Nativelover
Well-Known Member
A bit of background;
Had my horse for 7 years he's a native gelding so a hardy type, he likes to be out but through varying livery yards his turnout has been restricted in the winter.
Found a nice yard for him to winter out as I've just had a baby, plan was to winter him out and find somewhere closer to home come spring.
He's been out for 7 weeks now, and been ok. Has lost his summer flab and has a good woolly coat.
I saw him on Sunday and he just wasn't right, miserable and wouldn't move. It took 3 big men and me to literally carry him from field to stable. Checked him all over and no obvious injuries, vet in attendance, bloods showed raised inflammatory markers. Vet diagnoses a viral infection. Luckily under the care of the wonderful YO (full livery) he's much brighter.
My need for opinions/advice is, can I reasonably expect him to go back to wintering out??? Vet says yes, it's the best thing for his type. But I'm wondering if the enforced stabling has somehow made him less hardy??
Would I be better rugging him up to go back out full time?? He will start off going out during the day at first until he's back to full strength.
Feel very guilty that I've abandoned him to take care of the baby.
Had my horse for 7 years he's a native gelding so a hardy type, he likes to be out but through varying livery yards his turnout has been restricted in the winter.
Found a nice yard for him to winter out as I've just had a baby, plan was to winter him out and find somewhere closer to home come spring.
He's been out for 7 weeks now, and been ok. Has lost his summer flab and has a good woolly coat.
I saw him on Sunday and he just wasn't right, miserable and wouldn't move. It took 3 big men and me to literally carry him from field to stable. Checked him all over and no obvious injuries, vet in attendance, bloods showed raised inflammatory markers. Vet diagnoses a viral infection. Luckily under the care of the wonderful YO (full livery) he's much brighter.
My need for opinions/advice is, can I reasonably expect him to go back to wintering out??? Vet says yes, it's the best thing for his type. But I'm wondering if the enforced stabling has somehow made him less hardy??
Would I be better rugging him up to go back out full time?? He will start off going out during the day at first until he's back to full strength.
Feel very guilty that I've abandoned him to take care of the baby.