FAQs - Whinny Warmers  



IMPORTANT NOTE: FOR INDOOR WEAR ONLY. IF WHINNY WARMERS® GET WET, THEY WILL FREEZE ON THE LEGS. THEY MUST BE DRY TO BE ABLE TO PROVIDE THE WARMTH YOUR HORSE NEEDS.

SEE LINED WHINNY WELLIES IF YOUR HORSE LIVES OUTDOORS.

QUESTIONS INDEX

#01 What is the difference between Whinny Warmers® and Silver Whinnys®?
#02 What size should I order?
#03 How do I measure the hoof?
#04 Do you make draft size Whinny Warmers?
#05 Can infrared yarn be on the legs all the time?
#06 Do you have socks for a horse that can’t pick up its feet?
#07 How many socks do I need?
#08 Are the socks the same front and back?
#09 Which is the top or bottom of the sock?
#10 My horse is outside all of the time. Are the socks going to work for him?
#11 How cold should it be to use Whinny Warmers®?
#12 How hard are your socks to get on and get off?
#13 Are the socks difficult to get over their hooves when horse shoes are on?
#14 How well do they stay up?
#15 How often do the socks need to be adjusted?
#16 What if I can’t adjust the socks twice a day?
#17 Do Whinny Warmers offer compression?
#18 Can the rear leg socks be worn over the hocks?
#19 How do the Hock/Knee extensions help?
#20 Can I buy the hock/knee socks by themselves to keep those joints warm?
#21 Do I have to waterproof Whinny Warmers®?
#22 Are Whinny Warmers® good for keeping mud off the legs?
#23 Can I ride my horse while he wearing Whinny Warmers®?
#24 Is it okay to use Whinny Warmers® before exercise to warm up some arthritic joints a little?
#25 Do Whinny Warmers® help with scratches or mud fever?
#26 Can Whinny Warmers® be used as bandages for sores and wounds?
#27 Can I use Whinny Warmers® to protect my horses' legs from flies?
#28 Can I use Whinny Warmers® under shipping boots?
#29 What if they get stall shavings on them?
#30 How long do Whinny Warmers® last?
#31 How do I wash the socks?
#32 What colors Whinny Warmers come in?
#33 What is your return policy?

 





QUESTION #01 What is the difference between Whinny Warmers® and Silver Whinnys®?

Whinny Warmers® are all about warmth, comfort and improving circulation. They were created to help the horses that suffer from cold weather induced laminitis, founder, IR Cushings, Equine Metabolic Syndrome or painful arthritis in the legs. Though silver yarn is used on the interior of the socks and lies against the skin, they do not serve as bandages as the Silver Whinnys do. Whinny Warmers are for cold weather only! They are not to be worn during hot or warm temperatures. These are warm socks!

Whinny Warmers are very long socks. They are designed to pile up as much sock as possible on the legs. They act like dancer’s leg warmers and slouch. There is so much sock on the leg that even if they slouch, they should still protect the high to mid cannon, fetlock and pastern after many hours of wear. The yarns used to make Whinny Warmers® are warming and circulation enhancing.

Silver Whinnys® are made from a very different yarn embedded with silver and are protection/bandaging for wounds, sores, and injuries. See Silver Whinnys® if your horse is suffering from non-responding Equine Pastern Dermatitis (EPD), scratches, mud fever, greasy heel, or other forms of skin lesions and sores. Silver Whinnys are useful all year around to help owners handle these persistent and difficult conditions even during the winter.

 





QUESTION #02 What size should I order?

Whinny Warmers come in Warmblood/Thoroughbred, Quarter/Standard (meaning a medium size horse), Pony/Standard Donkey, and Miniature Horse/Donkey sizes. We suggest if you need custom sizes you consider our Whinny Wellies®. Learn More about Whinny Wellies.

Measure a front hoof and measure a rear hoof. If you can get the measurements and have questions still on the size you need, contact us. Whinny Warmers are ordered either for front legs or rear legs. They are different. The front leg socks are longer and can come up to cover the knee. The rear leg socks are meant only to go up to the hocks but can also be worn on the front legs.

Two measurements, hoof width and length are needed.
1. Length = from the tip of the toe to the end of the heel bulbs.
2. Width = the widest width of the hoof.

