Horsewalkers, 4yr olds and arena sizes!!

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NicoleS_007

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So just general musings today :D First of all how detrimental is it on a 4yr olds joints going round a horsewalker? Shes in 24/7 atm as were not allowed to turnout, shes so far eaten/chewed her way through half a haynet and a leadrope :( So I put her in the HW for the first ever time for about 20mins (10mins each rein). She has never been near a HW before but wasnt bothered and looked to be enjoying herself, her wee ears were pricked with the look of "OMG this is so cool can we go faster!" on her face lol she then seemed content once in her stable after. Flooring is matting covered with sand and fibre surface and the circle would be about 15 meters. She loves getting out and doing things but I dont want to end up with a lame horse in years to come!! Maybe im just paranoid :p Also what size of arena does everyone have? Im so used to riding in 25x60 or bigger sized arenas so when I view private yards I think to myself "Jeepers how is it possible to ride never mind jump!" I think iv been pampered to much :o

Chocolate swish roll for all :D
 
think id be more bothered about having no turnout in november tbh!

Mines out around 9 hours a day....plenty but i wouldnt want her in (shes 5)

i ride in a 20x40 but would rather do without and have more turnout! :)
 
When we were on a yard with a walker and limited turnout my mare and gelding both went on the walker for 40 mins a day, it chilled them out a hell of a lot. Id rather use a walker than lunge a loopy horse that will bomb round like a lunatic and do more damage than a gentle stroll on the walker. But I agree I'd rather have all day turnout...hence I moved!
 
At the yard where I work at, all of the horses go on the walker for around 20 mins at a time when there is no turnout. They are all different sizes, types and ages and it doesn't seem to have done any of them any harm.

In answer to your other question, our arenas are 60x30 and 50x20. :)
 
Mixed views then ... I had her booted and rugged up incase she spooked but she was like an old pro :rolleyes: Shes not loopy etc shes actually very calm surprisingly but she just needs something to keep her occupied until we move as i dont want her developing any vices.
 
Just my opinion but I'd probably be more concerned for the joints on a 4 year old being in 24/7 presumably from now until feb/march? Than 20 mins on horsewalker now and then....
Would it be an option to turn her away December /Jan?
Re arena size ours is meant to be 20x 40 but I measured it and it's about 18 x 37! Which was hellish when my big youngster started out ESP in canter but actually now it's great as means when we do a test in a properly sized arena it feels like we have loads of space!
 
A lot depends on how tight the circle is. Tighter the circle the more stress on the inside of the canon bones.

Most research done has been on testing horses on a 10 metre circle on the lunge - at the trot.
 
Foxhunter49 said:
A lot depends on how tight the circle is. Tighter the circle the more stress on the inside of the canon bones.

Most research done has been on testing horses on a 10 metre circle on the lunge - at the trot.
Click to expand...

Agree. A 15 metre or 50 ft walker is a large circle and in walk with the type of surface you describe there should be no ill effects.
 
ecrozier said:
Just my opinion but I'd probably be more concerned for the joints on a 4 year old being in 24/7 presumably from now until feb/march? Than 20 mins on horsewalker now and then....
Would it be an option to turn her away December /Jan?
Re arena size ours is meant to be 20x 40 but I measured it and it's about 18 x 37! Which was hellish when my big youngster started out ESP in canter but actually now it's great as means when we do a test in a properly sized arena it feels like we have loads of space!
Click to expand...

If we were to stay at current yard it would work out no TO from Oct to march-ish. Believe me im not for staying, im hopeing to be moved by the end of the month at the latest!! She gets rode 5-6 days a week and walked inhand once a day for about 20mins, but id prefer her to be out all day :/ A 25x60 feels small for me as my mare likes to attempt to remove my leg with the fence sometimes :rolleyes: I can live with a 40x25 its just the width we have problems with lol
 
I think your horse will thank you for the move :)
Yes we struggled to get round the ends of the school when he was 4! By the spring / summer of this year as a 5 year old he is much better :)
 
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