Having to keep the horses inside for a week

[FionaDenmark]

So the weather is very severe here in Denmark - it's been below zero for weeks now and the past few days it has been minus 12 - 18 because of the terrible winds. The ground is frozen solid.

My mare does not want to be outside at all and just stands in the field shelter (double rugged) and will not eat or drink until I bring her inside. She also calls for me when she sees me, begging to be let in. So I've had no choice but to keep them inside entirely since Sunday night. The weather should improve by the weekend.

Do you think this will have an impact on her mental health? I don't have a barn or anywhere they can walk around that is covered so keeping them in the stables is my only option. The Shetland seems to be fine. Tara is not showing any signs of distress, no weaving or pawing, but I just feel guilty.

 

[Alibear]

If she was injured and you had to box rest her for a week it wouldn't really be any different and in this case, it sounds like she knows she's better of inside. Whilst not the ideal, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[ihatework]

Needs must. They’ll survive. Sounds like mentally it’s what she wants anyway.
If at all feasible I’d hand walk twice a day, as physically it’s not so great.

 

[meleeka]

If she's clearly telling you she's happier in, then why would you feel guilty? She clearly knows what she wants, so ignoring that would be worse for her mental health.

 

[Lady Jane]

I agree with @Alibear, you could put her out for an hour just so she could stretch her legs but it is cold as we never experience in the UK. It certainly won't do her any good to be outside all day not eating or drinking

 

[Goldenstar]

It is of course less than ideal .
Bad weather is less than ideal .
Many years ago we got heavy and long lasting snow my horses went out just for the time we took to muck out and do the yard for weeks .
It was an awful time but the horses were fine .
If your horse suffered a bout of nasty mud fever or any minor injury she might easily send a week inside.
Cut her hard food right back and feed loads of forage.

 

[Korg]

I'd at least bring the horses out on walks, preferably at least two times per day. It's really not good for their digestive system to stand still that much. Other than that, not much to do. If the horse does not want to go outside, she'd probably just stand still if you put her outside anyway. She'll be fine.