The best way to measure is to use a flat ruler laid across the bottom flat of the hoof. Measuring tapes can work but not as well as ruler.

The socks are sized in inches. Converting Centimeters to inches can be can easily be made by going here. https://www.convertunits.com/from/cm/to/inches

Warmblood/Thoroughbred cannot fit over a hoof that measures more than 7"x7" width/length with a shoe. If the horse does not wear shoes, the socks may fit 7.25"x7.25" hooves without shoes. If your horse’s hooves are larger than 7"x7" width/length with a shoe consider our infrared yarn lined Whinny Wellies®.

We are now making Whinny Wellies® that are not only waterproof; they can be made to fit any size equine. See Whinny Wellies®. Whinny Wellies are a fantastic, durable, and super well-made solution for horses that can’t pick up their feet, or to help owners with physical limitations that prevent them from pulling socks on over a hoof, or for horses that live outside all the time.

Quarter/Standard: This size is for a medium size horse. To be safe, measure the hooves. There can be very large Quarter Horses that may need a larger size and there can be Thoroughbreds with small hooves and delicate legs that can wear this size.

Choose the size based on hoof measurements. Shoes can make a difference in the size chosen. If there isn’t mention of shoes by the hoof measurements below then the socks will fit with shoes on or off. These measurements are only to show what size hooves can fall into a specific size sock. If you don’t see the same measurements as you horse, find the measurements that are closest.

Hoof Size
What Sock Type To Order
7.25" x 7.25"
Without shoes: Warmblood/Thoroughbred size.
7.25" x 7.25"
With shoes: Contact us to discuss infrared yarn Lined Whinny Wellies.
7.00" x 7.00"
With shoes :Warmblood/Thoroughbred size.
6.75" x 6.75"
Warmblood/TB size
6.50" x 6.50"
Warmblood/TB size
6.25" x 6.25"
Warmblood/TB size
6.00" x 6.00"
With shoes: Warmblood/Thoroughbred size.
6.00" x 6.00"
Without shoes: Quarter/Standard
5.75" x 6.00"
With a shoe: Warmblood/Thoroughbred size. (Contact us to discuss)
5.75" x 6.00"
Without a shoe:Quarter/Standard
5.50" x 6.00"
:Quarter/Standard
5.50" x 6.00"
:Quarter/Standard
5.25" x 6.00"
Quarter/Standard
5.00" x 6.00"
Quarter/Standard
5.75" x 5.75"
Quarter/Standard
5.50" x 5.50"
Quarter/Standard
5.25" x 5.25"
Quarter/Standard
5.00" x 5.00"
Quarter/Standard
4.75" x 5.00"
Quarter/Standard with a shoe
4.75" x 5.00"
Quarter/Standard without a shoe
4.75" x 4.75"
Quarter/Standard
4.50" x 4.50"
Quarter/Standard
4.25" x 4.25"
Quarter/Standard
4.00" x 4.00"
Quarter/Standard
3.50" x 4.00"
Pony(Contact us on this one. We may consider the height of the equine.)

“Pony" size: can fit most usual small ponies, but if in doubt, contact us.
Standard Donkey – Pony.
Mini Horses/Donkeys: Miniature Horse/Donkey size.
Mammoth Donkeys: Go by hoof measurement above.
Mules: Go by hoof measurement above Any questions, please contact us.

Some horses can fit in between sizes. Socks can be custom fit. If the hoof measures too close to the top end of one size but the next size up may be too large, order the larger size up. For instructions on how to customize a fit for your horse (Go Here)

 





QUESTION #03 How do I measure the hoof?

Using a flat ruler from your desk or a tape measure, pick up the largest hoof. Looking at the flat, bottom of the hoof, measure from the front tip of the toe to the end of the heel bulbs. It is a straight line from the front to the rear of the hoof. Include the bulbs because they must also go through the socks. Then turn your ruler width-wise and measure the widest width of the hoof. Those are the two measurements you need to determine the size of the socks to order.

 





QUESTION #04 Do you make draft size Whinny Warmers?

