Advice please

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mangobiscuit

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I am retiring my 20 yr old TB X Conn. He will be going to a yard where he (weather allowing) will be out 24/7 until it gets cold cold.

He's currently at a yard where he gets 4hrs turn out in small paddock per day and is on 3 meals per day. He's grown nice furry coat and has a huge selection of rugs with necks.

He's due to move on MOnday next week.

So.........my questions are:

feed wise - obviously need to start adjusting etc from 3.....but any tips on what would be suitable. He's a good weight a tthe mo but I dont want him to drop off at the shock of being out 24/7 (or am I panicking??) - he's generally quite a good doer but is getting on a bit now.

Secondly - you can be brutally honest - am I being cruel throwing him out after he's been used to being in so much? I@m doing it mainly because he loves being outside and is just getting stiff and clicky in his stable so much - but just concerned it's going to be such a major change. Or should he adapt quite well?

Wish I could've done it all in the summer months but things have worked out that it's happened now so........hey ho!

HOpe someone can either reassure me or offer some tips on the change over?

Thank you

(and sorry it was so rambling - am trying to apply make up at same time - in a rush!!!)
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I think you are doing a fabulous thing for your lad. Providing he is warm, has enough adlib hay and good shelter he will do magnificently.
 
Thank you for your reply
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I just want him to be out pottering around and it all seemed like such a great idea - but it's getting cloder to "move day" away from (i spose my safety zone) of horse in stable!!

Re feeding etc.....how long should I allow to change from 3 meals to one. THere is A LOT of grass out there but not sure how quickly to adjust.
 
Thanks Amy May!

Got a feeling he's going to be happier....he's a horse that lovees to be out as much as possible and he's not been able to in the last yr or so.

When he sees that field I'm pretty sure he wont know what to do!!

Thanks again for your advice....

x
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MangoB - don't think the grass will be too much of a problem at the moment as the nutritional value drops dramatically about now but you may have to watch him very closely in the spring if he's out 24/7 on lush, lush grazing with no work. The dreaded L word.........
 
Yes I am!! Well excited for him really - he's my baby and (rightly or wrongly) has now turned into my pet that I love dearly!

No reason why he can't be ridden - I just don't enjoy riding him anymore (which I have been slated quite a bit for saying) but I have a sneaky suspiscion that he's hardly going to argue with that
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He loves stretching his legs and eating - so that's what he's going to get.

Will definately update you and get some pics of his reacting to, what will probably be, the biggest field he's ever seen!

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Yes, you're right....will keep close eye.

Thankfully have the stable there if and when needed and some small paddocks for restricitons if ness.

Oh and the world's greatest farrier for an OH
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i have a Conn x Tb mare, now 32, she has lived out ever since she retired, I would not dream of bringing her in now, she used to get a bit stiff, now shes out & about all the time shes fine, she has a filed shelter that she tends to use more in the summer than in the winter & she is happy, she has nore hair than a polla bear in the winter, i only tend to put her rung on in about December depending on the weather its the wet that bothers her not the cold. @ 32 she looks better than some 15 year old i know!!
 
Wow she sounds great!!! Have you got any pics of her?

I'm excited and nervous about the whole experience really....just venturing into the unknown I guess!!

I'm now stressing about feed (how to change and wot to put him on!!!) - I'm not usually a highly strung person (honest!!) but I'm being quite a drama queen regarding this
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x
 

I have loads of photos just not to sure how to up load them!! I will ask my OH, sorry I cant be much help with feeding, She has always been a bit over weight, even now, all I would say is have plenty of hay on offer I feel its a bit like ready break it helps keep them warm on the inside! I do realise how daft that sounded.
 
I am told by my vet that this is the best method for an old stiff horse. Keeping them stables just stiffens the joints more and them being out 24/7 helps ease things.

My mare is 22 and is currently out 24/7 with two others, when the weather turns really bad they will be brought in at night, but more for my benefit than theirs as they have lots of natural shelter in their field.

I am sure he will be fine, just think, softer joints, no breathing problems from being in etc etc. Lots more benefits and they are an outdoor animal.
 
i also think its best to keep an older horse out of the stable generally speaking, as it helps stop the stiffness, as log as they have all the food, shelter and rugs they need, horsey will be fine
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