Essentials for a horse which has gone from stabled to 24/7 live out

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Comtoisgirl2019

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Hi
So people who have had horses who have be stabled and moved them to 24/7 grass livery; I would like to know what items you have found you either needed or cannot live without.
Both for summer and winter please!
My horse heavy draft with thick coat was stabled 80% of time only a few hours out each day and moved to 24/7 grass livery. Only small herd of 4 Inc her and has been doing well so far loving it lol but I would like to be fully prepared for anything!
I've obviously got essentials such as every weight rug under the sun lol but it's the little things I may not have thought of yet... Please any tips, tricks, best fly spray etc recommendations, things to keep in my car etc would be most helpful!!
Thank you all in advance
😊
 
All of the above, and a good waterproof exercise sheet so when you work her you don't have to worry about her getting soaked and not being able to put rugs back on. For you, a good pair of wellies, you can be guaranteed that if your boots leak, she'll find the wettest, deepest, muddiest corner of the field to stand in. Depending on what the facilities are like, a head torch as well.
 
I second the pig oil suggestion. Mud rash is the big thing to be prepared for.

As for fly spray, last summer I used a spot on insecticide like you use for cats and dogs. I found it very good. I just put it on once and it lasted a couple if months.

It didn't magically kill all flies but it was more effective than spray and no hassle. I can't remember the name of it offhand, but I have the bottle still, so I will find it and let you know.
 
Personally I wouldn't put anything on legs unless you think there is something wrong, but that's just my preference. Deosect is a good long-term fly repellent. If you're rugging then I would keep something in your car for easy rug-fixing - some spare straps/clips if you have them.
 
Second Deosect or Biteback products.

Always have a sharp folding knife in your pocket. I always do but I didn’t realise until recently that all my friends also do this, for emergencies and, well lots of things really.

Keep a basic first aid kit in the car if you haven’t got storage and a bottle of water.
 
mule said:
As for fly spray, last summer I used a spot on insecticide like you use for cats and dogs. I found it very good. I just put it on once and it lasted a couple if months.

It didn't magically kill all flies but it was more effective than spray and no hassle. I can't remember the name of it offhand, but I have the bottle still, so I will find it and let you know.
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I am really interested in finding out what this was too please
 
My draft much prefers living out. The only time he grumps is when it's very wet.

I have multiple flymasks so I don't have to go hunting in the field when it's been removed and I'm in a rush. I oil feathers when I can and have a stash of bandages for wrapping damp legs pre farrier.
 
Head torch
Rubber gloves - even if you don't poo pick useful in winter when having to plunge hands in icy water tank!
Cheap waterproof coat for you
Mine live out 24/7 and I have a waterproof box at the far end of field with spare head collar, torch, hoof pick, antiseptic cream, fly mask, baler twine, gloves which has been useful on several occasions and saves me a long walk back for something
 
Head torch, waterproof trousers, a waterproof box to put bits in if it's 'true' grass only livery. An area out of the mud to stand them on if you don't have a yard area (rubber mats on top of a surface) for farrier etc. I keep XL nitrile gloves in my car in the winter, to put over warm gloves for fishing ice out. In summer I tend to use either rubber dipped gloves or XS nitrile (I have tiny hands).
 
OP, mine have lived out for the past five or six years and there is very little that I consider essential that you wouldn't need for one who only went out for a few hours. A good fly mask for the summer, sun cream if your horse is pink skinned, but otherwise that it is. I have fly rugs for current yard, but on previous places haven't even needed fly spray. I wouldn't put anything on legs unless you know your horse is prone to mud rash (and be careful with pig oil - my mare reacts to it with or without sulphur). Head torch only necessary if you'll be going in the dark. I pretty much never pick out hooves because mine are retired and never leave the field, though I do check hooves. I always have a salt lick on the field too which mine really like and use a lot. If you use electric fencing get a current tester though - can be really handy!

mule said:
The fly spray alternative is called Cooper's Spot On.
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Ooh I'm going to try that!
 
I found a head torch quite bulky and often forgot to take it with me, so I got a hat with a torch built in. I pretty much always wear a hat (largely because I work from home and often don't bother brushing my hair!) and having the torch right there all the time is so convenient, even for little things like rummaging in my grooming kit. Mine's USB rechargeable, so I don't even have to worry about batteries.
 
Pippity said:
I found a head torch quite bulky and often forgot to take it with me, so I got a hat with a torch built in. I pretty much always wear a hat (largely because I work from home and often don't bother brushing my hair!) and having the torch right there all the time is so convenient, even for little things like rummaging in my grooming kit. Mine's USB rechargeable, so I don't even have to worry about batteries.
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The hats with torches are brilliant! Only discovered them this winter so several of my long suffering family got them as Christmas presents. Waterproof gloves definitely, I find deosect very effective, didn't know if the coopers spot on was useable for horses(not saying it isn't :) )
Also would second having a first aid kit in the car/somewhere handy, also the quick rug repair kit which in my case consists of a needle and strong thread and clear glue to spread over the repair.
 
I can't think of anything in partcular other than a decent turnout, although perhaps yours may not need it (or perhaps just a lightweight waterproof rug which is handy if you want to keep them dry to ride). I dont do anything specific with mine who live out 24/7. I guess fly spray but then again Im sure you'd have that for riding already. I'd just try to make the paddock as easy as possible to use, so things like insulating the water source to save it freezing, have somewhere dry to groom and hardstanding for farrier etc. (I assume you have a field shelter or access to a yard etc.?), a ring feeder on hard standing is brilliant for feeding ab lib hay in the winter - helps to avoid mud fever too as gets them out of the mud.

I took on one horse who was stabled 24/7 prior to me so I just did the transition slowly, increased the time he spent outside and started him in a small electric taped paddock then made bigger over time (as he would gallop about to begin with). He soon loved being out all the time.
 
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