Very large Warmbloods, draft breeds including draft cross, Friesians, Gypsy Vanners, and some of the large draft ponies fit into this category. We use to make custom Whinny Warmers to either pull over the hoof or Velcro on, but have found a better and far easier solution for the owners and these are the infrared yarn lined Whinny Wellies®. Your horse’s legs can be warm, dry and comfortable wherever they are, inside or out. The Wellies use heavy-duty hook and loop to close on the sides, reinforced with durable hard action snaps to ensure they stay on. Learn more about Whinny Wellies®.

 





QUESTION #05 Can infrared yarn be on the legs all the time?

Infrared yarn is safe on your own body and your horse's body 100% of the time. They can be left on 24/7 from day one.

 





QUESTION #06 Do you have socks for a horse that can’t pick up its feet?

We can make custom hook and loop socks that close up the sides using Silver Whinnys, but because Whinny Warmers are so long, there is more challenge. It can be done, but a far better solution for your horse are the infrared yarn lined Whinny Wellies. Learn more about Whinny Welllies

 





QUESTION #07 How many socks do I need?

Always have a pair on and a pair ready. Winter presents the challenges of keeping the socks warm and dry on the legs but if you have an extra clean, dry pair ready, your horse can be changed out of wet socks very quickly.

 





QUESTION #08 Are the socks the same front and back?

No. The front socks are longer than the rear leg socks. The rear leg socks are meant to only cover the lower rear legs. The front leg socks come above the knees.

 





QUESTION #09 Which is the top or bottom of the sock?

Read about the anatomy of our Whinny Warmer® socks (.pdf)

 





QUESTION #10 My horse is outside all of the time. Are the socks going to work for him?

Answer: Horses that are outside all winter long with out any housing are a challenge for Whinny Warmers®. These are socks and even if you put a water proofing treatment on them, they are still porous and will allow in water. This is why we created Whinny Wellies. For the outside horse, consider our infrared yarn lined Whinny Wellies. They are waterproof and have all the therapeutic benefits of Whinny Warmers and work for the outdoor horse! Whinny Warmers (socks) work best on horses that can be in a stall a night and maybe outside for a limited time during the day if the weather is dry. If you already have Whinny Warmers® and want to use them more often outside, get our unlined Whinny Wellies. They are put on over the socks to add protection from the rain and mud. Whinny Wellies will protect the socks that you already have and keep them warm and dry for your horse. Learn More about Whinny Wellies.

 





QUESTION #11 How cold should it be to use Whinny Warmers®?

This depends on how much trouble your horse is in. Look to begin using them when temperatures drop to the 40s at night, but for some horses, the lower 50s are the time to begin using them. Whinny Warmers® must be removed once temperatures rise again to 50 degrees. Allowing your horse’s legs to get too hot isn’t good either so take them off when temperatures are back on the rise! If it’s going to get warmer than 50 degrees during the day when you won’t be there, take the socks off in the morning.

 





QUESTION #12 How hard are your socks to get on and get off?

If your horse is good about having his/her legs handled, our socks are easy to put on and easy to take off. Details instructions and videos on how to use our socks can be found in our support How To pages.

 





QUESTION #13 Are the socks difficult to get over their hooves when horse shoes are on?

No. Use the plastic bag we include with your order. Put the bag on the hoof. Pull the sock on over the bag. Remove the bag. Put the hoof back down on the ground and adjust the sock up and down on the leg. If your horse won't safely allow a plastic bag, put duct tape over the nails on the outside of the hoof, the socks will just glide over the nails. Nails and rough places on the hoof will snag and catch the socks if present. We found that plastic bags or duct tape make putting Whinny Warmers® and Silver Whinnys™ on easy in spite of rough hooves and shoe nails. Details instructions and videos on how to use our socks can be found in our support How To pages.

 





QUESTION #14 How well do they stay up?

When horses are suffering from lack of circulation or arthritis, they stand as though frozen to the ground in cold winter temperatures. It becomes painful for them to move. Laminitis, founder and arthritis are extremely painful in cold temperatures. When you first put on Whinny Warmers® with infrared yarn the socks will stay in place well, but after a few weeks or sooner, because of the increased circulation and warmth, you are going to find your horse beginning to act like a horse again! The socks will more easily slide down the leg. Don’t despair! Your horse is feeling good again. Your horse is moving! Celebrate and adjust the socks when you see them down. Contact Us and we can help you with some ideas for keeping them in place on the legs.
 





QUESTION #15 How often do the socks need to be adjusted?

