Individual turnout

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dannykins

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Hi, im moving my horse to a new yard, much better with super facilities etc, the only thing is, all horses have to go out on their own. One one hand i like this idea, less risk of injuries, but on the other hand my horse has been used to going out with others for years and i feel a bit mean then keeping him on his own. There will be other horses in field both sides to him though. Do you think it will bother him?

What are other people's experiences and opinions? Thanks.
 
Mine has to go by herself as she is the only mare on the farm. They can still scratch each other over the fence etc and even do sleeping duties.
 
My 3 boys have individual turnout and they love it. They can still touch and groom each other. Mine are all shod so i prefer turning them out this way!!
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My old mare can't cope and will run through fences or scream constantly to be with others.
Some clever people did once decide that it was just nonsense and took her companion out.
They had to phone the vet cos she choked within half an hour.
I suspect horses were originally herd animals so need social contact.
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My two were used to being turned out with others until we moved to the yard I'm at now, where they have individual paddocks. They weren't bothered at all by being separated and they are quite clingy by nature, so I don't think you'll have a problem - as long as they can still see others. I would be reluctant to ever leave a horse out completely on their own, as I think that's asking for trouble.
 
I think individual turnout can have its advantages as there is no risk of injury. My mare is on her own as when in a herd she won't be caught but on her own she is improving. Also if there are horses either side then he isn't completely alone. Although I agree it is natural for horses to be in a herd, it isn't natural for them to wear metal on their feet which can do so much damage.
 
I used to be dead against individual turnout, but eventually had to resort to it with my two as there was just too much scrapping, and when one kick was so hard it sent the other one lame for over a week I had to do something... They are much happier turned out individually, will groom each other over the electric fence and sometimes I do put them out together especially if it is just for a short while like we've got back from a show and have to muck out etc before we bring them in. There are neighbouring horses as well, so if I'm only taking one there's no problem.
 
Much prefer it and will only allow my boy out alone after a constant string of injuries. When i moved him over to Denmark, one of my absolute firm criterias was individual turnout.

He has no problems with it.. he's got horses next to him and can talk, scratch and see them whilever he's out.

I have to say.. I love not panicing about whether hes going to come in injured all the time!!!
 
At this moment in time, I would kill to find a yard with individual turn out in Kent. I'm having a huge problem with my horse and have just put in a post about aggressive horses ie Ralph
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