I am NOT a fan of blankets for critters!  I have seen first-hand what can happen if a horse or mule gets caught up in a strap or belly band.  While Stella has a very thick winter coat, I just couldn't get over the idea of her withstanding temps in the 20's!  We've had so much cold rain and snow that it was a relief to FINALLY catch a day when she was actually dry enough to blanket!  After all of her tarp experience she didn't think twice about getting gift wrapped today!  I just HOPE she doesn't find a way to get herself into trouble with her new coat.  I think it may also save her a few scars and scrapes with her pasture mate Max...they play like kids and his aim is almost as good as hers!  The bottom picture is me holding a lead rope that someone left outside....this pic was taken at noon and the lead had been in the barn all day.  Yep...its frozen.  I told you it was Freakin' Cold outside!!