No winter turnout but access to walker 2 times daily?

[Mince Pie]

I have a new job which may or may not become permanent at the end of March, if it does then I would want to move the horses closer to work.
I have found a yard that's ten minutes away but at the moment they have an "alternative turnout" policy in winter so one day out and one day in, this isn't a problem as use of the horse walker is included in my livery. The main issue that I have is that as the turnout isn't individual then I won't be able to put hay out for my TB which means that if there is no grass in the field then she will bring herself in
As I can put her on the walker twice a day and also ride 5 days a week would this be an option? She loves her stable and is more than happy to be in!

 

[DifficultMare]

I can already hear the screams of horror - but, this is what I do with my mare. I do have my own paddock for her but having had her off work for most of last year as a result of belting about because she wanted to come in, I am not turning her out as a matter of course this year. We have use of the walker and also a floodlit school so she has plenty of exercise. I also turn her out, AFTER exercise when I have time at the weekends so that she can have some grass for an hour or two. She seems very happy and contented and is no more of an idiot for being in that she when she's turned out.

I would say that if your horse is happy being stabled and she has access to exercise every day then what have you got to lose by trying it?

Good luck with your search, it's never easy and there's always some sort of compromise to be made x

 

[Mince Pie]

The thing is with her that if there is food then she is happy enough out, but if there isn't then she will trash the fencing to come back in! I deep litter so bedding isn't really an issue and ad lib hay/haylage is keeping her at a nice weight although she isn't really being ridden at the moment as I have a 45 minute commute to work so haven't really got time/energy hence wanting to move them closer if work becomes permanent.

 

[SusieT]

Nope sorry. Not an acceptable life for a horse plus massive wear and tear issues. Walking in circles is not an appropriate exercise just because its convenient.

 

[Mince Pie]

I didn't say it was convenient, but when she destroys fencing to come in then I have to look at alternatives. I am well aware of the wear and tear caused by walkers if you read my other posts on the subject What would your suggestion be? Depending on how long the grass lasts it may not be all winter anyway.

 

[Farma]

Nope sorry. Not an acceptable life for a horse plus massive wear and tear issues. Walking in circles is not an appropriate exercise just because its convenient.

I agree 100%. I know alot of people give their horses this lifestyle but I would rather drive further or pay extra to make sure she never had to adjust to such a life.

 

[DifficultMare]

Although we do have a walker I don't tend to use very often - horse is far too naughty on it. What I tend to do first thing in the morning is turn her out into the school so that she can kick up her heels if she feels the need or just have an amble about and grab a few mouthfuls of grass through the fence. It just gets her out and moving for half an hour or so and then she's either ridden or lunged in the evenings. At the weekends we hack out and she's gets really good gallop at least once, sometimes more if she's feeling in need.

 

[Mince Pie]

I have rang other yards in the area but either none allow hay in fields or those that do won't take her because she cribs. Cost isn't an issue (within reason - can't afford part livery!) but time is
I'm not overly happy with the idea myself but am trying to think of viable alternatives, I have looked for fields to rent etc but no luck. Ideally I need to find a yard with individual turnout that will allow hay and take a cribber like my current yard but am struggling to find this
ETA: Apart from Fridays if the yard is close enough I could ride her twice a day instead of using the walker?

 

[Goldenstar]

Nope sorry. Not an acceptable life for a horse plus massive wear and tear issues. Walking in circles is not an appropriate exercise just because its convenient.

That's your opinion it's not a fact set in stone ,some horses enjoy turnout more than others some and it's very understandable that some TB's who lived very indoor lives from a young age are happier with much less turn out than others.
Horse walkers are used in many ares of the horse world and are a useful tool as part of a manage ment system they are not a replacement for exercise but an add on.
I turn out most days in winter even if it's for a short time and don't have a horse walker but certainly would never say their use is inappropriate .
OP you know your horse and your situation best the fact that you have asked the question means there is a doult in your mind .
If you keep her like this you will have to be very committed to getting her enough exercise and only you can say if your other commitments will allow this.
However the thing I would never do is keep a horse living in on deep litter that would be a complete no no for me because of the feet and the wind bot again thats just an opinion.
Good luck with the job and I hope you get everything sorted out.

 

[Ranyhyn]

We had a similar thing at my last livery, although we did have individual or very small shared turnout so we were able to hang up a haynet.
TBH I have seen far too many horses turned out who spend an hour grazing and the rest of the day stood waiting that they might as well have been kept inside. Maybe an option for you is to use walker, shorter turnout period and then bring back in for the rest of the day?

 

[Mince Pie]

GS deep litter has always worked well for me and I've never had a problem with feet?
Boolavogue I will speak to the yard but the last time she went through the fence she had only been out for half an hour!

 

[Jingleballs]

Nope sorry. Not an acceptable life for a horse plus massive wear and tear issues. Walking in circles is not an appropriate exercise just because its convenient.

I have to agree with the above. For my, turn out time = chill out time and time for pony to socialise with his herd. I'd personally not be happy with the arrangement suggested but every horse is different and there are horses at my yard who are in all winter as they have a fit if turned out in bad weather.

 

[emma.is]

My horse is only allowed one hour a day turnout in winter and sometimes he doesn't go out at all. He manages fine with it as long as he has time to kick up his heels and have a roll daily (in a smaller paddock) and he is ridden, lunged or has groundwork with him six days a week!