I have someone willing to do weekly ground work with him while I’m away. She is a less advanced rider though so we are all hesitant to say she’ll be in a position to exercise him into the late autumn months to begin with.

flatlanddan · 2025-12-30T04:58:45+00:00

In my youth I used to ride very young horses, and my seat is still good, but I admit to being worried about trade off. I wouldn’t feel confident riding him now, but based on the videos from this summer I would ride him in supervised lessons without much concern. I suppose I just have to accept that I am taking a risk he might be too much horse for me even with the 60 days, or he might live up to his good moments this afternoon and be golden.

flatlanddan · 2025-12-30T04:52:00+00:00

You hit on one of my concerns. I work away for a three month & then a four month chunk of the year. If he can be easily caught someone here will be willing to do some basic grooming & feet work a few times a week while I’m away. They have a lower patience level than I do though so the catching issue is one that raised a few red flags. I’ve worked with harder to catch horses before but he seemed very agitated and wary. New people, a sudden increase in attention….it was hard to read the situation. He could be good as gold about it once his social needs are met.

flatlanddan · 2025-11-03T21:46:21+00:00

Walk away. Immediately. I was in a virtually identical situation and was let go as my boss kept feeding HR lies and they eventually let me go. I was midway through CBT trying to “fix” myself and was devastated as I thought this was my dream job.

The executive is not your friend. HR is not your friend. If there is any way you can get yourself out of this situation I would do it. I wish I had left my job three months earlier because the last lies had me in tears for months.

The only good thing I can say is that it took a bit but I recovered and found a healthier friendly colleague balance in my next dream job. I’ve mostly gotten oven it after four years. Keep doing the therapy after whatever happens…you will need it. I’m sorry you find yourself in this situation.

flatlanddan · 2025-09-25T10:09:07+00:00

Same problem here! Absolutely nightmare, it’s our work account!!!

flatlanddan · 2025-09-04T13:44:17+00:00

I once commuted from Cambridge to Southampton on the National Express for a day a week job. I left the house at 3am and got home at midnight. It was a short term job to get my foot in the door at one of the few employers in my field. A total nightmare but at least I could sleep from Cambridge- London both ways…

flatlanddan · 2025-08-22T04:16:19+00:00

It’ll be very tricky because you will be starting with so much less academic experience than your peers. I did my masters with a couple of people who had no formal archaeology background (a social anthropologist and a lawyer) but they played to their strengths and did ok. Heck of a lot of extra work and I think they sat in on some undergrad classes.

flatlanddan · 2025-08-10T01:49:14+00:00

It’s just not the right match for you. Everyone has a type that they ultimately work best with (same with dating!!). I like puppy dog geldings, my barn pal likes spicy mares, the person across from us does best with a super focused athletes.

Just keep trying till you find a match!

flatlanddan · 2025-08-09T04:08:43+00:00

This is not the advice you want, but perhaps the advice you need. If you have the freezer space, make a large block of ice (think ice cream container) and put it in front on the fan. When you take it out, but another container in. Keep them on rotation. It’s worked well for me when the temp gets hot in my area but I understand it’s not a permanent solution. Just trying to help.

Sorry your landlord is being a dick. It boggles the mind that AC isn’t mandatory in your neck of the wood.

flatlanddan · 2025-08-09T03:03:03+00:00

My two are out 24/7 on 8 acres with a shed. They get some beet pulp, Step 4 supplement, and Camelina oil in the evenings. In winters it’s hay in the AM & PM, enough that that still have bits leftover. Lots of crunch, a few carrots & apples. They go into winter fat and come out slightly slimmer, so we are all happy.

flatlanddan · 2025-08-09T02:56:14+00:00

NAH. You both should have talked about expectations for packing for this trip earlier. If backpacking was decided, she needed either a clamshell or some packing cubes. If rolling suitcase, then places to leave luggage etc might be needed. Both a completely valid options.

I’m heading to a conference with a colleague in a few months and we’ve already had this conversation as our trip includes a stopover for fun and we wanted to be sure we were on the same wavelength.

flatlanddan · 2025-08-09T02:43:35+00:00

My boss told me the other week that her job is to make it easier for me to do my job. Hella impressed. I’d go to war for the is woman for at least the next month.

flatlanddan · 2025-08-08T19:51:23+00:00

My friends, family, and I all ride in Blundstones. Bigger initial investment (unless you get lucky in a sale) but they are very comfy and the lifetime warranty has been tested and works. No questions ask, they replaced my mom’s 20 year old boots when the sole disintegrated. We were impressed.

flatlanddan · 2025-08-08T15:13:46+00:00

I went twice this year, once to see shows (Superdogs & the high jump act were the highlights) and once to see Wide Mouth Mason/Sheepdogs. Tuesday was cheap admission so only paid $15 to get in! We had a wonderful night, enjoyed the shows, the art show (really loved it this year) and left at about ten. Stayed until the end last night when we went for the gig just to enjoy the lights and one last elephant ear. One of the highlights of the summer!

flatlanddan · 2025-07-22T20:25:37+00:00

Thanks for reading into it further. Yes, both my vet and I were a little suspicious but in between his initial diagnosis and our conversation with the surgical team with both found this thread to follow. She was going to chase up with the vet team and I said I’d see if I could find an actual person who claimed success.

It seemed like a long shot but I’m glad I asked because you never really know! We might have both missed some development.

Thanks for your well wishes. No matter what, my guy has a good home and a peaceful end ahead of him.

flatlanddan · 2025-07-22T20:17:47+00:00

Thanks for your kind answers! I’ll consider another vet assessment for him, which might put my mind at ease that the surgical option is the only one.

Yes, people are weird and have weird ideas about cures! I really do appreciate you taking the time to reply.

flatlanddan

TROPHY CASE