can any horse live out?

[SarahRicoh]

Thanks guys....

 

[festivalgem]

i think it all depends on the environment.

at Arley Moss Equestrian we have grass liveries that stay out on the arley estate 24/7..

As none of them come in they never see horses moving and also they dont really associate where the gate is. they might hang around the area where we feed haylage but they all settle in big fields to the herd environment.

Honestly - we have all breeds and its the owners that sometimes stress not the horses. the horses seem to revert to nature, sort there own pecking order out and graze happily. Even fine skinned competition horses end up rather being out than in!

 

[Onyxia]

IMO yes the massive majority of horses can (and should) live out. I think there are very few reasons why a horse should be stabled (ie. veterinary etc. is fine but so many people just think their horse 'prefers' it which it doesn't, its just its routine).
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You'll often hear people say their horses are standing at the gate waiting to come in coz they hate it outside, when actually its likely because there's a nice big haynet and a bucket of feed in there (which could be easily given in the field)!

For the most part I agree with you, but there is the odd horse that does truely hate being out.
B for instance, would not stay out in the rain.No matter what we did the second there was more then soft rain he would jump the gate and turn up on the yard
No I don't know what his history was, it could well be something nasty happened and he fears a repeet when it rains, but he would not settle out in rain and it was better for all to give in a let him in the box!

However,as most can and do get along very well if feed,rugs,shelter ect are seen to it seems stupid to me to keep them in

 

[rascal]

All ours live out 24/7 with rugs for those that need it. They get plenty of hay and appart from our old boy, not much else. They do have a mineral lick. Our old boy is 28 now and we used to keep him in at night in winter, he has a very mild dust allergy, the vet told us to keep him out. They do seem happier and healthier out.
My mother in laws TB lived out and he lived to a very good age.