The first step – evaluate regions
The following link is a site offered by weather.org, which allows you to enter a zip code and a date range to view historic weather for that region.
http://weather.org/weatherorg_records_and_averages.htm
I compared Fargo, North Dakota to San Diego California.I typed in 58102 and selected the submit button. A new window opened and I was able to select “custom” and selected November 1, 2009 to March 1, 2010.
Fargo, North Dakota – 58102
Temperature | Max | Avg | Min |
Max Temperature | 60 | 25 | -9 |
Mean Temperature | 53 | 17 | -21 |
Min Temperature | 49 | 8 | -33 |
Wind | 47 mph | 9 mph | 0 mph |
Gust wind | 54 mph | 26 mph | 17 mph |
Snow depth | 20.0 in | 9.1 in | 0.0 in |
San Diego, California - 92101
Temperature | Max | Avg | Min |
Max Temperature | 78 | 66 | 55 |
Mean Temperature | 68 | 59 | 53 |
Min Temperature | 60 | 51 | 42 |
Wind | 35 mph | 5 mph | 0 mph |
Gust wind | 47 mph | 25 mph | 16 mph |
Snow depth | 0.0 in | 0.0 in | 0.0 in |
Based on these numbers I would say I will need a blanket that can keep our horse comfortable in weather that could possibly reach -35 to -40 degrees. Also take the wind chill factor into consideration, because it could drop the temperature another 10 to 15 degrees or more.
The second step - evaluate blankets
Based on our regions weather history comparison chart we will need a blanket system. Meaning a liner and outer shell. Even if you don’t use the complete system at least you will be ready for the worst. Here is a small sampling of blankets on today’s market. If you need more than a turnout blanket you can add a quilted blanket liner or a light-weight liner to increase the insulation factor. Some of the heavy blankets listed here have stated they insulate to the low 20’s (-6.6 C)
Speaking from experience I moved my horse from a warm climate to North Dakota and I made sure that I moved him during the summer so that he could acclimate as the weather turned cold. I purchased the blanket that had 1680 denier outer shell and tekno-Dri climate control lining/Nylon Lining with 380 grams of insulation (Heavy) and a light weight liner. This blanket was perfect for the North Dakota weather we were about to experience. The Blanket you can purchase from Schneiders at http://www.sstack.com. It’s called StromShield VTEK Marathon Bellyband Turnout. It was worth every penny!
As winter came upon us the temperature dropped to 32F (0 C) and my horse was shivering. I couldn’t put his jacket on because I knew that the weather was going to get worse as the days went by, so he and I toughed it out on this day. The next day it got warm again and that made me happy and I’m sure my horse was feeling good about it as well. About a week later the temperature dropped to 28F (-2.2 C) and the wind was blowing making the temp feel more like 0F (-17 C). This was the breaking point. I put the StormShield on and while I was chipping the ice off of the bottom of his hooves he stopped shivering and was able to focus on being a horse again. He had so much ice built up that he looked as though he were walking on white tennis balls. Through out this whole winter I chipped ice from his hooves day and night. He pretty much wore this blanket all day and all night and it never rubbed his hair from his shoulders, withers or neck. It fit very well. In the morning it was so cold my thumbnails were blue and I had liner gloves and outer gloves on my hands. I would take one set of gloves off and slip it in between my horse and his blanket and it was nice and toasty in there. He never once sweated while he was in it. The temperature this winter got down to -35 at one point, but I never did need to use the liner. As the weather got better going into spring the blanket was used less and less. We’ve moved again this year and we are still in the cold snow country and the weather has gotten to -8 so far this year, but my boy hasn’t needed his blanket so far. I board my horse and when I go to visit him, which is almost every day all the other horses at the stables is wearing a blanket. However, the blankets they are wearing are more for keeping the wet sleet off of their backs, so I am now in the market for a light weight blanket and I will be purchasing the Saxon 600 denier outer shell, poly/cotton lining and 180 grams of polyfill. I just hope it isn’t too much insulation for him.
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