Do horses prefer being out in bad weather than in a stable?

I think it all depends on the horse. My own preference would be to have them out as much as possible, but my big gelding would rather be in all day if it's raining heavily or snowing. The little old pony seems to prefer being out whatever the weather, although he's happy to come in on a night, and my old Thoroughbred mare was somewhere in the middle: she liked being out in all weathers, but was always eager to get in after a few hours if it was particularly wet. Try not to turn her out at all, however, and she would be an absolute fidget!
 
Our Irish sport horse loves to be on and hates being out in the cold. My warmblood loves to be out and will be quite happy insist weathers other than torrential,cold rain and wind. He loves to come in for his dinner and settle down. The ISH will watch me from his paddock trying to catch my eye when he wants to go to bed. My Section D used to hate being stabled but has loved her warm cosy stable at the yard where we have been for 7 years. She paces in the paddock when she wants to come in. Two winters ago she refused to stay out even during the day. Guess they let you know what they prefer.
With today's fantastic rugs don't feel too worried if your horse chooses to stay outside. Horses don't feel the cold like us or dream of relaxing by a toasty fire.
 
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