Achinghips
Well-Known Member
Food won't work and in this weather the shelter is not the only, but probably the best place to put the hay, access to hay is needed as not a good doer. Any ideas?
Tips to encourage them use their field shelter?
- Thread starter Achinghips
- Start date
Twizzel
Well-Known Member
Ours generally don't use it unless it snows... the 2 that we had in a paddock with huge shelter used it loads during the snow.
We have another out in the (huge, 6 acre) field and it's rarely used... they tend to use the bushes and trees for shelter.
We have another out in the (huge, 6 acre) field and it's rarely used... they tend to use the bushes and trees for shelter.
ladyt25
Well-Known Member
They'll use it if they want to!
*hic*
village idiot :D
Why do you want to "make" them use it? If they prefer to be out then surely that's their choice, after all they have the option of being in. If you want to "make" them use it then you'll need to add a front and some doors . . .
However, reasons they might not want to use it: is it secured to the ground properly? Is it facing away from the prevailing winds? Are the openings sufficiently wide that they feel safe going in and out? Is one dominating the shelter and refusing to allow others in? Does the rain / wind make a scary noise on the roof?
However, reasons they might not want to use it: is it secured to the ground properly? Is it facing away from the prevailing winds? Are the openings sufficiently wide that they feel safe going in and out? Is one dominating the shelter and refusing to allow others in? Does the rain / wind make a scary noise on the roof?
lucy1984
Well-Known Member
Mine only use theirs in the summer to avoid the flies. It's there to use in the most coldest and wet weather yet they choose to stand outside looking miserable! Their choice!
Achinghips
Well-Known Member
Thanks everyone, some really useful comments.
cindydog
Well-Known Member
the ground inside outside shelter is soft and I have never seen my horse use it however hoof prints in ground tells me she has and yes very much her choice to get in out of the rain or not
pottamus
Well-Known Member
My lad only really uses his on the summer months...in the winter he stands outside beside it in the wind and rain!!
He does go in there at night for a lie down though in his shavings bed - wont lie down out in the field...much prefers to 'go to bed'!!
He does go in there at night for a lie down though in his shavings bed - wont lie down out in the field...much prefers to 'go to bed'!!
RolyPolyPony
Well-Known Member
One of my old share horses wouldn't use his. Not even food would get him in. We found out that he didn't like enclosed spaces. We would put his hay in the field in the most sheltered place, which in this case was by a hedge. If a horse wont use the field shelter you really can't force them!
PapaFrita
Well-Known Member
[ QUOTE ]
Why do you want to "make" them use it? If they prefer to be out then surely that's their choice, after all they have the option of being in. If you want to "make" them use it then you'll need to add a front and some doors . . .
[/ QUOTE ]
^^This. They'll use if they want to and if they need it. I wouldn't stress about it.
Why do you want to "make" them use it? If they prefer to be out then surely that's their choice, after all they have the option of being in. If you want to "make" them use it then you'll need to add a front and some doors . . .
[/ QUOTE ]
^^This. They'll use if they want to and if they need it. I wouldn't stress about it.