In At Nights or Out With Field Shelter

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Mithras

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I'm on DIY livery, with 2 horses. I have the option to keep them out 24/7 with a field shelter access at nights, or in separate stables at nights. Mud never gets too bad as hardcore down. Both horses are showjumpers and blanket clipped, with warm rugs. Apart from the field shelter, the field is quite open/exposed. They do seem to use it, but still seem to lie down to sleep in the field, judging from the mud on them and the undisturbed straw in the shelter, but also the amount of water drunk in the bucket in the shelter.

Which option would you choose and why?
 
That is how I keep my retired show horse, although his paddock is small. He uses his shelter a lot, I feed all haylage/hard fee in there. His stiffness is better as is his mental state. If he was still in work the downturn would be being muddy all the time.
 
Well they seem happy enough outside, assuming you can stable them if you want, I would keep them out and bring them in when weather is foul or when it suits you.
Good rugs should help them if the field is not sheltered, but as they choose to sleep on the field, it can't be worrying them too much.
What I hate to see is poor things standing in a triangle of wet mud in a small field, huddled together and obviously not happy.
 
I have land with shelters on which convert into stables so could choose either. I only use them as field shelters. Reasons are they seem to prefer it, they move more which I think is healthier for them, I find it quicker to poo pick than muck out, I can be more flexible
 
Well I have just secured my own yard with stables and large field shelter - mine will stay out 24/7 with access to the shelter and only come in to save the ground if it gets too muddy.
I prefer mine out TBH............so much more settled.
 
Sorry on phone and posted before I finished. I like being able to be more flexible about the times I get to the yard. It is cheaper with no bedding and avoid any issues with bedding causing irritation. I also think they are able to keep themselves warmer by moving more. Generally it seems to suit them and me.
 
Mithras, I have both option: stables and also paddocks with shelters.
At present mine have done 3 nights in since last April (Sun - Tues this last week)

I prefer mine out 24/7 if possible:
Outside they have room to move about to keep warm
If a home disaster happens, then its not a huge problem if am later at yard.
No queues at gate for stable/feed etc

When I bring mine in its:
Because am there at 6am for work mornings & its then easier to do 2 boxes & throw them out for the day & arrive on way home from work around 5.45/6pm to pop them back in.

This winter my plan is to only bring them in overnight when I have to be at work the next morning, thus leaving at least 3 mornings for me to not have to rush to yard.........
 
Id always choose to have mine out if possible (They are all semi-retired/retired competition horses btw)I have hedges, trees and a field shelter (which they rarely use), and they are very happy living out. I have 9 stables, which only get used when they come in for the farrier - and they all grumble madly about being in! My main horse is full clipped, and perfectly happy out with rugs on in all weathers.
Main benefit for me is that they are all getting on a bit (16, 19, 2 and 23) and are far better off moving around all the time
 
Well, I should also say its terribly cold where I live. It was -3.5 when I went up this morning at 8.30am! I just worry about them not going in and being out in the cold. But the stables are in a modern indoor barn and I honestly think its colder in there than outside! But theres not a single tree or hedge in the whole 8 acre field!

Maybe they will use the field shelter more if it gets wetter or windier. They've only had use of it since Monday. Its not ideal as its converted from two stables and though 12 x 20, has a narrow stable door for the entrance. But the only side of it which is in the field is partly asbestos so cannot be altered.
 
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