Muddywellies
Well-Known Member
I'm dusting off my dictionaryYou are certainly living up to your username
Keeping in in bad weather
- Thread starter pistolpete
- Start date
equinerebel
Well-Known Member
I am on a yard and have to do what the YO says. I do not have the luxury of my own land or many options to move. Mine does go out most days and is only kept in during extreme weather. She is somewhat institutionalised though and doesn't like to go out in p*ssing rain anyway.
I've said a few times that she is my last horse, and with increasing land loss and climate change, I'm glad I won't be faced with worsening decisions in the future.
I've said a few times that she is my last horse, and with increasing land loss and climate change, I'm glad I won't be faced with worsening decisions in the future.
Fizzandfun
Member
Try and find a yard that allows 24/7 turn out…they are hard to find around here.
I have two on two different yards. One we recently moved to as I wasn’t happy with the amount of turn out our old pony had and due to limited fields, YO wouldn’t allow 24/7 TO.
Cobby is now out in all weather with the rest of them. Well rugged and happy. He doesn’t like being in anyway.
Other yard is for our retired pony. They are turned out part of the day when the weather is awful but due to his health needs, this works for him. He’s a liability to himself on ice so we are trying to keep him field sound. So far, so good. They also don’t offer 24/7 turn out.
I have two on two different yards. One we recently moved to as I wasn’t happy with the amount of turn out our old pony had and due to limited fields, YO wouldn’t allow 24/7 TO.
Cobby is now out in all weather with the rest of them. Well rugged and happy. He doesn’t like being in anyway.
Other yard is for our retired pony. They are turned out part of the day when the weather is awful but due to his health needs, this works for him. He’s a liability to himself on ice so we are trying to keep him field sound. So far, so good. They also don’t offer 24/7 turn out.
Muddywellies
Well-Known Member
I wouldn't feel so upset when ours stay in during extreme weather, if the YM didn't keep them in at other times for the most feeble of excuses. I've never been on a yard where they don't put out by default and only keep in if absolutely necessary but on this yard the default seems to be they all stay in unless its not windy, no mud, no ice and the day of the week contains an x and a z ! 
Mrs. Jingle
Well-Known Member
Why some of us keep in or keep out really is individual choice either way, even if you have the ability to turn out 24/7 and still keep in that is every owners right of choice to keep their animals how they believe is right for them and their animals. So if I came across as """"There seems to be a holier than thou attitude from those who were able to turn out.""" as ascertained by Barklands because my much preferred method is turn out 24/7 then I apologise, it was not my intention.
However, just as a thought, do any of you agree that over the past few decades available grazing land has become less and less available, livery yards are operating with far too few acres per horse and therein lies the problem. You are not being given the option because there simply is just not enough land to go round. 'Saving the land' was not an issue many years back as there was plenty of land to be able to recover and maintain good heart without needing to be shut in for most of the winter. Plus back then our horses were exercised regardless of weather in some hideous conditions that owners would not find acceptable these days. We used to call them fair weather riders with a slightly disparaging tone, in later years I joined their ranks and became a very fair weather rider myself so no criticism intended!
However, just as a thought, do any of you agree that over the past few decades available grazing land has become less and less available, livery yards are operating with far too few acres per horse and therein lies the problem. You are not being given the option because there simply is just not enough land to go round. 'Saving the land' was not an issue many years back as there was plenty of land to be able to recover and maintain good heart without needing to be shut in for most of the winter. Plus back then our horses were exercised regardless of weather in some hideous conditions that owners would not find acceptable these days. We used to call them fair weather riders with a slightly disparaging tone, in later years I joined their ranks and became a very fair weather rider myself so no criticism intended!
equinerebel
Well-Known Member
Yes, absolutely!
southerncomfort
Well-Known Member
There is a livery yard near me that used to have 8 acres, 8 stables and 8 horses.
Now they have 8 acres, 30 stables and 30 horses.
I understand the pressures of trying to make some money out of a livery business, but that's not a fair or healthy way to keep horses.
Now they have 8 acres, 30 stables and 30 horses.
I understand the pressures of trying to make some money out of a livery business, but that's not a fair or healthy way to keep horses.
SEL
Well-Known Member
This did make me laugh
I've been lugging warm water containers in the wheelbarrow and I think I would have been muttering about turning them into sausages if they'd stood in it. Bad enough hanging onto the buckets so they weren't tipped over as I was filling them.
Asha
Well-Known Member
This did make me laugh
Its hard going keeping them hydrated in cold weather isnt it. I did 18k steps a day just filling the little monkeys waters up.
Thats funny about hanging onto the water buckets , i had to do the same. One was even drinking the water from the bucket i was pouring from making me splash it everywhere . ( there was water left in the other bucket so wasnt as if he was thirsty )
Elno
Well-Known Member
Not really something we commonly see here, and we have plenty of snow and ice. Yesterday we went from having -10 to +1. The roads are more slippery than an ice rink and people are falling on their butts everywhere. The bus traffic stopped completely for several hours.The horses? The horses are fine. ( We actually also have animal wellfare laws that prohibit horses to not be equipped correctly during winter turnout ie- either boots with studs or shoes with studs).
