Moving to grass livery?

[dilbert]

Can anyone advise me of the pro's and con's of moving to grass livery (on a small yard with access to a stable if needed) with a chubby 14hh cob.

We're currently on a large yard with 24/hr summer turn out, in at night in winter and no turn out if weather poor.

 

[russianhorse]

My little guy is on grass livery now, although used to be DIY stabled at night/out all day and I have to say that personally I wouldnt go back to stabling at night.

My boy has total freedom, unlimited access to grass and I'm not tied down to going down at least twice a day (except at the minute with all the snow lol

!)

However I do kind of have the best of both worlds, as he has a huge straw bed made up in his shelter!

I can honestly say that for him its been the best thing Ive ever done.

 

[DiablosGold]

For me it's cheaper, less work, horse is happier, no stiffness problems, don't need to exercise him as much - I love it.

Cons - mud, wet rugs, missing mucking out

, poo-picking.

 

[Ashleigh_]

Ron is on grass livery and enjoys it no end. He gets to play with his friends all day, eat grass, run around and burn off those extra calories. It also give him the chance to BE A HORSE and get muddy. He doesn't get too excited when i ride him either because he's been out all day.

One of the best things is that it's cheap - Since i'm a student i'm strapped for cash anyway but grass livery means i can keep Ron

Only thing is the mud and more cleaning before shows!

 

[ISHmad]

Our horses are living out 24/7 for the first time this winter and are positively blooming. They seem so much happier than being cooped up for hours on end in a stable even though when they were in they always had ad lib hay, treat balls, stable toys etc.

We do have stables available if needed and they've had the odd day or night in but can't wait to get back out again.

So for us there's been no downsides. We do have lots of grazing and can manage that how we like which is a huge help, something we've not had available to us previously.

 

[lucy1984]

Mine are also living out for the first time ever! I dont really have anything to moan about apart from the deep mud outside the field shelter but that's expected and so far none of them have mud fever

You may need to restrict him in the summer though if he is a bit chubby to make sure he doesnt get laminitis.

 

[dilbert]

Thank you all

It certainly seems like a good option and I think Frankie would be happier which is the main thing.