Re-introducing grazing to shetlands

muckypony

muckypony

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I had to keep my shetland foals in for 4 weeks after they arrived as they were terrified of everything that moved :rolleyes: and it was much safer and better for them to be in. In that time i ordered some more fencing for them (similar to sheep hurdles) that is much more secure and a smaller space so that i can actually catch them! They are so so much more confident now and everday i have been taken them out into the field and grazing them in hand so that they can have a stretch and some grass, both together and individually. My fencing has now arrived so its time for them to go back out, but whats the best way to re-introduce them as i dont want them getting colicy!

They've been grazing for about 40mins-1hr a day so am i best to turn them out for an hour at a time and gradually put them out for the whole day? I know its not ideal for them to have been stabled, but it has actually done them the world of good, I just dont want poorly ponies!!
 
Whats the grazing like? As long as it isnt dairy grass there shouldnt be a lot of goodness in it now, but if you are worried just put them out for a few hours at a time and build it up over a week or so!
 
Ah sorry forgot to add that part!! Thats part of what I'm worried about - it hasnt been grazed for a few years just cut by their gardener (its about an acre in the back of someones garden, oh how jealous I am! :o ) it was last cut about 2 months ago so its fairly long and thick now. However, the field seems to be very wet and I reckon it will get water logged quite easily with this rain,so I'm sort of hoping that they trash the grass a little so there isnt quite so much! Once they'r eon top of it it will be no problem to keep short as its the perfect size for shetlands, its just eating it down thats the hurdle!
 
When I have introduced a horse to grass or more grass than they've been used to, I usually start with 30 minutes the first day, then every day I double it, until I get to the point I want them at. I've never had any colics, nor loose poos or any other problems this way.
 
varkie said:
Thanks muckypony! We love him very much, he's an alround superstar! As lovely in temperament as he is handsome. We are very lucky to have him.
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Ah thats lovely. Has he always been like that temperament wise? I have 2 colts, one is very quiet and sweet, will do whatever you ask him (and if he doesn't he somehow turns himself inside out and ends up on the deck :rolleyes: ) and the other is equally as lovely, until something scares him or he gets rude - he's dragged me across the floor twice! He's just so strong and very upfront. I've had them just a month so understand they won't have settled yet, but is he likely to be too much of a handful as a stallion if hes like this now? Thanks :)
 
Duke has always been good natured. I didn't breed him as a foal though, so don't know what he was like then. However I have bred a number of colts from him, most who have remained entire until at least their second birthday. All have been a delight. I had one who remained entire until three and covered, and he was no problem. I have one of his sons currently who will be two in the spring, and my six year old daughter handles him.

Over the years we have had a number of other peoples bred colts too. Some are quite frankly just gits, who have had such a complete personality change once gelded. Some could be difficult, but with the right handling are fine. Others are just lovely.
 
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