Whinny Warmers® must be observed and adjusted as needed in the morning and evening. Whinny Warmers® are very long socks. They are meant to act like dancer’s leg warmers but because they are so long, even if they slouch, they should still be no lower than high to mid cannon after many hours of wear.

Like any horse wear, the socks should be observed/adjusted 2X a day. Horses are rough on clothing. Buckles can break. Velcro® can come apart. Garments can tear. Fly masks can become twisted on the face. Whinny Warmers® can’t hurt your horse, by falling down but you don’t want to leave them that way. Observe/adjust as needed 2X a day. Make sure when you adjust them that you line up the knit straight on the leg. Don’t twist them. When taking them off, pull them up first, straighten them so that the knit is straight and then remove them. Observing/adjusting the socks 2X a day leads to longer life for the socks. Most important, make sure to always replace wet socks with dry ones.

 





QUESTION #16 What if I can’t adjust the socks twice a day?

If you board your horse and are not available in the mornings and evenings to check their position on the leg, do not use Whinny Warmers® or Silver Whinnys®. If your barn owner/manage, a friend or groom won’t observe and adjust the socks 2x a day, then the socks won’t work for your horse. In the winter the socks become wet and then cold which is not solving the problem. Like all horse clothing, fit and condition of horse wear needs to be inspected at least twice a day. This is sensible and prudent horse care. Contact us because the Whinny Wellies our new outdoor leg wear can be appropriate for a 24 hour period. The can keep cold legs warm and they can keep Silver Whinnys dry and warm if you are working on a bad case of dermatitis. We are getting really good at making these bad weather leg gear and guarantee them 100% for workmanship. Read More

 





QUESTION #17 Do Whinny Warmers offer compression?

No. Silver Whinnys® offer a light compression. Whinny Warmers have a different purpose and do not offer compression therapy.

 





QUESTION #18 Can the rear leg socks be worn over the hocks?

We don't recommend pulling the socks up over the hocks. The hock is a complex joint in the rear leg anatomy of a horse and the rear leg socks do not have the "stretch" to safely cover the hock without

causing constriction. If you need warmth on the hock, order the new Hock/Knee extensions along with your leg socks. The new Hock/Knee socks are expanded to allow a safe fit over the hock. When your horse is suffering from pain in the hocks or knees our new Hock/Knee sock extensions add even more length and warmth to those areas of the legs. The rear leg Whinny Warmers® are not meant to be pulled up over the hock. They are too tight at the top to allow for the comfort of that large joint. The hock/knee extensions provide that warmth over the hock when needed. If your horse is outside all of the time extra attention is needed to keep them warm and dry. You can see what the hock extensions look like and how they go on by viewing our video Whinny Warmers ON/OFF.

 





QUESTION #19 How do the Hock/Knee extensions help?

When your horse is suffering from pain in the hocks or knees the Hock/Knee sock extensions add even more sock and warmth to those areas of the legs. The rear leg Whinny Warmers® are not meant to be pulled up over the hock. They are too tight at the top to allow for the comfort of that large joint. The hock/knee extensions provide that warmth over the hock when needed. The front leg socks are meant to go over the knees, but when knees need extra warmth due to arthritis, then consider the extra warmth that a hock/knee extension will offer. You can see what the hock extensions look like and how they go on by viewing our video Whinny Warmers ON/OFF.

 





QUESTION #20 Can I buy the hock/knee socks by themselves to keep those joints warm?

The hock/knee extensions depend upon and are designed to be worn with the lower leg socks and are supported by the leg socks. They will not stay in place by themselves. They add focus to the hock and knee joints for a higher level of warmth.

 





QUESTION #21 Do I have to waterproof Whinny Warmers®?

If you only use the socks when the horse inside, then you do not need to waterproof them. If your horse is out in the weather all of the time, then Whinny Warmers® will not help if they are constantly wet and cold. Check out our infrared yarn Lined Whinny Wellies. They are the best solution for a horse that is always outside in the winter. Learn More about Whinny Wellies.

 





QUESTION #22 Are Whinny Warmers® good for keeping mud off the legs?

Mud will dry on the socks if the sock don't get very wet, but we recommend that if your environment is muddy and wet, order the Lined Whinny Wellies instead. This is the best investment you will make for your horse’s comfort in the winter. Learn More about Whinny Wellies.

