Living out - Turning Out

saj01

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My horse is currently on DIY Livery but it is just not working out. I want to move him however we are looking to move house shortly and so he will be moving with us to our own stables. I therefore don't want to unsettle him by moving him to another yard for a few months. He used to live at a farm next to our house where they currently have some ponies which are living out, he was very happy there. I am considering moving him back there for the time-being, rugging him up well and letting him live out.

What does anyone think about this and any advice would be appreciated.
 
If you think he'll be happy back at the farm, then I wouldn't hesitate.

We had a horse back to us recently that was bred by YO, but no stables. Rugged him up, popped him out and he was happy as larry.
 
Sounds like a plan. last year my horse decided that she would object to being stabled at night mid winter. i turned her out with plenty of rugs at december time (she was already fully clipped) and she is out again this year. she loves it and as long as your horse has plenty of good quality hay/haylage then he should be fine. horses are like fires, give them enough fuel and they will create their own warmth.
Good Luck
 
It depends on your horse and whether he likes being out 24/7. I wouldn't do it with mine as she wants to come in after about two hours (winter) and about half the day (summer), she would be horrified to spend the night out so no. But others horses prefer to be out all the time so only you know if this will suit you horse!
 
Thanks for your comments. He's a thoroughbred with a low trace clip. He is stabled at night at the moment but as long as there are other horses out with him he never seems to stand by the gate and is always desperate to get out in the morning. He used to live out before I got him.
 
i think if your horse enjoys living out and hes not clipped ,then its best hes a happy horse even if its only for a couple of months,its amazing how quickly a horse can become very misrable and unwilling to work if they are not happy in there home,good luck!
 
ooh just seen he is a thoroughbred and clipped,is there a field shelter available? the last thing you want is for him to lose condition, i have cobs who live in winter and out all summer,they are always waiting to come in at 4.30.but you know your horse best,
 
I think it would be fine. Maybe make a deal that if he's really struggling you could move back? Don't see why it would be a problem though, providing he's well rugged and well fed.
 
I think that providing they have access to good quality adlib hay or haylage, and he has a good rug on he will be absolutely fine.
 
Thanks. you've all made me feel better that I wouldn't be cruel!! Think I might leave it until the end of feb (I need to give 4 weeks notice anyway) and then turn him out. The worst of the weather should be over by then anyway.
 
Go for it. Mine used to share with a TB out 24/7, clipped and rugged as necessary. He did really, really well with plenty of ad lib hay through the winter.
 
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