Horse previously stabled during winter. Effects living out 24/7?

[little_mistress13]

If a horse has been stabled during the night in winter. Would it be a big deal if it was changed and he was rugged but kept out during winter nights instead? Would there be a huge impact on the horse? or will any horse adjust as they are out door animals??

Thoughts?

 

[sarahann1]

Provided they are adequately fed and rugged or have appropriate shelter I don't think you'd ever know they'd been stabled the previous winter

 

[fidleyspromise]

My friend has always had hers stabled in winter. Last year they lived out for the first time. The 25yr old thrived on it and the 16yr old TBx wasn't keen but managed fine. He doesn't like rain but had a medium weight rug on.

 

[loopinlou]

If a horse has been stabled during the night in winter. Would it be a big deal if it was changed and he was rugged but kept out during winter nights instead? Would there be a huge impact on the horse? or will any horse adjust as they are out door animals??

Thoughts?

When I first got my horse they were stabled pretty much 24/7 as had only been recently gelded. He was a welsh cob with a full winter coat and I struggled to keep him warm.

Overtime my circumstances changed including where he was kept, a place that allowed 24/7 turnout all year round, my friend convinced me to give it a go and for 3 winters until he was sold he lived out 24/7 clipped (blanket) in all weathers. He was in a large field so there was limited damage to the ground - just gateways and he had a twice daily feed of hi-if lite chaff, a soaked fibre mash and a handful of pony nuts. In the depth of the winter when the ground was frozen or snow the feed was increased to help keep him full and he had ad lib hay in the field. I had 2 rugs of each weight - rain sheet and medium combos so that I could swap them over if soaked through I also used fleece or waffle rugs to layer in the snow he was always toasty and this routine meant that I could ride everyday rather than mucking out !!

He was much more chilled and preferred to be out and about, settled much quicker in this routine than I thought he would. Good luck

 

[heebiejeebies]

Mine used to be stabled almost 24/7 year round, when I bought him I chucked him out and he is so much happier and healthier. When needed he is well rugged and well fed.

 

[Rose Folly]

As others. Ours have been kept out (admittedly with access to a barn if they want) for the last 20 years. Feed them well and rug them well and they will be fine. Try to change the rug weight as weather dictates. Ours each have 1 x L/W, 1-2 x M/Ws and 1 x H/W. The mediums and heavy have detachable neck covers. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised with how well your horse copes. If he has access to some hard standing that is always a bonus as gets them out of the mud.

 

[Clodagh]

I bought my boy home last January, he had been in 24/7, although wasn't clipped. He immediately went to living out 24/7 (rugged) and never turned a hair. I have good, well sheltered paddocks and they have ad lib forage, he even put on weight!

 

[poops]

Mine love it. I do smother my cobs feathers in pig oil & sulphur to protect against mud fever. They are rugged with spare rugs & prefer being out.

 

[Copperpot]

All mine live out now. 2 of them were always stabled but they are much happier being out. One is still clipped and rugged accordingly. They have a double field shelter and lots of natural shelter too. The one I struggled to keep weight on when stabled and who was eating haylage, Alfa a oil and topline no 4 has put on weight living off grass and hay in the winter. I have loads of rugs, 2 of each from no fill up to 300g with and without necks, so can always put a dry rug on if needed.