I've never had barefoot horses for long period of times, all of mine have more or less always been in shoes. From around mid October to April the farriers routinely use these on horses:
Snösula Mustad No-Snow Svart Framhov 2-p
Snösulan från Mustad ger dig en säkrare ridning under vintermånaderna. En unik luftkanal pressar snön ur hoven och förhindrar bildning av snöklumpar.
www.granngarden.se
Brodd Mustad Is 4 3/8" 11mm 50-p
Mustad Is 4 är en 11 mm lång brodd med 3/8" gänga. Broddarna ger hästen ett bra grepp på snö och is och ser till att din häst inte halkar. 50-pack.
www.granngarden.se
The barefoot crowd usually uses things like these with their barefoot boots:
Ice Stud Pack - Scootboots.se
Ice Stud Pack Avoid slipping with a stud. You need a screwdriver and a 4.5 mm drill to pre-drill with before inserting the stud. Do not pre-drill the hole straight through the shell, only a few mm in. See instructional video below. The stud is available in three different sizes. The size needed...
scootboots.se
pistolpete
Well-Known Member
I just lhink that some are being indoctrinated by many of these unhealthy practices. Horses are outdoor herd animals. Or is it true that really they’re just big rabbits and need to be kept in giant hutches? I’m now running for cover!
IrishMilo
Well-Known Member
If you’re out competing regularly it’s not exactly feasible for them to live out the whole time. I have no shame with this - mine seem to like their creature comforts anyway
Why?
I don't care if horses come in at night whether for necessity or owner's choice. But I have moved, twice in the past 2 years to my own detriment, because my horses weren't getting enough turnout. I went from a yard with 3 schools, an indoor, a walker, hundreds of miles of off road hacking to a field and no facilities so they could live out.
The first yard implemented a flat ban on it during the winter after it got taken over by a local pro who happily keeps his horses in 24/7, even in the summer. It got to October and they just stopped putting the horses out. Half the yard left, and the other half stayed because they like the convenience of the facilities. I say this with all sincerity - I don't know how they sleep at night knowing their horses are in solitary confinement 23 hours a day.
I have no issue sticking my head above the parapet and saying if you keep your horse locked up for the majority of the day through choice, you are participating in abuse.
poiuytrewq
Well-Known Member
Last year having only one horse and two tinies at home they pretty much lived out, coming in during the day for a bit to get meds into the ponies and ride.
This year my fields are way wetter annd have had more horses and so they are in over night.
Big horse go’s out every day all day in absolutely any weather. He seems happier like that and gets a dust allergy.
Ponies are mostly out in the day but with two being in their mid/late 30’s I play it by ear a bit. Sometimes I’ll just dot haynets round the yard and leave stable doors open for them and keep them “in”
No one ever stays in all day here.
This year my fields are way wetter annd have had more horses and so they are in over night.
Big horse go’s out every day all day in absolutely any weather. He seems happier like that and gets a dust allergy.
Ponies are mostly out in the day but with two being in their mid/late 30’s I play it by ear a bit. Sometimes I’ll just dot haynets round the yard and leave stable doors open for them and keep them “in”
No one ever stays in all day here.
Mrs. Jingle
Well-Known Member
Muddywellies
Well-Known Member
I totally agree with this. But when I express my feelings on restricted turnout at my yard I am shot down in flames. It's a big yard and I'm almost the only one that understands the importance of daily turnout (as far as possible). I just don't know why keeping horses in has become so normal?
Muddywellies
Well-Known Member
My yard won't allow hay in the field.
pistolpete
Well-Known Member
Isn’t it mental? We pay this people to have rules that don’t serve our horses. It’s so wrong!My yard won't allow hay in the field.
Miss_Millie
Well-Known Member
My yard won't allow hay in the field.
I used to be at a yard like this, made to turn out in heavy snow on a poached field but not allowed to put hay on the field. A recipe for ulcers!
Miss_Millie
Well-Known Member
Rabbits shouldn't be kept in hutches either! They are just as outdated as stables.
Miss_Millie
Well-Known Member
However, just as a thought, do any of you agree that over the past few decades available grazing land has become less and less available, livery yards are operating with far too few acres per horse and therein lies the problem. You are not being given the option because there simply is just not enough land to go round. 'Saving the land' was not an issue many years back as there was plenty of land to be able to recover and maintain good heart without needing to be shut in for most of the winter. Plus back then our horses were exercised regardless of weather in some hideous conditions that owners would not find acceptable these days. We used to call them fair weather riders with a slightly disparaging tone, in later years I joined their ranks and became a very fair weather rider myself so no criticism intended!
