Advice on care for a difficult thoroughbred during winter.

I find they tend to 'stress' when they are in a routine. So he would be pacing because he is waiting to come in. I also have a poor doer ex-racer and he cribs and I have a pony too! However, I find that he copes a lot better being left out 24/7 with adlib hay. Obviously I know its not always possible to leave out all year (I usually have to bring in for around 2 months over night when the weather is at its worst). I would definitely suggest leaving out as long as possible and haying as much as possibly (don't place it too near the gate if he tramples it.) Or rather than paying someone to get him in which you say they wont do, get someone to give them more hay around 4/5pm? I often find they are fussy so having 'fresh' hay in their eyes quietens them down! Good Luck!
 
Just a quick update incase anyone is interested! We moved yards on Saturday to a lovely quiet yard and his behaviour has changed dramatically already.. He has settled in great and has returned back to the horse that i bought six years ago! He is leading to and from the field like a dream, even when it is coming in dark!! And his stable is much cleaner which is surprising considering he was a VERY wet and messy boy! The only thing i can think of is that the yard itself was stressing him out and he just wasnt happy there. Him and my mare are in a seperation paddock for a week before they will be introduced to the 4 other horses so looking forward to him having more field mates to playwith! I know it's still early days as today is only day 3, but they both seem much happier and more relaxed and truthfully, so am i!
 
Need a LIKE button :) My yard is relaxed and stress free, people comment on it, and how much more relaxed their horses are. I think if there are lots of owners getting upset with their horses that has a huge knock on effect on all of them - after all, they survive by tuning in to each others feelings.
 
amybyersx said:
The thing is, on my yard they all have to come in for winter so i would have to move him. If he didn't like grass livery, i would have to find another yard and i would struggle because in my area, all the liverys get full up in winter
Click to expand...

Personally I would take the risk. He sounds very unhappy as he is so if he were my horse something drastic would have to happen so I would absolutely find a grass livery for him. He will settle, they always do. I had a warmblood who came from a home where he was stabled permanently (bar going out for 20 mins sometimes - only 20 mins because he would gallop about they said). I keep my horses at home so could play around by slowly increasing his turnout time until he was out 24/7. Best thing I ever did, once he got used to it he was far more chilled out and easier to handle. Cosy rugs do the job well and hopefully you'll get a field with a field shelter as well.

Edited to say, just seen your update. Thats great news :) Well done!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top