Polos Mum
Well-Known Member
Normally I'd say it's harsh to change the turnout rules once people have arrived but this years weather really has been unusual.
OP how long do you usually rest your winter paddock in spring/ summer? with extensive rolling/ re seeding you should be able to get even the worst of fields back to being usable by next winter - but clearly that will all cost money.
I'd weigh up the cost of helping it recover over the cost of loosing a few liveries if you changed the rules.
If you need the field at all over the summer I'd also keep in mind that these will be the same liveries that will leave in the spring when you still can't offer perfect turnout because of the damage done in Jan.
My opinions have changed completely since moving from being on livery yards to owning my own land. I have 1 17hh and one 14hh (both unshod currently) and my 12 acres is just about enought to cope with them (it is heavy clay), with me being comfortable I will have spring turnout and 2 acres to make their hay in the summer - I can't imagine keeping them on the 'recommended' acre each!!!!
OP how long do you usually rest your winter paddock in spring/ summer? with extensive rolling/ re seeding you should be able to get even the worst of fields back to being usable by next winter - but clearly that will all cost money.
I'd weigh up the cost of helping it recover over the cost of loosing a few liveries if you changed the rules.
If you need the field at all over the summer I'd also keep in mind that these will be the same liveries that will leave in the spring when you still can't offer perfect turnout because of the damage done in Jan.
My opinions have changed completely since moving from being on livery yards to owning my own land. I have 1 17hh and one 14hh (both unshod currently) and my 12 acres is just about enought to cope with them (it is heavy clay), with me being comfortable I will have spring turnout and 2 acres to make their hay in the summer - I can't imagine keeping them on the 'recommended' acre each!!!!