Bored horse in winter..... any ideas

L

lunginggirl

Well-Known Member
Joined
18 December 2009
Messages
104
Visit site
My summer turnout will be closing soon and they will only be allowed out for a couple of hours a day. I have just left school and started full time work meaning I am not down till later in the evenings.

We do have small pens for them to use however my horse gets bored very easily and can munch through hay like there is no tomorrow. My boy isn’t shy, and he will try and get anyone’s attention for a fuss or food if bored.

Does anyone have any boredom busters that I can do? I have been trying the norm (Swede tied up, treat balls, likits) but these will only last him 5 mins.

Thanks
 
Yeah, I have a very dented treat ball!! Funny thing is with a massive dent in the side it just slides along somethings!! Will still only last 5 mins or he will kick it under his bar and make a fuss until someone kicks it back in!!! Cheeky horse :)
 
Can you get someone to exercise him for you during the week? Or preferably find alternative livery that offers turnout?
 
lunginggirl said:
Yeah, I have a very dented treat ball!! Funny thing is with a massive dent in the side it just slides along somethings!! Will still only last 5 mins or he will kick it under his bar and make a fuss until someone kicks it back in!!! Cheeky horse :)
Click to expand...

lol yep my lad has on the odd occasion kicked his under the fence then caused a right fuss till it is returned to his feet ;)
 
I have looked around for new yards but non offer everything that I need. I have someone who is happy to help me and adores my horse like his own but there is only so much people can do as most people work aswell.

splashnutti1- and no sooner is it bad at their feet it is out their door again!!
 
Someone posted about Meadow Bricks?

I would also be tempted to keep an ear out for a different yard, two of ours would simply not cope on a couple of hour's turnout!
 
Will definatly have a look at medow bricks... Has anyone used these before?

I will keep looking, not only do they only get a couple of hours turnout but the field are small and muddy with lots of horses using them! Difficult to find a new yard in my area but always have an listening for places.
 
Echo the 'looking for another yard' to be honest. A couple of hours a day in my humble opinion is simplynot enough. It's my No1 top priority on my list when looking at yards,...if they don't offer this, i don't consider them any further.

It's such a shame more yards don't off all year turnout. I know they seem to be very few and far between unfortunately.

Good Luck with keeping your horse sane though throughout the winter months!
 
I would move yards.
There's are toys and treats to use up some time but ultimately a horse should be out.

My horse comes in at night in winter but he goes out for about 12 hours in the day.

Some horses cope better than others bring in buy as you can tell your horse is bored he obviously isnt coping well.
 
Yes, always looking out for new stables, especially since I have started working and will be down late.

He was brilliant last year when he was on box rest for a few months. But probably got used to lots of attention from people feeling sorry for him!

Good stables seem to be far and few unfortunatly. Thank You for advice.
 
How about finding a sharer, there are a few mums that I know how only have time during school hours so having something like yours that you can only do out side of work hours would suit them down to the ground, and they would even pay you a little bit too. One of my friends has even completed to a very high standard but now wants an easy and safe ride to plod around the lanes on.
 
I have 2 sharers... 1 does sundays or firday (daytime) and one a week day. I have just lost one sharer so looking for a new one however I dont want too many people riding him. Am looking for a daytime sharer for during the week since losing last sharer.

He gets a small feed and hay throughout the day.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top