Can anybody tell me roughly how long it would take me to learn how to knit a large (mattress-sized) blanket, starting with no prior knowledge of knitting? Also, can anybody give me an idea how long it would actually take to knit a blanket of that size?
Yes, it is better for you to blanket your horse after it has been clipped as if you don't it's hair will grow back quicker, even if you just put on a light weight blanket.
You should always rug (or blanket as you call it) a horse that's clipped because you've got to remember they don't have any protection from the elements any moreEspecially if your pony isn't used to it If its warm just put a cotton sheet on himYou have to adjust what you put on him for daily temperatureAnd always keep him rugged at nightyou don't want him to catch a cold before show season ]
I'm not sure what 75 ferenheight would transfer to in celcius so I'm of no help in that respectCurrently it goes down to about 5ish degrees here at night and we keep on a Baker (just the Shedrow version)It's lightweight and breathable for the horseHe was also clipped back in February so his fur has grown back quite a bitWe currently acquired a new pony and did a full body clip on himHe has a warmish breatheable rug on at night also.
We clip horses with cushings type symptoms in the warm weather to get rid of the coat and don't blanket them afterwardsNormally you clip and then rug to replace the lost hair so you need to use your judgement as to how much hair you are taking off and whether the horse needs that hair to keep warmIf it's colder at night you may want to put a light rug on then to help him acclimatise and take it off during the day.even if this is only for the first few daysAlso is your horse well covered? A horse with more body weight will keep warmer than a thin one.
