Not sure when I should keep my horse out at night...

[LouLou3]

Hi everyone - this will be my first spring with my newbie horsey, my baby is the only one on our yard who is still stabled at night. I feel so sorry for him when I drag him in at night and think he would be much happier out with his friends. Now its not quiet so cold and (fingers crossed) the days are a little drier do you think it would be ok to leave him out if he's wearing a good quality mw rug???

Thanks in advance

 

[stencilface]

Mine were turned out last night for the first time this year. Hopefully they'll be staying out too!

Horses don't mind the cold really, but do tend to get a bit miserable when its wet and windy for prolinged periods. Turn him out, he will be fine and you'll have more time to spend with him if you're not mucking out

 

[TGM]

I should think he would be happier out with the others than in on his own! I'm sure he will be absolutely fine as long as there is enough grass or there is hay out for them.

 

[Blaise]

Throw him out!

As long as he's got a rug on he'll be fine. My 3 yr old has lived out all winter and she's been fine. I'm sure he'll be happier out in the field with his friends.

 

[katherine1975]

I leave mine out when it's dry and try to leave them out as much as possible. When it's wet they come in, they seem to be happier being out.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

My 23 yr old, one-eyed ned has been out ALL NIGHT, ALL WINTER!!!!! Rugged up naturally. Result? He's in the best condition anyone has ever seen him in and you can see your face in the shine on his coat. He comes in during the day for brekkers, haylage, a snooze and lie down, then tea before he goes out again. Spin off goodies are he's always in for riding, farrier, vet, cuddles, extra carrots etc etc etc.

 

[hunteress]

I always used to bring mine in at night but the last 3 years they are out 24/7 and its the best thing ive ever done they have a field shelter but never realy go in it unless its windy and raining our pasture is old pasture so dosn't get over muddy they both wear snuggy hoods with ears, a lightweght rug (so can wash and change) and then a heavyweight with neck I hunt both mine twice a week and they look happier and a lot healthier than most I would thouroughly recomend it have a go .

 

[DougalJ]

I keep my woosey warmblood actually out as much as I can with his friends. I never used to when I first got him 6 years ago bringing him in religioulsy every night. He is now rugged and sometimes booted to stay out with his friends and I have a much more relaxed horse for it. Obviously if the weather is wet, really cold etc he comes in. As my husband keeps reminding me they are animals are they are waterproof!