Learning Center
Everything horse care.
Practical guides from the Schneiders team — blanketing, hoof and mud, feeding, coat care, and everything in between.
Blanketing
Does Last Year's Blanket Still Fit My Horse?
A five-minute fit check before you buy new — where blankets slip, rub, or bind, and how to measure.
Is Last Year's Turnout Blanket Still Waterproof?
How to test waterproofing at home, when to reproof, and when the fabric is genuinely done.
What Blanket Weight Do I Need at What Temperature?
A quick reference for matching blanket weight to real-world temperatures — with the caveats that matter.
When Do I Switch From a Fly Sheet to a Rain Sheet?
The seasonal switch nobody talks about — reading the weather, and what layer belongs on when.
Hoof & Mud
When Should I Winterize the Barn?
Water lines, footing, and the mud-to-freeze transition — what to do before the first hard freeze.
How Do I Prevent Scratches and Mud Fever?
The routine that actually keeps pastern skin healthy through mud season — and when to call the vet.
Feed & Hay
How Do I Put Weight on My Horse Before Winter?
Feeding shifts that actually add condition — hay quality, fats, and when to call a nutritionist.
How Much Hay Per Horse Per Day?
The rule of thumb, the exceptions, and how weather + workload change the math.
Coat & Clipping
Fly & UV
Health & Care
Fall Deworming, Teeth, and Hauling Questions
Fall-into-winter checklist: deworming timing, dental floats, and safe hauling as the weather shifts.
How Many Weeks of Conditioning for Fall Shows?
A conditioning timeline for fall shows — how many weeks, what workload builds fitness safely.
Frequently asked questions
The questions horse owners ask us most. Tap any question to expand.
How do I know if my horse's blanket still fits?
A five-minute pre-season check will catch most fit issues. Look for chest gapping (should be snug but not tight), shoulder rub (no worn hair patches), tail flap coverage, and a drop that reaches the top of the hocks. If the blanket slips sideways within an hour of turnout, it's too big; if the chest strains at the buckle, it's too small.
What blanket weight does my horse need at what temperature?
A rough starting point for a clipped or thin-coated horse: no blanket above 55°F, a sheet 45–55°F, a lightweight (100g) 35–45°F, a mediumweight (200–250g) 20–35°F, and a heavyweight (300g+) below 20°F. Unclipped horses need less. Wind, wet, and body condition all shift the math — this is a starting point, not a rulebook.
How much hay does my horse need per day?
The rule of thumb is 1.5–2% of body weight in dry-matter forage per day. For an average 1,000-lb horse, that's about 15–20 lbs of hay daily. Easy keepers land at the low end, hard keepers or horses in work at the high end. Cold weather, poor pasture, and increased workload push the number up. If you're guessing more than a couple of pounds either way, weigh a few flakes on a bathroom scale — you'll be surprised.
Do fly sheets actually work?
Yes, when the fit is right. A well-fitted fly sheet keeps biting flies off the barrel and shoulders, reduces sun bleaching, and gives sensitive-skinned horses meaningful relief. It's not a spray replacement — legs, face, and belly still need help — but it's the single most effective piece of fly gear for the body. Fit matters more than brand: a sheet that slips or rubs won't stay on long enough to help.
How do I prevent scratches and mud fever?
Keep pastern skin dry and clean. If pastures are muddy, hose legs off when horses come in, then towel-dry — don't leave them wet under wraps. Clip long feathers so moisture can evaporate. If the skin is already broken, keep it dry, gently clean daily, and call your vet if it doesn't improve within a few days. Chronic cases need a diagnosis; don't chase over-the-counter products indefinitely.
When should I body-clip my horse?
Most riders clip once in early fall (October–November) when the winter coat is coming in and again in late winter (January–February) if the horse is in work. Clip type — trace, blanket, hunter, or full — depends on workload, climate, and blanketing setup. The rule is: if your horse sweats significantly during winter work and can't dry off in a reasonable time, they should be clipped and blanketed.