As cooler temperatures approach, we’re here to help you get prepared with essential tips on horse blanketing, ensuring your equine friends stay comfortable and protected during chilly weather. We also cover key steps for winter equipment preparation for your New Holland tractor, and don’t miss our sales promotions, other equipment information, and more.
Horse Blanketing 101
Understanding when to blanket your horse in winter is essential for their comfort and health, as horses generate warmth through their winter coats and caloric intake. The need for a blanket is determined by the horse’s lower critical temperature (LCT), which indicates the temperature at which they must expend additional energy to stay warm. Factors such as coat condition, age, body condition, and whether the horse is clipped play a significant role in this decision.
Horses require different blanket weights depending on temperature and their individual needs, with lightweight blankets having 0-100 grams of fill, medium-weight blankets containing 150-250 grams, and heavy-weight blankets exceeding 300 grams. It is crucial that any blanket used outdoors is waterproof and properly fitted; therefore, measuring your horse beforehand is essential to ensure the correct size. Following the guidelines below is a good way to make sure your horse has the appropriate blanket on.
Clipped horses may wear:
- A light blanket in 50-40° F
- A medium blanket in 40-30° F
- A heavy blanket below 30° F
Unclipped horses with a full winter coat:
- A light blanket in 40-30° F
- A medium blanket in 30-20° F
- A heavy blanket below 20° F
It’s “Snow” Joke: Get your New Holland Tractor Ready for Winter
Winter is coming. Be prepared!
Regular maintenance is important year-round, but it’s even more important during winter months. Here are some essential maintenance tips to maximize performance during cold temperatures.
- Check oil levels on the engine and the hydraulic system.
- Check the coolant level and coolant protective level. If it’s not low enough, it could freeze causing major damage to the engine and radiator.
- Switch all fluids to winter-grade options. Add fuel additives to prevent fuel from gelling when the temperature drops. Let your engine run for 15 minutes to allow for total circulation.
- Check your fuel bowl for debris, especially water, as it could freeze at the bottom and cause the tractor to run improperly.
- Check the tire pressure frequently (cold temps can cause tire pressure to drop), grease linkages, air filter, fan belt tension, and all lights.
- Consider equipping your tractor with cold-weather gear, such as a block heater or battery blanket, to maintain optimal temperature and tire chains or winter tires for increased traction.
- Always allow time to let the engine warm up on a cold day.
New Holland Value Bonanza Promotion
Spring Into Action: It’s Never Too Early To Buy
As the cooler temperatures approach, don’t miss out on fantastic deals on Exmark mowers and New Holland tractors this winter! It’s the perfect time to plan for spring by ordering your new equipment. Reach out to us today to qualify for exclusive discounts available to the equine community—because your horses can help you save money!
Ventrac’s Make Winter a Breeze
The Ventrac tractor is an excellent choice for snow removal tasks. Its compact size and versatile design make it ideal for navigating tight spaces while still being powerful enough to handle heavy snow loads. With its range of snow blower attachments, broom, and snowplow attachments, the Ventrac offers a comprehensive solution for effective snow removal in various conditions. Whether you need to clear pathways, parking lots, or driveways, the Ventrac tractor, with its specialized attachments, can help you get the job done quickly and efficiently. Its ease of use and reliability make it a valuable piece of equipment to have on hand during the winter season.
Hear It From Our Customers
“Our lawns and pastures look like a golf course… In a very difficult period in our nation’s history, beginning during the pandemic, your generosity is so heartwarming. Thank you again.” – Judy P.
