Moving to new yard - worried about turnout...

Charla

Well-Known Member
Joined
4 January 2011
Messages
585
Location
Kent
Visit site
I recently found a lovely yard to move my gelding to so I can bring him in to work a little easier. He's lived out all winter and loves his freedom - it's really chilled him out.
At the new yard they are stabled at night which is fine. I asked the yard manager if they are able to be turned out everyday because my gelding would need to be and she said yes, I'm not fussy here.
However, when I turned up there late this morning all the horses were in. It wasn't even raining and couldn't understand why but there was no one there at all to ask.

I then hear from a lady at my current yard that she once spoke to a girl at the new yard and was told that her 2 horses only go out at weekends and live in all thoughout the week.

I really don't like my horses living in. Even in rain, they'd rather be out during the day. But what am I suppose to think when I have personally asked the YM already and she put my mind at rest, yet other things are making alarm bells ring!
 
You have to clarify the issue and have it included it your contract.

I was at a yard where turnout was not allowed if the ground was wet or it rained. As you'll guess we weren't there long.
 
Definite alarm bells there. I'd be having a word with the YO soon. Are you full livery?
(You could pm me the name of the yard if you would like, I'm in Kent and know a fair few).
 
|Hmm that would worry me too - look into it before you go anywhere !

Yes there are times that I will keep mine in but it is rare - you don't want it to be an every day thing
 
I've lost count of the number of yards where I'm told the horses go out everyday in winter. Winter comes, and guess what ? Horses are in, day after day after day.
If your new yard does actually allow daily winter turnout, check that other owners turnout and what their attitude is to their horses getting wet.
Failing that, you'll just have to do what so many of us do. Buy a second horse.:D
 
Have a chat with you YM and try and make sure you are both on the same wavelength.

Daytime turnout might only mean a couple of hours a day. I'd hate my horses to only have that, but it's suprising how many yards in my area offer very limited turnout and the YM's think it's the norm.
 
Well Charla, where I am in Kent it's not really winter turnout as our fields have dried up quite well, so I wouldn't even expect restricted hours now.
Mind you, it is a bit chilly today... maybe they were worried the horses would shiver... ;-)
 
As the others have said - talk to the YM again and check that your idea of daily turnout is the same as his/hers.

Their idea of all year turnout might be an hour a day or even turning out in the sand school or something.

I'm the same as you - I can't stand horses being in all day and would think about moving already, might be best to move before your horse gets attached to anyone?
 
could they have been wormed the day before we have to keep ours in the day after just a thought would not be happy if mine was kept in for no reason
 
Top