Horses in overnight short-term

[AutumnDays]

Hi all. As I suspect many of you are too, I'm at breaking point with this weather. We have loads of remedial drainage work to do this year, but as of yet cannot get machinery onto the land without getting stuck! The plan was for my two to live out all year round, especially now they have a shelter (which they are finally using!), but everywhere is now so wet and boggy, or completely under water, they have nowhere dry to stand at all. Would bringing them in every night to give them and the land a break be an issue? They have to share a space that's a standard stable and a half size, so not ideal either, but I don't think shin deep mud 24/7 is ideal either. I know this is a pathetic ask, but I have so much going on at the minute I'm struggle to make straightforward decisions without catastrophic intrusive thoughts making me think I shouldn't do things it's not going to do any harm really is it? Sorry, I'm being a wet lettuce, this is the straw that's broken the camel's back, I went to do morning checks first thing and just cried at the state of everything! Never thought I'd miss livery so much

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

Mine tend to live out but they don't have shelter they don't like heavy rain so on nights it's torrential they come in, they have been in the last 2 nights as it literally hasn't stopped they are fine and cope with it, I don't ever have a set routine with mine anyway so they are not expecting what I'm going to do with them day to day.

Just bring yours in at night for a few nights then see how it looks in a few days or weeks it doesn't matter.

 

[Goldenstar]

I move mine in and out it’s not an issue .
They get their get there bucket feed in the morning and after I adjust to suit its not a problem .

 

[MissTyc]

It won't do any harm.
Mine come in overnight "as and when" .. Usually this works out as 2-3 days in a row during torrential downpours and then not at all for weeks on end. Since December 2023, I have used only 1 bale of shavings per stable (they're not messy!) but the track and paddocks have definitely benefitted from that little bit of overnight relief. The horses have learned the routine - some evenings when it's vile, they queue up to follow me to the stables after I set up the track for the next day. Most nights, they watch me work and then wander back to their preferred net or area. If I think the weather is bad but they don't queue up, then I leave them out as I think they know what the options are and I don't mind them making some decisions. Generally, they do want to come in for some dry time and a sleep in the shavings.

 

[Bobthecob15]

They'll be fine!! This weather is unbelievable and everyone is struggling, honestly don't feel bad they will be absolutely fine!

 

[AutumnDays]

Thank you all for your virtual hand hold I'm not usually so pathetic!

 

[Jenko109]

I have had two sharing a decent sized stable before.

If they get on well and are not going to fight over the hay etc, then it should be fine.

Just make sure there are at least three hay nets dotted in different places in the stable and be prepared for the mucking out to be a bit nasty.

 

[tda]

Ive have been wondering whether to keep a couple of ours in day/night swaps, like hot desking.....hot stabling, it's just the extra mucking out, but like OP I am at the end of my tether

 

[cauda equina]

Is there (or could you make) an enclosed space by the stable so that you could leave the door open? as a sort of escape route if they squabble

As for coming in for odd nights - I do that with mine, they are fine about it

 

[SEL]

Mine are usually out 24:7 but they'd have needed a snorkel last night. My youngest gets a bit sulky about the change in routine but the older two mares just start on their haynets and plan a good snooze.

They'll be overnighting for a few days which is a PITA because I hate mucking out.

 

[dorsetladette]

I have had two sharing a decent sized stable before.

If they get on well and are not going to fight over the hay etc, then it should be fine.

Just make sure there are at least three hay nets dotted in different places in the stable and be prepared for the mucking out to be a bit nasty.

The above.

They will probably be glad of the break from the weather and just munch on a hay net and rest.

My 3 are currently stabling themselves in a 18x12 shelter. The mucking out isn't nice but its comforting to know they are out of the rubbish weather.

As long as they get on well go for it.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Mine have been out over night up until this last few days.
They seem happy enough, they are used to standing in as I bring them in during the day but have just switched it round because of this rain.

