Do you give your horse a holiday?

[Tayto]

Hello all!

I recently bought my first horse. She is an 8 year old clydesdsale x cob and she lives out 24/7.

ATM she is in work 6 days a week. I usually give her a Monday off following a few long hacks at a weekend. I lunge once a week, do in hand work once a week and hack the rest of the time. I will be introducing some schooling once I get my butt in gear and book a lesson with my instructor.

I just wondered if I should plan a holiday for her throughout the year? I will be going on holiday for 1 week at some point so she will get that week off but does she need longer?

What does everyone do with their horses?

 

[MileAMinute]

Mine have never had holidays. My 4yo has just spent winter off but he was turned away.

They don't have holidays but will not get ridden as much over winter or when I'm on placement.

 

[*Maddy&Occhi*]

I don't really give holidays as such, but my mare is ridden less over winter when the weather is awful. Now the warmer weather is upon us I have been riding regularly and often, although if she has worked particularly hard for a few weeks, then I will give a few days off. She is only young though so I like her to have mini breaks in-between (she is rising 5) and I have found this sort of routine works well for her.

 

[Lolo]

Ours do have proper holidays and short breaks.

So Reg came into work mid-January, then the eventing season started about a month ago. He's done one ODE and a few 'filler' shows to keep him ticking over. Coming up he has 3 or 4 more ODEs (at either 1m or 1.10m) as well as a RoR class. Then he'll have 10 days chilling at the start of June, then come back into full work for a fairly packed summer through to late September. He'll go back out on holiday October time, and stay out until the middle of January again.

The holidays help keep him fresh, and he always comes back after the long holiday feeling more mature and confident. Last year he went on holiday still being very green about ditches and skinnies and things XC. Came back, and was a total pro. This year, he went out very nervous SJ and has come out considerably more confident... Not sure how, it's like the time off just gives him more perspective and he chills out.

 

[Tayto]

I was basing her workload on nice weather, I hadn't thought about when it is horrendous in winter when she will get more time off! Doh - a little bit of spring sunshine and I forgot that there will be days where we can't ride due to ice, snow etc! Thanks everyone who replied so far

 

[spotty_pony]

My horses only get holidays if I am away on holiday. My Appy gets an 'easy summer' as he is kept hunting fit all through winter even though we only hunt probably about twice per month so his work is reduced for the summer and he is hacked out about 4 times per week.

 

[BorgRae]

Yup

He gets a holiday when I get a holiday. If I'm away then he'll stay out and chill.

I also generally give him 2-3 weeks off in winter when it's BAD weather! ...if only I could afford to go away for a few weeks in winter!!! x

 

[Merlin11]

Yes he gets one when I am away and also usually gets a couple of months off in the winter when the weather is too bad to ride. He is out 24/7 so it is not a problem and he is getting on a bit now so I think appreciates a break.

 

[zoelouisem]

I try to give daughters pony a 2 week holiday after September. Pony works hard all summer holidays what with competitions and pony club . Then in September there's a few championship shows they've qualified for. Ill prob turn her away for 2 weeks after that.
That gives me enough time to get a just for enough again for half term.
She has an easy time over Xmas new year first part of jan too hacking and not really doing much.
If I had a horse doing your horses work load I'd prob be happy with just the week your away off tbh.
My old shoe jumpers holiday was a month gentle hacking. He didn't do to well just been let down he coliced 2 years running while having complete turnout and no work so he ambled about for a month on a long rein as his break.