To stable or not to stable?

[Hormonal Filly]

My horses like coming in for a few hours during the day (usually 2-6pm) 4 times a week, and then I ride one after work at 6pm, it was nice to know they were ready to ride without the long trek to the field.

Although I noticed the other day when riding my gelding straight out the field hes much more fluent and forward going. I cam only assume hes more laid back after being kept in for a few hours because when hes been in he really scoffs his hay and feels a bit lethargic after.

I have started to bring them in at 6pm on the days I ride, ride straight away, then leave them in for a couple of hours afterwards while I cook tea (I live on site) I then put them back out at 9pm.

Although I then thought the other day, will this cause him damage being ridden and then returned to a 12x12 stable to stand for a couple of hours?
A friend only brings hers in to ride, live out 24/7 and touch wood shes had no issues, she doesn't agree with stabling.

I'm probably over thinking but is there any evidence to suggest stabling before or after exercise will cause damage long-term? Paranoid owner here.. whats your horses routine?

 

[ihatework]

Urm, overthinking alert!
My horses generally have to fit around me with regards to stabling/turnout.
The only time I think there is any consequence is arthritic horses being ridden from stable, they need careful warming up, or fat bloaters ridden straight off grass.

 

[Annagain]

I think you're overthinking it. Plenty of horses go straight back into a stable after exercise. Many get no turnout at all for days in winter so have to go stright from and back to the stable. In the same way, many get ridden straight from the field and go straight back particularly in Summer. Mine are out 24/7 at the moment. They only come in long enough to get brushed and tacked up before riding and only stay in long enough to have a wash and cool off and eat a tiny feed (as one has bute on the days he's ridden) afterwards. In winter, we always turn them out first thing as they're old and one in particular tends to stiffen up overnight. If we want to ride in the morning, we muck out and get everything ready for the evening before getting them in again to ride. Luckily they're right next to the yard so it's not difficult. I would do what suits them and you best and not worry too much about it.

 

[9tails]

During summer, I drag mine out of the field, ride then put her back in the field. She's always willing and never lethargic. There's enough grass, I occasionally add piles of hay when the grass is scorched. Mine rarely sees the inside of her stable during summer.

 

[SEL]

Well both mine have combinations of PSSM and arthritis and stabling after exercise is a definite no - the mare needs to walk it off for at least an hour I've found.

People with normal horses don't seem to have an issue, but I know if I collapse on the sofa post exercise I'm a lot more stuff than if I've had to stay on my feet and do something.

 

[Goldenstar]

My horses never ever spend the day in the field in the summer .
They come in the morning and go out in the evening .
I don’t like them eating grass when the sugars are at their highest and I like them away from the flys .
During this time they are worked and they sleep and enjoy a lie down .
There’s no issue with you keeping your horse in after work as long as your horse has been walked and cooled properly before you get off him.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

Urm, overthinking alert!

He had his hind nerves cut due to PSD 6 months ago. Was signed off 2 weeks ago, he has no arthritis but just worry if i could do any damage going from ridden to standing still.

 

[Hormonal Filly]

There’s no issue with you keeping your horse in after work as long as your horse has been walked and cooled properly before you get off him

He is always walked off for a while before returning, and the farm track is quite long. I then hose him off every time if hes sweated (he loves the hose)

 

[Pinkvboots]

I don't think it would hurt him at all being stood in after riding can't see any problem at all, just do what you think is best for him but I really don't see what difference it makes if his in before or after.

 

[Goldenstar]

No as long as you walk off a horse properly after work it’s fine to return it to the stable .
In fact if you ride in the evening (I sometimes do ) I like the horse to be in a while after riding because I don’t like them to go from ridden into the field as the evening cools I prefer them to stand awhile before turnout .