24/7 turnout and ponies in work

[neddymad]

Hi, I have just made the decision to move my Dartmoor and Fell ponies to 24hr turnout. How do you do the same and keep them still in work, given that they get sweaty. The pony in work does have a small clip at the moment but still gets a bit hot.

Thank you, Halloween Haribo and hot chocolate on offer!

 

[FfionWinnie]

Mine are all out 24/7. I don't find it that difficult really. Modern rugs are breathable now a days and I just try to make sure they have cooled down on the walk home etc. None of mine are clipped yet either but the 13.2 welshie is needing clipped now.

 

[Lolo]

Reg is fully clipped, and out 24/7. He's in good rugs (he doesn't cope with being 'cold' at all- and for him, it appears that cold is still fairly warm!) and has more rugs than his rider has clothes! He has a thermatex, which is great if he gets sweaty, and then modern rugs are all very breathable.

 

[zaminda]

Mine are fully clipped out, I wash them post work when I need to, then use a thermatex to dry them off prior to putting back out. Sometimes I use a thermy underneath turnout rug if they are still wet. Mine have always been very happy, and are kept quite fit all winter.

 

[neddymad]

Thanks for your replies, 24/7 is def the way I want to go. I was just fighting with the little voice in my head that says "wait until you are in bed listening to the wind and rain lashing against the window!" and worrying that I won't be able to keep them fit through winter. I have given my notice at my current yard now so it's full steam ahead and don't look back. I'm sure my four legged babies will thank me for it