Do you turn away for some of the winter

[Daisy2]

We have had such a fab active summer that I am thinking of giving my guys a couple of months and (me) off in the winter, just turn away and let them be just so. I just remember last year attempting to ride when I could, only to find icey roads and frozen ground so this year I thought I would give us all a break.
Anyone else do the same?

 

[Fransurrey]

Only if I'm forced to in the winter (solid ice outside the field/deep snow). I find that summer is such a busy time for me, it's actually better for us both to give him a break then. This year it was because he lost too much weight in the spring, so he got 5-6 weeks off in June/July. I really struggle with the heat and so does he, so it works out better for us! He's being fittened up now and is sooooo much fresher because of his time off.

 

[Spottyappy]

Yep, turn away usually end november and bring back mid to end feb depending on weather and time.
It gives me a rest from rushing about trying to fit the rest of my life into a horse orientated world, and one of mine has really awful feet so it gives them a rest from both being shod,and being ridden barefoot which also causes him to go footsore if I am not careful.(Mind you, having tried imprint shoes they seem to be helping both problems! But not good on the bank balance!!)
We come back refreshed and raring to go after this break.
Plus, in my old age, I have to admit I really am a fair weather rider,and see no point getting very wet and cold if I don't have to! Sadly no longer have something to hunt on, which would have been a reason to keep struggling through it all.

 

[debsflo]

i normally turn my mare away nov - march .this year she has damaged a tendon and i have broken my wrist so will leave her til spring.last winter was a nightmare keeping daughters horse fit with all the ice and snow so considering giving her january and feb off.

 

[only_me]

Yep, normally turn away after the last event (which this year will be end of sept) and he will be out till the end of november/start of december

He lives out with no rug

 

[MrsMozartletoe]

Yes, due to one thing or another all of ours end up having some time off in the summer and the winter . Even if we didn't have a medical reason for doing so, we still would. Dizz is six and LC is seven, so they are still maturing and the time away gives their bodies time off from being worked.

Always found that ours come back chilled and in good humour . The only thing I have to do with the Dizz is make sure she's handled nearly every day; if she isn't she can turn into a bolshy bat

 

[MissTyc]

I am normally left with no choice once the worst of the winter comes along -- I usually stick to gentle hacking only from about mid December to end January/early Feb.

This year am determined to keep my older mare out in an unaffiliated winter dressage series, but that will probably be about the only riding she gets . Our land is very difficult to manage in the winter and takes all my energy just to keep everyone happy and healthy, let alone ridden!