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Hi everyone,
I was thinking about buying Merrill a sheet, but wasn't sure if it was a good idea. I was thinking it would help get rid of his rain rot. He got a pretty bad case on his back when I couldn't walk, so I've been trying to get rid of it. It sarted to get better...but then it started raining. It's been raining for a week straight, no joke. Well, his rainrot is back pretty badly.
It's supposed to clear up for a few days next week, but it's still going to rain alot for the next month (it always does in my area). So, I was thinking a sheet might keep Merrill dry enough to get rid of his rainrot for good. It's in the mid 40s, so since I want Merrill to grow a good winter coat, so not quite cold enough for a blanket.
I wasn't sure about a sheet though, because I was worried it wouldn't let him grow a normal winter coat. Thoughts?
Also, I've heard from people that sheets just make horses hot and sweaty (even used in 40 degree weather). I wasn't sure about this though, especially with Merrill, because he hardly ever sweats, even in hard work (if you remember, I made a post asking about anhidrolisis a few months back). So I wasn't too concerned about this, but still wondering. Thoughts?
Sorry to clog the boards with yet another blanket topic, this is just a unique situation.
Thanks!
Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble. ~Isaiah 63:13
But ask the animals, and they will teach you ~Job 12:7a
"You don't throw a whole life away, just 'cause it's beat up a little" ~ Tom Smith, Seabiscuit's trainer
Please join the Thoroughbred Owners and Enthusiasts Club if you love Thoroughbreds! www.thoroughbredtalk.webs.com
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Senior Member
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Last Login: 2 days ago @ 7:07:13 AM
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well i wouldnt worry about the sheet affecting his coat since blankets have nothing to do with how long a horses coat gets. horses start growing their winter coats as the days get shorter and start shedding as the days get longer. Its all natural. blankets appear to keep the hair down for a few reasons, mostly being that it flattens the hair and keeps them clean. some show barns have lights installed in the stalls to 'trick' the horses by making the days 'longer' (the lights are the kind you grow plants with) so they never grow much of a winter coat and therefore dont have to be clipped.
i also wouldnt worry about sweating with a sheet at 40 degrees. but you can always adjust as needed, if hes hot then reduce the amount of time you keep the sheet on.
Proud to be owned by a thoroughbred.
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Advanced Member
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Last Login: 10/31/2009 4:23:01 PM
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I dont think putting a sheet on him is a good idea. The sheet can spread and possibly hold the fungus on it. So unless you constantly wash it (daily), its going to spread it more. if he didnt have rainrot i would say put in on him, for damp days.
Lacys Corona
1998 14.3 APHA
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Senior Member
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Thanks guys. I was worried about it spreading the fungus. I'm holding off for now.
Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble. ~Isaiah 63:13
But ask the animals, and they will teach you ~Job 12:7a
"You don't throw a whole life away, just 'cause it's beat up a little" ~ Tom Smith, Seabiscuit's trainer
Please join the Thoroughbred Owners and Enthusiasts Club if you love Thoroughbreds! www.thoroughbredtalk.webs.com
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Junior Member
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Last Login: 11/17/2009 5:39:06 AM
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It's kind of a lose-lose situation. Left un-blanketed the horse gets dirtier and wet, which doesn't help. But, the sunshine and fresh air help the healing process. Blanketed, the horse might sweat and the blanket will need to be disinfected regularly. But, he/she will stay clean and dry, which is very important. Personally I try to put a light sheet on mine as long as it's not too warm. Any time it gets warm enough to bathe him I use a medicated shampoo. If it's not warm enough for a bath, I use MicroTek spray. I spray it on any place that he usually gets rainrot and massage with my fingers to get it to soak down to the skin. Saddle pads get washed religiously. Any time it's warm enough for him to go naked I hang his blanket on the fence and spray the underside with MicroTek and let it dry in the sun. Wish I had a better answer, but unfortunately there are downsides to both situations.
 
I'd sooner have that horse happy than go to heaven." -- Velvet Brown in NATIONAL VELVET.
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Senior Member
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Last Login: Yesterday @ 7:21:13 PM
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Have you had any success getting rid of rainrot with Micro-Tek spray?
Like a horse in open country, they did not stumble. ~Isaiah 63:13
But ask the animals, and they will teach you ~Job 12:7a
"You don't throw a whole life away, just 'cause it's beat up a little" ~ Tom Smith, Seabiscuit's trainer
Please join the Thoroughbred Owners and Enthusiasts Club if you love Thoroughbreds! www.thoroughbredtalk.webs.com
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Junior Member
Group: Forum Members
Last Login: 11/17/2009 5:39:06 AM
Posts: 146,
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The MicroTek doesn't clear it up 100%, but it certainly helps.
I'd sooner have that horse happy than go to heaven." -- Velvet Brown in NATIONAL VELVET.
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