Storm Dennis - would you stable?

[HashRouge]

I've mentioned before that, for the first time in 4 years, I have stables this winter. My two are used to being out but it has been a real luxury to be able to bring them in every now and then when the weather is really bad, especially for the 27 year old. They came in last weekend for Storm Ciara but, at some point on Monday (luckily once the ponies were out again), a tree came down on my stables. Luckily, the way it came down meant that the stables were only caught by the top of the tree (it was a pretty big one), but three branches went through the roof completely. The owner has been very good about coming out and fixing things - the tree has been mostly cleared, a new roof put on, and it is going to be felted today.

But I now don't know if I feel happy using the stables in strong winds again. There are two more trees behind the stables, one of which is an enormous oak tree that would flatten the end stable if it came down. But we are forecast 24 hours of torrential rain and strong winds Saturday to Sunday and I really don't want the old mare stuck out the whole time without a break from the weather. What would you do? Do I assume that we won't be unlucky enough for a second tree to come down and bring them in for a bit? Do I leave them out in their normal field and just rug the old mare up to her eyeballs? Or do I move them into the field where the stables are and just leave the doors open, so they can get in and out? I don't want to take any risks - are they better off just out, despite how hideous the weather looks?

 

[pansymouse]

I'm not going to mine is out and that's where she'll stay; she's well rugged and has natural shelter in the field. I have a huge fear of her getting trapped in a storm damaged stable.

 

[windand rain]

Having seen a lot of smashed and wind blown stables/shelters and having a facebook page of the same my answer would be leave out as it is safer preferably in a very large area

 

[The Fuzzy Furry]

Mine will be in tonight, then out till Monday - one very well rugged.

I have big oaks by the yard, fab for shade in summer, but worry me in high winds. Also after all the rain here, they could well be more loose on their roots.

My fuzzies can take their chance in the fields - they have shelters, all are nimble!

 

[be positive]

I had an old oak come down on Sunday in the field so no harm done but I would be a bit concerned if there were any too near the stables, mine will probably stay in the same routine, 3 out 24/7 and the others in at night out during the day, they may go out a bit later and come in early if they want to.

 

[canteron]

Mine will be out - Unless you have full confidence in your stables don’t risk it. I notice they won’t even use the very secure field shelter in the highest winds.
A neighbour lost her stable roof last week - with the horses in it ? they just aren’t designed for hurricanes!

 

[wiglet]

In your case, I think I'd leave out but well rugged and with hay/haylage if you have a sheltered spot in your field. I don't think the winds are as strong for Dennis but there's going to be an awful lot of rain... so they say!!
My girl is on full livery - out during the day (whatever the weather) and in at night, all year round. Last weekend they went out but were brought in early because of the storm. No trees near the yard but the danger is from objects blowing across the fields, which are very exposed to the elements. Fortunately, our stables are all brick built with tiled roofs so although we might loose a roof tile, the stables won't blow away... I hope!!

 

[JFTDWS]

Leave out, well rugged. With forage, they'll be fine - it may not be the most fun 24/36 hours of their lives, but it's far better than the risk of being in a stable and having a tree come down.

 

[Alibear]

Or do I move them into the field where the stables are and just leave the doors open, so they can get in and out?

Your solution above would my choice, then they can sort themselves out, but whatever you decide I'm sure it will all be fine.

 

[Ranyhyn]

Mine will be in, we have no concerns of falling trees where my stables are.

 

[eggs]

I did hear that the winds won't be as strong this weekend as last weekend.

 

[tatty_v]

Mine will be in but our stables don’t have nearby trees and are built agricultural building style (massive concrete panels and steel roofing) so I’m happy they’re safe. I don’t think I’d stable if I was worried about falling trees in the vicinity, although I think the winds are due to be less this time round.

 

[NinjaPony]

Mine will be in but they are in brick stables with solid tiles and no nearby trees to come down on the stables, whereas the fields have no natural shelter and are extremely exposed on top of a hill. In your situation I would either leave out but give lots of hay and rug up to the eyeballs or leave them in the field with the stables so they can take themselves in and out, and there is a clear escape route.

 

[irishdraft]

The forcast where I am is for the winds to be lighter this time but very heavy rain a months worth in 24 hours so my horses will be in .

 

[9tails]

I like the idea of free choice. Then you'll know if they want the shelter for future storms.

 

[HashRouge]

The forcast where I am is for the winds to be lighter this time but very heavy rain a months worth in 24 hours so my horses will be in .

Yes it's the quantity of rain that is worrying me!

I suppose I should put things in perspective - in previous years they'd have had to stay out as we simply didn't have stables!

 

[My equine life]

I was thinking in but we had a section of the roof blow off last weekend :/ no trees to worry about other than small black thorn ones. What do you think? Very exposed field

 

[shirl62]

Ours will have free access to the stables and field. We have no trees anyway near.

 

[HashRouge]

Well I'm now in even more of a flap! I've just driven to the yard to feed and the river is about as high as it can be without going over the road - with all the rain forecast tomorrow, there is no way it won't flood . Luckily my YO lives right next door to the field and is happy to do them as needed, but it is so frustrating not being able to get up there! The river has only flooded the road once in the four years I've been here and that was this winter, but looks like it will go again this weekend!

 

[beingachicken]

Depends on the horse. The oldies where I am will go out but I’ve left my options open! I’ll judge it tomorrow. Last Sunday was the first duvet day of the year and with some lameness problems this year I’d feel happier leaving In than having him potentially tearing round in mud all day!

 

[Gloi]

It might be wet and windy but it isn't going to be cold so don't need to go mad with the rugging

 

[deepsoftheavy]

I think a lot depends on the likely wind direction in relation to the position of the trees!

 

[L&M]

We had the opposite experience last weekend - ours are usually out 24/7 but decided to stable them, and thank goodness we did as a large tree came down in the paddock they would have been grazing in!!!!

Sadly these storms pose a risk either way...…..though flooding looks like more of a threat this weekend so being out maybe a good option (unless by a river off course!).

Keep safe all.