Grr ... non-horsey people put in charge of 'field management' *rant*

dibbin

dibbin

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In the winter, we use 3 fields for turnout, the horses are in 3 groups, and are tuned out 6 days a week, 2 days in each of the 3 fields.

Last year, part of field A was sectioned off for the riding school horses to be turned out it. In the section that is fenced off is a stream, which is the water supply for the field. The last couple of times Dylan's been out in field A, he's come in absolutely gasping for a drink; he now won't be going out in that field as I think the geniuses who put the fence up have fenced off the only water supply to field A :mad:

Yesterday, I mentioned it to the guy who is in charge of all this sort of thing for the estate where our yard is. He insists there's another stream at the other end of field A that the horses can drink from. However, I've walked the length of that field more than once over the years and can't remember there being one; and I'm pretty sure if there was then Dylan would know about it, as he's been turned out in that field every year for the last 7 years!

What worries me is that they plan to use that field for 24 hour summer turnout ... I for one won't be turning out in it unless they sort out the bl**dy water!

Sorry, long and confusing rant :(
 
Right.. im not being funny be a stream is not an ideal water source for a field... I dont think you should be turning a horse into a field with a stream not fenced off. You should provide water in an ulternative container. simples!

Lou x
 
I have no problem with a stream as a water source, as long as it has safe entry/exit routes and flows quickly enough. Why dont you walk down the field with the manager and ask him to show you the other stream? Then he can see that it doesnt exist!
 
I have to agree with Nailed. Many fields do not have streams so for me the simple answer is put in a trough. All you have to sort then is a rota for keeping it clean and full.
 
I am a bit confused. You 'think' they have fenced of the supply, but say the field was partitioned last year. You 'can't remember' there being another supply?

Are you DIY livery or full?

If you are DIY, then it's your responsibility to assess the water supply in the field and make your own arrangements if necessary. I couldn't imagine ever being in the situation where I don't know if my horse has access to water or not. It's the first thing I check in his field, along with safe fencing, etc.
 
The solution is quite simple. Your yard owner simply installs a water supply (using 25mm blue poly piping which can be quite simply put in using a mole driller fitted to a tractor) and water trough in to each field. Make sure that they use plastic water troughs as metal ones are unsuitable for horses as my neighbour found out when one of her horses kicked it and broke a leg and sadly had to be put down.
Paxton make some very nice water troughs.
 
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