MA>A caution on "closing up the barn".  Your horses are
MA>probably better off with the cold than with the stale air
MA>of a closed barn.  I think I've shut my barn up completely
MA>only once or twice, and that was because of high wind, not
MA>cold.  Remember, horses were meant to live outdoors in the
MA>cold, rain, snow, etc.
My barn isn't exactly air tight when we close it up.  There is some space
under the windows and beside the doors that don't seal.  I've never walked
into the barn when it was closed and smelled urine or musky odors.  Right
now I have to keep the barn somewhat warm as I have a hen that has decided
that it is the right time to have a nest and get broody over her eggs.
Next week, with any luck, we'll have a few hatchlings.  The hay and the
mares tend to keep the temperature up.
MA>Having said all that....I started blanketing last week when the temps 
dipped
MA>into the low teens at night!  (So much for practicing what
MA>you preach -g-!)
I think I'd blanket then, too.  But then, we're southern girls, we have
thin blood. ;)
Laura
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