in the field

[E13]

Now, I really don't know anything regarding horse care; I mean, I know a little, but don't have much experience, more book reading (and forum reading ). There are three horses by my house, and I've never seen the owner bar the day they moved in in the summer, with other horses at the time. I'm not suggesting the owner isn't caring for them, I'm more trying to educate myself. I've seen hay at the gate, so they are being fed and checked on. I have no idea what breed they are, they are small horses and not cobby type at all. I think they are young - I don't know, but from watching behaviour etc. The field is very boggy, I think the majority is sodden and by our house it's more boggy and obviously a lot of mud, and a lot of standing water too. The mud is deep enough that hooves go entirely under. The horses are also unrugged, so wet and muddy. I think they have natural shelter as there are trees and hedges, plus our house! I think they seem ok, and obviously horses are designed to live outside; I know some are rugged up at this time of year, but some aren't. A not-horsey-in-the-slightest family member commented they are worried as the horses are wet and don't look happy (they have their mad moments so I think this is more about the sheltering in bad weather), and I'm keeping an eye on them but I know nothing (almost!) so I'm just checking really on people's opinions? They haven't been out of the field since the day they arrived.


Can I sound any more like a novice?! Educate me please
Thanks

 

[wingedhorse]

Things to look out for - limping, open wounds, sticking out ribs.

Else are probably fine. Perhaps owners come up every day whilst you are at work?

 

[L&M]

Water?

Sounds like a field of retired or 'roughed off' ponies, and as long as they are fed regularily should be fine - in the wild horses are designed to live out 24/7 and un-rugged.

 

[Welsh]

Good thing you're keeping an eye on them though, but as 'wingedhorse' said, maybe the owners see to them when you're out?
People who pass our field (rented) would think my lot are being kept in awful conditions too.. The land is a sodden mudswamp. Although I've just rugged ours and they have both natural shelter and a stable yard/shelter & hardstanding, yet they all lurk by the gate looking miserable and soaking.

Youngsters do look 'gangly' and in odd condition while they are filling out but as long as there are no wounds/lameness or rainscald they may be just fine
❤

 

[E13]

Thanks for the replies. They do have water, there is a trough. I'm currently unemployed ( ) so I'm at home a lot and often look out the windows, but haven't seen anything - they could be coming really early though! I do reckon they are youngsters; there was originally a pregnant mare in with them, another youngster and a gelding, who was muscled up so looked like a working horse, compared to the three sweethearts still here.

I haven't noticed any injuries or lameness I do wonder why they are there though! It's since the start of summer, not not exactly wintering out. I vaguely know the owner and I know a few years back they were training and selling dressage horses, but I don't know if they still do - plus these horses are smaller and not the same type.

I do love learning all this stuff though

 

[mandwhy]

If they look leggy and gangly they are probably youngsters so won't be doing very much, you might find that when they come of age you see someone around more doing some training as they won't be ridden til 3 or 4, but they might take them somewhere else when they are ready for work. They might be retired, you would be able to see from their teeth!

Since you've seen hay and there is water I am sure they are fine and the people come early. A lot of people don't rug youngsters as they need to learn the rugs won't eat them first! Mine is 5 and still hasn't learnt ;-) She is a semi hairy mountain type though so she can live out all year without a rug unless I clip off part of her coat (to prevent her sweating loads when being worked).

Bogginess is probably down to the type of soil (clay?), not ideal for them to be ankle deep in mud or water for long periods but I assume that is only part of the land?

I am sure the owner would be happy to see you take an interest so say hello if you ever see them!

 

[E13]

Yeah, I considered that they might not have started work yet. You might be right about the rugs, the only horse I saw with a rug was the gelding in part of the summer. I have no idea what soil we have round here! Cotswolds though. I think it is just the strip of land by our house and by the gate on the other side, the standing water is in these areas too but the centre looks ok.

I actually worked (unpaid) for the owner for a couple of weeks a few years back, but it ended a bit funny (suggested I come back in warmer weather, actually it was losing confidence and feeling pressured that was getting to me, and when I tried contacting her there was no response) so I'm stupidly worried she'll remember me and not like me!!