Couple field questions

M

MosMum

Well-Known Member
Joined
8 August 2010
Messages
443
Location
Swansea, Wales
Visit site
Hi all, Mo lives away is an only 'child' lol How often should I be poo picking his field? I'm used to horses being kept in a paddock/corral or kept 'in' and obviously would muck out daily.

Mo has 2 fields, gate open (but I lock him in one while I poo pick the other), 3-side shelter. Together, the fields are about 5 acres

Also, ss it cruel to keep him on his own with the YO watering, feeding apple/carrots daily and having a nice chat at the gate. I'm up there about 4 times a week, grooming, doing some lunging, bridle work, checking feet and field etc... but is that not enough human contact and should I get a lawn decoration horse?
 
I would try to arrange a companion for him if you can. Young horses need to learn how to behave from other horses. You have 5 acres and that should be plenty for two horses. I got an TB (19 years old ex-racehorse and ex-broodmare) for my yearling. She was free, gentle (so no kicking the baby!), sound and in good health. It was the best thing I've ever done.

Flossandmelody.jpg


This was their first introduction. :)
 
Five acres is a lot for a single 'un :)

Could you not winter and summer split? Then you could harrow instead of poo picking.

You could get him a mate, he should have his own kind as company, just be prepared for them getting very attached.
 
I would get a companion, it need only be a small pony. But ditto the comments about leanring behaviour from another equine.

I poo pick every day or every otgher day depending, as like you am used to keeping in at night and mucking out daily and have just changed to 24/7 turnout.

You doing something with him 4 times a week is plenty.
 
shysmum said:
yup, second getting a companion ! horses are herd animals and must have company to thrive.. sm x
Click to expand...

This. Apart from very temporarily, I wouldn't keep a horse on his own. Even if you aren't worried about him being lonely (and I would be!) then I would have thought that behavioural issues will start to crop up. My mother used to ride a horse who was kept alone, and if he saw another horse out on a ride or if another came past his field he would turn himself inside out trying to get to them.

At 5 acres you have plenty of space, and the opportunity to offer a horse that can no longer be ridden a very happy retirement. If you don't want full responsibility then maybe you could offer a loan home.

I know it would be extra work but I think it would benefit your horse enormously and you would be doing a truly good deed into the bargain.
 
MrsMozart said:
Five acres is a lot for a single 'un :)

Could you not winter and summer split? Then you could harrow instead of poo picking.
.
Click to expand...

I COULD do this but he would have no shelter at all when in the top field, the bottom feild has his shelter.

I am fine financially to care for Mo including feed, farrier, teeth, tack etc but not sure if our finances would stretch to doing it all twice. Maybe I'll just look for someone who is wanting a field for their sensible horse or something.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top