Is a shelter the same as a stable? (I'm weakening!)

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now_loves_mares

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Am trying very hard to keep my two out. They have a very large hardstanding, 6 acres between them, a natural hedge shelter, and a man-made shelter. It is about 20ft by 10ft with an in and an out door, it backs onto the prevailing wind. Shetland is fenced into about a third of it some of the time as she needs restricted food. TB therefore has about 2/3rds, it's not open to the elements, she is wearing a 400g Rambo Optimo with neck, and has hard feed and 3 haynets overnight. She often chooses to stand outside it yet goes in plenty if she needs to (according to the poo pattern). She can stand on any of the 4 sides outside it if she wants to, all on hardstanding.

Yet it's 2C and sleety/windy snowy here and I want to bring her in. Other than a door, what am I gaining?
 
Mine are on hard standing with access to stables, they spend some time in, some out. That is their choice which I like. They seem to go indoors in the afternoons for a lie down but only spend a couple of hours at a time inside so I figure they'd mostly rather be outside.

If your horse can choose whether to be in or out then that is the best option IMHO
 
My boys spend most of their time in the shelter. Judging by the amount to poo in there and the hoof prints around the shelter and the well the rest of the field is not muddy at all
 
my mare freaks out in a stable but they have a barn which is 30x 15 which is open fronted and she spends more of her time in there, however she can come and go as she pleases so she is much happier!

I think as long as yours can get out of the worst of it then they will be happier with what they have! freedom of choice for all animals :)
 
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