Am I being a bad mum?

[babeandbessy]

Due to a few reasons including being pregnant which is making me totally exhausted all the time and shortage of hay I've decided to from tonight start leaving my lot out all the time and just bringing them in for a few hours and a feed during the day. Usually if there cold they'll be stood at the gate wanting to come in but for the past few days they've all been being a pain to catch so there obviously not dying to come in which makes me feel slightly better. I've left them with a haynet each and they've got a big field shelter full of straw and plenty of grass but I still feel guilty leaving then out

 

[LD&S]

I was going to suggest replacing the word stable with cage but know how heated things can get using that word
Don't feel bad lots of horses are happy out 24/7 and are not only fine but actually prefer it.
They have their buddies, somewhere dry and lots to eat, they can wander if they want to and will probably be better stimulated being able to graze.
There are so many good reasons health wise to have a horse out, getting them clean is a bit of a ***** though

 

[honetpot]

I think you and the baby are far more important and if they were really bothered they would be there at the gate.
I would however start planing now for next winter because if you think its hard now just waite till you'e got a baby/toddler in tow. If you don't want to down size make a fold yard area were you can throw hay and feed in without going to far away from the buggy or car. If you think you need to rug buy a couple of extras in the sales for next winter.
I have done the horse baby child thing and when start to talk and say no you've had it.
Hope you enjoy your baby they are lovely but horses are easier.

 

[babeandbessy]

Thanks both of you made me feel much better about leaving them out! There 3 ponies a welsh, a new forest and a cob colt so suppose there all meant to live out really, the welsh and new forest are both rugged too and my little cob got enough fur to make rugs for allof them out of my sisters agreed to takeover most the week once the baby arrives so hopefully shouldn't have too much to do

 

[LD&S]

I have a mare who was unrugged through all the snow and she was none the worse for it, if she lost a lb or two all to the good but they were all having a lay down, you could see where their body heat had melted the snow and they are 22, 20 and 15 and in fine fettle so relax and enjoy the prospect of a little less shovelling.
Good practical suggestion from Honetpot about getting things sorted ready for next winter.