 





QUESTION #23 Can I ride my horse while he wearing Whinny Warmers®?

Please don't ride or exercise your horse while it is wearing Whinny Warmers®!

 





QUESTION #24 Is it okay to use Whinny Warmers® before exercise to warm up some arthritic joints a little?

This is a good use for Whinny Warmers®. We know that adding warmth to horses’ legs is going to help them move better. Whinny Warmers® were developed for the geriatric or compromised equine but they can be an asset to performance athletes as well. Remove them just before performance or exercise.

 





QUESTION #25 Do Whinny Warmers® help with scratches or mud fever?

No. Silver Whinnys® are the sox that you need.

 





QUESTION #26 Can Whinny Warmers® be used as bandages for sores and wounds?

No. Whinny Warmers® are used for warmth and increasing circulation. Though they have silver yarn on the inside of the socks it is not enough silver to control the bacteria and fungi in the socks as well as Silver Whinnys® which are made with much more silver embedded yarn. Whinny Warmers® are for circulation impaired horses or those suffering from the pain of arthritis during cold winter temperatures.

 





QUESTION #27 Can I use Whinny Warmers® to protect my horses' legs from flies?

No! Whinny Warmers® are too hot for horse legs in the summer. Silver Whinnys® are cool and will safely protect horse legs from biting flies.

 





QUESTION #28 Can I use Whinny Warmers® under shipping boots?

That could work. We know that the ECIR Group recommends shipping boots to keep horses legs warm, but Whinny Warmers would really up that warmth and circulation. If your horse can tolerate shipping boots then add the Whinny Warmers under them and let us know how that works out.

 





QUESTION #29 What if they get stall shavings on them?

This can happen to the Summer Whinnys® and Whinny Warmers®. They are socks and shavings attach to them. We have found that the socks easily clean if you brush them off with a medium bristle brush while they are on the horse. It makes this process so simple.

 





QUESTION #30 How long do Whinny Warmers® last?

That depends on your horse. If your horse doesn't mess with them too much or if you don't have a pony around that likes tearing apparel off your horse, then you can expect a pair of socks to last all winter and probably another winter as well. Laundering the socks often restores the elastic fit. Most of the time on older equine, the socks aren’t going to be put through the ringer.

 





QUESTION #31 How do I wash the socks?

Machine wash and dry the socks using warm water and medium heat. Machine washing will clean them well and will restore the fit of the socks. Avoid bleach, as it breaks down the elastics. Avoid detergents with fragrances, as these are cheap chemicals that should not be placed against equine skin. A "free & clear" detergent is always the best choice. Avoid fabric softeners or fabric softener dryer sheets, as these are another chemical substance that coats the silver yarn and prevents it from acting optimally in the socks.

 





QUESTION #32 What colors Whinny Warmers come in?

Heather Gray.
 





QUESTION #33 What is your return policy?

RETURN/REFUND/EXCHANGE POLICY Put on 1 pair the first day and DO NOT ADD ANY MORE SOCKS TILL THE NEXT DAY if your horse is doing well with the first pair.

Add the second pair early next day when the socks and horse can be observed for a while. As you know, new things can emotionally overwhelm horses. Experienced horsemen and women know an easy gradient to all things new is the path to stress free acceptance. If a horse is to have any issues, it will usually be with the rear leg socks. As with any leg wear, the socks should be at checked for adjustments in the mornings and evenings.

Contact us before using them if you are in doubt about fit. Only special order "custom- made" socks will fit draft or draft cross horses! CUSTOM MADE SOCKS ARE NON-REFUNDABLE.

Don't use all of the socks on your horse until you know the first pair will work for your horse. SHFs will only refund 30% of your purchase price on used socks. New-unused socks will be refunded at 100% of your purchase price.

You must return the socks for replacement, or refund within 30 days of your purchase. Returns must include a copy of the packing slip or purchase receipt. The cost of shipping and handling is not eligible for refund nor is return shipping.

Exchanges can be made with an additional payment for shipping and handling. Items that have been previously replaced because of a sizing exchange are not refundable. If you have any questions about the socks, a refund or exchanges, please Contact us.

SFHs recommend that you return socks inexpensively using USPS with "Delivery Confirmation". You must get the socks to SFHs for a "return" credit.