If you dont turn out

[RubysGold]

We have fantastic hacking off road, but I will not ride in the dark. No way

 

[loobylu]

Why? Genuinely interested as it seems lots of people feel the same way. I understand not riding something you thought was very likely to drop you if there's nobody around, and I'm very aware that it can be a bit miserable but I wouldn't have been able to keep anything in work for the last 3 years without riding in the dark. not such a bother if yours only have to be in three times a winter but when it becomes a regular thing one just has to find a way!

 

[rowan666]

Mine are all out 24/7 so me taking them for a bit of exercise and a stretch is not necessary, however if I had any horses living in then yes absolutely I'd want them out of the stable for at least an hour or two every day, preferably split into a minimum of two stretches. Standing around for hours and hours on end is not good for any horse.

^ this. I think if any of mine were left in that long, not only would they go insane but their legs would stiffen. Many yards in my area do keep them in for days but i would rather leave mine out in the worst of it even if my winter field is trashed, the ground is easier to repair than the damage to my horses would be if they were locked up for days !

 

[MotherOfChickens]

I'm regularly puzzled by folk, who have an arena and/or off road hacking, who claim they can only ride twice a week over the winter because it's dark. Really, has the thought of riding in the dark never seemed a reasonable solution?

odd isn't it-not like the horses can't see in the dark I love riding off road in the dark but then we don't have a lot of light pollution and the moon/stars can be very bright here.

 

[ester]

I've always quite liked hacking in the dark, though I tend to only do early mornings so at least it is getting better.... we did discover a rabbit hole in the middle of one bridleway in the daylight the other day though, I didn't spot it regardless though so spose light wouldn't make any difference. My lad is somewhat more life experienced than rubysgold chap though.

 

[glamourpuss]

If I didn't ride in the dark, I wouldn't ride for 6 months of the year
I actually enjoy it now

 

[siennamum]

Depends on the horse to an extent. One of mine is not happy stabled for long periods and so he is still predominantly out 24x7 and in when the weather is really evil.

2 lazy/older horses are unimpressed with the current weather and are out for most days, in when it is evil and by and large in at night. They came in last night, and will be in all weekend,, though they will be ridden both days, they are perfectly happy, (my naughty gelding will plant in his box if you try to take him out of his stable if he thinks he hasn't been in for long enough).

I am normally an advocate of 24x7 turnout but needs must and when the ground is as bad as at present they can come in if they prefer, though they will be ridden/exercised.