Not turning out

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Jo C

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I know this should be in new lounge or somewhere like that but I am not looking for an argument just want to know peoples opinions really
Patrick had a very bad respiratory problem at the end of last summer and I found out that he has an allergy to grass pollen namely rye grass and sorrel grass. He spent most of winter in due to a laminitis attack (brought on by the steroids given to him for the respiratory problem ) so he was on box rest. I noticed that his breathing cleared up completely whilst he was stabled 24/7 but now he is back out again the breathing problem is returning, now I do realise that there isn't or shouldn't be any pollen in the winter so it may have been coincidence that he was better stabled 24/7 but do I trial keeping him in, in the hope that the breathing improves again? He seems flat again now whereas when I was riding him after being in all the time he was much happier in himself. Obviously he does like going in the field like most horses but if this is detrimental to his health should I carry on turning him out? Your thoughts please
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Just to say at the moment it is not a bad breathing problem but at its height he couldn't even trot without a really wracking cough.
 
If he is happier in, then I would be tempted to keep hi in. Does he work most days? Do you have a horse walker at your yard. Some of the yards I have worked out do very restricked grazing.

With the mild weather some grass pollen may be being produced.

Ultimatly you need to do whats best for Patrick - have you spoken to the vets?
 
No horse walker unfortunately. He is worked 6 days a week though. I have an allergy to vets at the moment as I am still reeling from the £1k bill for all the respiratory stuff after the insurance refused to pay out.
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I guess I am going to have to speak to them again soon though about this.
 
I assume if you are on livery it may be hard to do but what about a round pen/small corral so he can still get out in a bigger area but just not on grass. I see no reason for not keeping him in, its for his own welfare.
 
Could you try him turned out in a muzzle....not to stop him eating, but to reduce spores being inhaled? Might be worth trying.

Otherwise can he go out in the school during the day...would someone bring him in if you turned him out there in the morning, would someone bring him in after an hour or 2?
 
Unnfortunately there isn't really anywhere to put a pen/corral as it is a working farm and most of the livery yard area is laid to grass which is lovely for all the other liveries just not me.
 
What about a solution such as the pens in Weezy's yard. They seem massive, and I'm sure their horses are much happier (when not turned out) than a horse in a 12x12 stable.
Could you organise something like that for him?

Fiona
 
Someone has suggested a nose net that you can turn out in - think that might be my best option so I am going to look into that. Again it won't stop it all but it ash to help.
Sadly cos I'm on DIY there isn't really anyone to turn him out/bring him in during the day, the grooms are wonderful and very willing to help but if its a daily thing its a different matter really. It also trashes the school if horses are turned out in it (woodchip surface) so it seems a bit selfish to do it really.
Sorry that all sounds very negative and I don't mean to be like that but its difficult. I'm off to investigate the nose net idea now.
 
[ QUOTE ]
What about a solution such as the pens in Weezy's yard. They seem massive, and I'm sure their horses are much happier (when not turned out) than a horse in a 12x12 stable.
Could you organise something like that for him?

Fiona

[/ QUOTE ]
Thanks Fiona, without moving yards I can't do that at the moment, however his stable is very large anyway - probably more like 14 x 16 I should think so its not like he is stuck in a 12 x 12 (and he's only 14.2). The hacking etc is so wonderful at the yard I am currently at I would be reluctant to move however if it comes to it I am prepared to do that. To be fair he doesn't seem to mind being in I just feel it is unfair on him but if going out is making him worse then he will have to stay in particularly during the pollen season.
 
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Would turning out over night help? Esp if has nose net too.

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I guess that would be another thing to try but may have to wait until the whole yard swaps to turning out at night, probably May, or he'll be out all night by himself and would probably bring himself in if I know him
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5 bar gates are nothing if you really want to come in
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I just noticed a 'to be fair' in there Jo!

I'd say keep him in personally.....when you're there in the evening is there anyway you can chuck him out in the school even for 20 mins or so for a buck and a roll? As you say he's happier to work when he's kept in, so it's obviously more comfortable for him.
Maybe eventually you'l be able to find a yard with corrals or surfaced turnout if he doesnt cope with being in indefinitely. My old yard - near willingale - had back yards for each of the stables - about 15ft x 15ft of mud basically. When they couldnt go out in the fields they could have a moch round their 'gardens' instead.

How is P otherwise?

Had fab lesson on Twiglet today, am so pleased - he doesn't feel like an old man anymore
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There is no grass pollen around at the moment but there is tree pollen from the blossom which is appearing. It may be that he is sensitive to that.

If he is happier in then provided he has a leg stretch everyday I would keep him in. Since the whole Diva and her personality change over rugs and riding I am vowing to listen to my horse more rather than do what everyone else is telling me.

Move over Monty emma is here
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Is he happy in? If so I would keep him stabled and let him loose in the school for a buck evey now and again. If turning him out is making him ill I think keeping him in I is the only thing to do.
 
Grass pollen was the only thing that showed up in the tests - well apart from cockroaches?????!!!!! but it maybe that the tree pollen isn't helping. Interestingly enough we went to Bananamans the other day and he didn't wheeze at all, so it looks like I am going to have to relocate to Norfolk
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He doesn't seem too bad at the moment so I am going to leave him out while I can then I think he will come in 24/7 when the pollen gets bad and wear a nose net. Seems like the best compromise I can do really.
 
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