fredflinstone
New User
We are not allowed to put hay in the paddocks even in this weather. Yes it's great that the horses can get out, but do you think that it is right to turn out in all this snow with no hay?
Hay in paddocks
- Thread starter fredflinstone
- Start date
comeon
Well-Known Member
Cant see any problems if they only go out for a few hours, they will probably enjoy being able to stretch thie legs and dig for a bit of grass.
Enfys
Well-Known Member
With a lot of horses and multiple owners I can see that it could cause problems.
Horses coming and going at different times.
Not enough hay put out.
Owners not willing to put hay out if other owners don't (thus effectively feeding someonelse's horse)
The mess and poaching (sooooo, clear it up and move it around)
Single owner groups/individual paddocks, I can't see the problem.
If horses are only going out for a couple of hours turnout it is hardly going to harm them, you probably ride them for longer than that sometimes and they don't eat then. Lucky them if they HAVE grass to dig for, mine don't.
Horses coming and going at different times.
Not enough hay put out.
Owners not willing to put hay out if other owners don't (thus effectively feeding someonelse's horse)
The mess and poaching (sooooo, clear it up and move it around)
Single owner groups/individual paddocks, I can't see the problem.
If horses are only going out for a couple of hours turnout it is hardly going to harm them, you probably ride them for longer than that sometimes and they don't eat then. Lucky them if they HAVE grass to dig for, mine don't.
eggs
Well-Known Member
We are putting hay out for those that live out 24/7 and after they finish it they go off and dig through the snow for grass or failing that chew the post and rail (very anoying).
Aoibhin
Well-Known Member
im really lucky as ive got feild hay racks in both paddocks (not that the dinks can reack it up in the racks!) so have been putting it in the drop tray underneith.
ISHmad
Well-Known Member
Depends how long they are out for. I wouldn't want mine out for long without hay in these conditions. Ours are living out 24/7 and have ad lib hay at the moment. When we were at a livery yard we weren't allowed to put hay out so I know how frustrating it is.
dwi
Well-Known Member
If you've got grass underneath the snow I wouldn't be worried at all. I've stopped puttinghay out for D and Belle because they were completing ignoring it and going to dig through the snow for the grass.
Moggy in Manolos
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Cant see any problems if they only go out for a few hours, they will probably enjoy being able to stretch thie legs and dig for a bit of grass.
[/ QUOTE ]
Second this
Cant see any problems if they only go out for a few hours, they will probably enjoy being able to stretch thie legs and dig for a bit of grass.
[/ QUOTE ]
Second this
tabithakat64
Well-Known Member
I'm sure your horses will be fine if they are only going out for a few hours to stretch their legs as they will dig for grass.
On DIY yards putting hay out in shared fields can cause lots of issues as Enfys mentions.
If you are unhappy with this situation then I would consider moving to a yard where you can feed hay in the field.
On DIY yards putting hay out in shared fields can cause lots of issues as Enfys mentions.
If you are unhappy with this situation then I would consider moving to a yard where you can feed hay in the field.
Box_Of_Frogs
Well-Known Member
It's also worth remembering that some low-in-the-pecking-order horses in a herd won't be allowed near the hay by more dominant horses. This can lead to fights breaking out and nasty injuries from kicks and bites. Either put plenty of piles out or none at all.
missyme10
Well-Known Member
Thats the biggest problem, putting hay out causes fights amongst the horses.
At my old yard, I had my pony in with 2 others. The owner of one used to put hay in to feed her pony, and all hell would break loose. Didn't matter how many times folk told her, u can't feed one and not the others, she still thought it was her right.
Feeding hay in fields can only work if lots of little spread out piles are put in, and even then as you start to put it in, fights can still break out.
Personally I'd just limit the turnout time and make sure they have a nice big haynet to come in to x
At my old yard, I had my pony in with 2 others. The owner of one used to put hay in to feed her pony, and all hell would break loose. Didn't matter how many times folk told her, u can't feed one and not the others, she still thought it was her right.
Feeding hay in fields can only work if lots of little spread out piles are put in, and even then as you start to put it in, fights can still break out.
Personally I'd just limit the turnout time and make sure they have a nice big haynet to come in to x