Yes definitely agree! 20 odd years ago all of my local yards were 50 acres plus, herds were probably around 30 - 35 horses and they lived out 24/7. Granted the yards themselves were a bit ramshackle bare bones kind of places, but the horses lived a healthy lifestyle in herds and the land always looked good. Sadly these places are all gone now, either in private ownership or sold off for parts
TheMule
Well-Known Member
If you’re out competing regularly it’s not exactly feasible for them to live out the whole time. I have no shame with this - mine seem to like their creature comforts anyway
What a bizarre comment! I compete regularly, up to a decent level, and it’s entirely feasible for them to live out the whole time (365 24/7)
'Creature comforts' are entirely a man-made concept when it comes to horses. They’re happiest in a field with their mates (assuming it's a good field, big enough, with enough forage and natural shelter)
humblepie
Well-Known Member
Do they cope okay at away shows? I’ve done five day shows at places with limited hand grazing opportunities and felt bad for the horse.
TheMule
Well-Known Member
My main horse has stabled away fine, though it's not his favorite thing and it does stress me out, but that’s mostly because of his character- he's like an ADHD kid who ate all the orange smarties
My 2 year old has just come home from vet hospital- having never been stabled in her life (but they are used to be shut in a large field shelter for vet/ farrier visits etc so it’s not a totally alien concept), she behaved absolutely beautifully and the grooms adored her.
humblepie
Well-Known Member
My main horse has stabled away fine, though it's not his favorite thing and it does stress me out, but that’s mostly because of his character- he's like an ADHD kid who ate all the orange smarties
My 2 year old has just come home from vet hospital- having never been stabled in her life (but they are used to be shut in a large field shelter for vet/ farrier visits etc so it’s not a totally alien concept), she behaved absolutely beautifully and the grooms adored her.
That’s good re your 2 year old. Mine seems to quite like staying away fortunately but when it’s possible I do lots of hand grazing.
AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
Common sense, but owners that agree to compromise are getting less and less, that can be seen by some comments on HH and thousands of comments on other social media platforms where livery yards are getting a real battering. Many paddocks will tolerate winter long use if they are used sparingly and not as 10 hour turn out instead of working the horse. Obviously owners need to find suitable yards to house aged, retired, injured or youngstock, but owners with working horses can keep horses happy with less than all day turnout in mid winter.
The climate is changing, land for horse keeping is getting evermore scarce and the forthcoming planning reforms will remove even more land. We have to adapt if we want to keep horses. A private yard I had the privilege to use from 1982 to 2007, of 12 acres is at this very minute, being dug up for housing. The digger will shortly find several buried horses and dogs. It is heart-breaking to see but with huge amounts of money from developers on offer the landowner sold up, the house and yard will be bulldozed. A fate that happened at the adjoining small farm on the same lane. In the three Counties of middle England that I work around the numbers of new housing estates is astonishing, thousands of acres built on. I frequently spot places that I have hunted across in years gone by.
The picture below is a sobering one and really made me think how difficult horse keeping can be, regardless of if you have horses at home or are on livery, all we can do is our best and work with what nature throws our way. treating the land with respect and always thinking forwards. What you don't trash now will provide for you in months to come.
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pistolpete
Well-Known Member
Totally agree!! Barbaric.
AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
Better in a pie or stew perhaps.
pistolpete
Well-Known Member
Not for vegetarians!!
AdorableAlice
Well-Known Member
Not for vegetarians!!
I couldn't resist ! I like rabbits, there is a tame wild one in the yard, we call him Peter ! he has avoided the cat and the foxes so far !JFTDWS
Well-Known Member
Obviously if the ground between the stable and field is dangerously slippery, you can't turnout. What I don't understand is why people don't grit those areas / clear snow / use muck and clear it up after, or swap to 24/7 turnout for a few days - or, perhaps more accurately, why yards can get away with not doing them / preventing these things from being done. Some of them come at no cost other than the aesthetic, others could easily be costed to the liveries (gritting or more permanent turnout solutions).
The fact that keeping horses in for any significant length of time is normalised in the modern world - which is not comparable with historically hard working animals - is astounding to me.
And, with appropriate stocking density relative to the nature of the land, there is no reason why decent amounts of turnout should damage it. Where the land really can't support the number of horses on it, that's where smaller partially surfaced pens and tracks come in.
It's depressing that yards around here with limited turnout are investing in indoor arenas / walkers / new arenas rather than all weather turnout - because that's what owners (some owners) prioritise. Humans are very selfish that way.
The fact that keeping horses in for any significant length of time is normalised in the modern world - which is not comparable with historically hard working animals - is astounding to me.
And, with appropriate stocking density relative to the nature of the land, there is no reason why decent amounts of turnout should damage it. Where the land really can't support the number of horses on it, that's where smaller partially surfaced pens and tracks come in.
It's depressing that yards around here with limited turnout are investing in indoor arenas / walkers / new arenas rather than all weather turnout - because that's what owners (some owners) prioritise. Humans are very selfish that way.