Settle this arguement for me please

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HarlequinSeren

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I have 3 horses. OH is saying we should leave 2 out overnight but leave 1 in the stables (he gets severe mud fever and currently they're all in at night, mainly so I can manage the MF as our field is still quite wet). I said this is not a good idea as he will get stressed out as he won't be able to even see them and he'll be calling all night (he's very attached to one of the mares and he is a right stress head when I have to separate them). OH insists they will be fine. I said they all go out together and come in together as all 3 call if any of them is removed from the field/stable, even if it's just for me to take them in the school. I don't think it's fair on my gelding to stress him out like that.
So, am I right to say keep them all together or is he right and they would all be fine?
 
For some horses, 1 in 2 out is fine. From what you've said, yours would stress, so I reckon you're right. If it was a case of box rest, then yes he'd have to cope but don't see the point in stressing him out for something minor.
 
I wouldn't leave him in alone - unless you do a test first and he isn't bothered.. My mud rash magnet had to stay in during the day and night when I first got him, and he wasn't bothered on his own.. Is there no way of putting them where he can see them?
 
Hi,
IMHO I think you are right either leave them all out or bring them all in if the mud fever is that bad. Its really not worth stressing the horse(s) out. :)
 
If your field is still wet then keeping them in at night will help rest your field...use that as your argument?

I would keep them all in to avoid any stress issues, a couple of more weeks to let the ground dry up isn't going to hurt.
 
The stables are in a big shed, concrete block with the door facing the opposite way to the field, so no way to make it so he can see them. Glad you all agree with me so far :)
 
Have you tried a stable mirror?

I don't like letting horses stress so would bring all in but he may be happier with a mirror. My old boy was so enamoured with his mirror he would lick himself and try to groom himself :D
 
Sadly I had to sell him when son No 2 born but he went with his mirror and new owner ( who has now had him 8 years) is a very close friend and tells me he still loves himself rather a lot lol :D
 
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