 

[myheartinahoofbeat]

In the same boat as you.My land is waterlogged again. I have 5 horses . Two live out 24/7 and 3 are coming in at night. I have 4 stables but one is huge like a foaling box so when it’s sodden in the fields, I put 2 of my horses in together at night. They get on fine. They are 16.3 and 16hh. They have 2 huge haynets either side of the stable and extra hay in the feed trough. It’s a Victorian stable. The mucking out is horrendous so basically I deep litter them.
I’m absolutely fed up with the weather as it was drying out nicely.

 

[Grassy]

Could you bring them in for a bit during the day while you’re around to supervise? Ours go out at night in during the day all year round.

 

[HopOnTrot]

I tend to bring mine in during the day, that way they get a few dry hours.

 

[Peglo]

Mine come in overnight and they look for it. They would probably be in a lot more if they had a choice. I love the idea of their feet getting dried out and getting as much food as they like in proper shelter from the weather. Our fields would not hold up to 24/7 turnout at this time of year. Mine however would not be able to share a stable as they bicker too much

 

[AutumnDays]

I really appreciate this guys, a gentle shake and shove in the right direction was much needed. Will get some straw out to deep litter and a load of hay, and put a plan into action. Your kindness and patience is gratefully received

 

[94lunagem]

Mine come in and out without any issue. I used to bring in overnight from January to March-April, but that was with a slightly different mix of horses. Those I have now live out 24/7 almost 365 days a year, only coming in over night or for the odd 1-2 day period if it's really horrendous or they have the farrier/vet/physio coming. They aren't in a set routine and generally go with the flow of my movements, so changes like that here and there don't phase them.

Mine are at home and I agree it's soul destroying when you see your own land in a state. Psychologically it's different when it's someone else's!

What I have learnt over the years though is that however bad it gets, fields do recover (I have enough space to rotate and rest).

Bring them in, they'll cope, and it's for the best if it makes you feel better too.

 

[Pearlsacarolsinger]

The very best thing about keeping horses at home is that you can do exactly as you please. Most horses will cope with whatever suits the owner.

 

[awelshandawarmblood]

Mine lived out 24/7 with natural shelter & have done for years, theyve alway had odd nights in, but they came in nightly through all of January to get ontop of ones mudfever and due to the storms. They came in for a one off last night too as torrential.

They just handle what they're given and do stress to be honest, they've never never had a routine due to my shifts. They may see me mornings for a week then evenings for a few etc.

 

[SEL]

I really appreciate this guys, a gentle shake and shove in the right direction was much needed. Will get some straw out to deep litter and a load of hay, and put a plan into action. Your kindness and patience is gratefully received

You might find they're relieved. My littlest cob (& lead mare) wasn't going back out tonight no matter how many minty treats were on offer. She wanted her stable and couldn't care less what the others wanted!!

 

[santas_spotty_pony]

Hi all. As I suspect many of you are too, I'm at breaking point with this weather. We have loads of remedial drainage work to do this year, but as of yet cannot get machinery onto the land without getting stuck! The plan was for my two to live out all year round, especially now they have a shelter (which they are finally using!), but everywhere is now so wet and boggy, or completely under water, they have nowhere dry to stand at all. Would bringing them in every night to give them and the land a break be an issue? They have to share a space that's a standard stable and a half size, so not ideal either, but I don't think shin deep mud 24/7 is ideal either. I know this is a pathetic ask, but I have so much going on at the minute I'm struggle to make straightforward decisions without catastrophic intrusive thoughts making me think I shouldn't do things it's not going to do any harm really is it? Sorry, I'm being a wet lettuce, this is the straw that's broken the camel's back, I went to do morning checks first thing and just cried at the state of everything! Never thought I'd miss livery so much

I am sure they will be fine coming in every night for a while and it will give the ground a break too. I started bringing mine in at night at the beginning of December for the same reason and they have been fine. They go out everyday for at least 6 hours and get ridden too when I get time. We are in exactly the same position as you - got lots of ground works to do here and have started ground levelling to put an arena in but it’s just too wet to get the machines in now. it’s been a tough winter this year and I’ve had days where I’ve thought this isn’t fun anymore but I’m counting down the days until spring now. Not long - hang in there!

 

[Esmae]

Mine are in at night from November to late March/April depending on the weather. It gives them a chance to dry their feet and to relax. I have always done winter like this.