PapaverFollis
Well-Known Member
My horses have been iced in for over 2 weeks now. We were managing daily turnout by leading over the iced up hardstanding since Christmas because the field was still ok. Then a few twists in the weather and the field became and ice rink too. So they've been in stables overnight and out in a pen and big barn area during the day. I can't have them all in together because the boy chases the girls when he's bored and the pen is too unevenness slippy for that. Fine for the girls to gently mooch. They're bored, I'm bored and worried. Tried to let them back out in the field once the snow was deep over the ice but the big mare failed to corner and did an impressive slide through a fence instead. None the worse for wear amazingly but it's rather put me off trying to turn them out until the snow and ice have completely cleared! If we hadn't had the ice rink situation they could still be going out because if they'd had consistent turnout they wouldn't be being as stupid.
Currently hand-walking for movement and praying for spring.
Hoping next year will be easier as I'll have another 4 acres to play with.
I have been on a yard where there was no turnout in winter at all. I would not do that again. It was a needs must situation and we mostly survived. Barely. But still.
Currently hand-walking for movement and praying for spring.
Hoping next year will be easier as I'll have another 4 acres to play with.
I have been on a yard where there was no turnout in winter at all. I would not do that again. It was a needs must situation and we mostly survived. Barely. But still.