Horses in 24/7 - Depressed

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ItsSnowingAgain

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Dear All

I have friends/work colleagues who have 4 stabled horses (2 of which are liveries).

The horses are stables 24/7 from October through to March. In March they are then thrown out and will live the summer out. The horses aren't exercised and are obese with swollen legs (the geldings have swollen sheaths).

The only time they come out of the stable is to be tied out outside for 10 minutes whilst they muck out in an evening (only once a day).

They tell me all this whilst a work and say how they don't have time for them but can't sell them as they are pets. 2 of the horses just hang their heads over the stable, almost depressed. They say they have just had a new livery too and her horse is a handful - i've said that I wasn't surprised if it was in all the time but they don't seem to do anything.

It breaks my hear to above this horses but don't know what to do as they one is a colleague. They keep asking me to visit but I can't. Its awful because if you look at their facebook page, you would think they have the best loved, looked after horses on this planet. \

I've tried talking to them, but they just don't seem to understand. How would you deal with this? Would you ignore it?? (I don't feel I can do this). Any suggestions??
 
Dont let it depress you .
If they moan just say well I would fence off a bit of land as a sacrifice paddock and make my life easier by turning them out everyday all winter.
It’s up to them how they manage their horses and although it’s not how I or you would keep a horse it’s sadly not that unusual .
 
Agreed you could suggest a hard standing area which can be achieved fairly cheaply. It would annoy me too. It is a welfare issue but sadly one that’s not taken seriously. I would probably ask if they’d be happy to keep a dog like that.
 
Not unusual for horses to be in all winter, but I think it is to lock them up with no exercise... and only seen to once a day.

I do agree with you OP, it's not ideal and they are looking down the barrel of some serious health issues with the swollen legs. It does make ME cross reading something like this because if owners can't provide the basics, they should not have horses - it's not fair on them to be locked up like prisoners in tiny squares unable to move.

The lack of exercise is a welfare issue in my eyes but if you rang WHW they would probably say they are cared for and do nothing...... although having said that, they did visit our yard once for an obese horse.
 
Thank you for your comments. I used to go and help out and suggest turnout etc. They have a small paddock next to the fields but they are firstly frightened of the grass being churned up and secondly scared to death of their own horses. They even lost a horse last year due to colic, the vet told them it was because it hadn't been turned out but nothing has changed. But as you say, as long as they have food and water then there isn't much that can be done. Its so sad.
 
Can you get one of the welfare people to come and have a chat? BHS Welfare or WHW - some people take more notice of "officials" - worth asking, then at least you will know you have done all you can in that way.
 
It's a sensitive situation as you are friends... but the welfare charities are obliged (under law I think) to investigate if you call them and explain one of the "five freedoms" is not being met. I've put on a link that may help you put your case forward. Good luck and well done for not just turning a blind eye - that takes courage. Also look under "Law" tab along the top.

http://www.newc.co.uk/advice/welfare/
 
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