Charmin
Well-Known Member
Bit of a whim, I was intending on putting my mare in foal but having searched the internet came across a foal and long story short, I have a weanling coming in October! however my preference is to keep a youngster out 24/7 in a herd with playmates. There's three options available and I'm stuck between them...
Said weanling is warmblood x tb, born March and being gelded soon.
a) same yard as my mare, five minutes drive and within walking. group turnout available, would be in a mixed herd of 6yo 14.2 mare, 3yo 16hh gelding, 5yo 15hh gelding and 21yo mare. both geldings are unbroken and extremely playful but there is a chance the 3yo will be moved soon. Advantages are I'm up there twice a day to check, there is a field shelter and good quality haylage fed ad lib when the grass runs low. Downsides: field can get very boggy up at the top in winter, though bottom stays dry and there is hardstanding around the gate where the haylage is fed.
b) yard 10 minutes away, would be out with a 2yo and a 3yo gelding and a broodmare. Big field with lots of natural shelter, doesn't get particularly boggy. In horrendous weather they're brought into a big barn. Advantages are I'd be able to check everyday, more his age etc. Disadvantages: playmates aren't exactly his age
c) yard an hour away, a stud with lots of youngsters. Immaculate fields and shelter, brought in once a week for checks and handling by staff. Advantages: lots of playmates the same age and competent handling of youngsters, they're extremely trustworthy. Disadvantages: I would only be able to visit at weekends due to distance, part of me thinks I'd be missing out on growth etc. Plus in the summer I would like to take him to a couple of shows which would all be easier if he was closer to home. Plus the most expensive option though still is doable.
So lovely people, what would you do?
Said weanling is warmblood x tb, born March and being gelded soon.
a) same yard as my mare, five minutes drive and within walking. group turnout available, would be in a mixed herd of 6yo 14.2 mare, 3yo 16hh gelding, 5yo 15hh gelding and 21yo mare. both geldings are unbroken and extremely playful but there is a chance the 3yo will be moved soon. Advantages are I'm up there twice a day to check, there is a field shelter and good quality haylage fed ad lib when the grass runs low. Downsides: field can get very boggy up at the top in winter, though bottom stays dry and there is hardstanding around the gate where the haylage is fed.
b) yard 10 minutes away, would be out with a 2yo and a 3yo gelding and a broodmare. Big field with lots of natural shelter, doesn't get particularly boggy. In horrendous weather they're brought into a big barn. Advantages are I'd be able to check everyday, more his age etc. Disadvantages: playmates aren't exactly his age
c) yard an hour away, a stud with lots of youngsters. Immaculate fields and shelter, brought in once a week for checks and handling by staff. Advantages: lots of playmates the same age and competent handling of youngsters, they're extremely trustworthy. Disadvantages: I would only be able to visit at weekends due to distance, part of me thinks I'd be missing out on growth etc. Plus in the summer I would like to take him to a couple of shows which would all be easier if he was closer to home. Plus the most expensive option though still is doable.
So lovely people, what would you do?