Ice or Colic?

[zoeadey]

I have always turned out my old horse everyday for about 8 hours however, I am in a dilema. It's so icy on the yard and in the fields that I am really worried he is going to break a leg. If I stable him all day though do I risk colic? He has had spasmodic colic a couple of times before (although after a day in the field and not stabled) So ... Do I keep him in and avoid any ice accidents but risk colic? Any thoughts greatfully recieved!!

 

[ladyearl]

I said turn out but that's without knowing the extent of the ice problem and if he's wearing shoes or not. If not I'd be more inclined to turn out. Are other horses getting turned out - are they coping?

 

[Nash2]

It's kind of a no win situation as a lot of colic is caused by horses eating icy grass. Also depends if he is likely to go hooning around as well. Trouble is if you keep them in as well is he is more likely to do something to hurt himself if he goes mad when you turn him out. Ours are out in the feld nearest the yard so they only have to walk over a bit but want to come in earlier. Apart from mine who is on box rest and looks very smug.

 

[zoeadey]

He has front shoes on. There are 2 more poines out in the field who live out all year round. He is rather prone to forgetting his age!! Thanks for the thoughts so far xx

 

[debsflo]

my theory is to turn out regularly to keep them reasonably sane.if mine stay in even a few hours longer they go crackers when turned out.i guess it depends on your horse as our fields are icy but so far apart from initial leaping they settle and eat.nightmare isnt it.

 

[eggs]

As long as you can safely get out to the fields I would say turnout every time.

We use the dirty bedding to make a safe path to the fields although it is a pain to clean it all up when it thaws!

 

[Fairynuff]

I turn all 9 of my oldies out whatever. Okay, lashing rain and blizzards, they can stay in. The cause of most colics in the winter is the lack of water intake.The brains of old horses and old peeps forgets to stimulate the thirst centre and in consequence the being becomes dehydrated, even in winter. I try to get round this by making up a disgusting paste (salt and a wee bit of water) and I slabber it all over their tongues. I also feed sloppy sugarbeet (non molassed) every evening with more salt added. I always seem to have one bugger who decides to colic on or just after xmas so I spend most of the time changing drips and doing injections. Chuck him out and fill him full of liquids

. Merry Christmas, WB.xx