On this episode, co-hosts Dr. Tania Cubitt and Katy Starr and guest Dr. Michelle DeBoer discuss the hotly debated topic of whether or not horses actually need blankets in the winter, based on scientific research, including:
- Changes in hair coat length and diameter in blanketed and non-blanketed horses
- How body weight, body condition score and dry matter intake are impacted in blanketed horses
- The next scientific research project in the works to evaluate whether horses should be blanketed or not
Can horses actually TELL us if they want a blanket or not? Dr. DeBoer also shares the results from a fascinating research study answering this question.
This is only part one of our interview! In Episode 72, the second part of this conversation, releasing Tuesday, December 5, Dr. DeBoer discusses the physiological processes that keep horses warm and if deciding to blanket, the right way to do it to keep horses at a healthy body condition and safe through the winter.
Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email podcast@standlee.com
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Connect with Dr. Michelle DeBoer on:
Scientific references –
~10:14 – Peer reviewed and published research study – “Changes in Hair Coat Length and Diameter in Blanketed and Nonblanketed Adult Horses in the Winter” - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080622003276
~18:56 – Peer reviewed and published research study – “Dry Matter Intake, Body Weight, and Body Condition Scores of Blanketed and Nonblanketed Horses in the Upper Midwest” - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080620303300
~27:50 – Peer reviewed and published research study – “Winter blanketing practices: An online survey of North American horse owners” – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080622000491#:~:text=3.2.-,Winter%20Blanketing%20Practices,(46%25%3B%20Table%201).
~41:02 – Peer reviewed and published research study – “The effect of weather conditions on the preference in horses for wearing blankets” - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0168159118306361
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- *Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*
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