Trying to plan winter turnout- Acorns?

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poiuytrewq

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I have access to four paddocks for my four horses who really need to be kept in pairs. Two ridden, gentle kind types and two retired thugs!
Two of my paddocks get particularly wet to the point of being underwater last year (although that was extreme) so my plan had been to use these two as much as possible, until they became too wet then transfer to the dryer for the remaining winter.
Problem being im already noticing Acorns on the floor under the oak tree's located in both "wet" paddocks so am really going to have to have a rethink.
Between what months are acorns a problem? One of the ridden horses will actively seek them out, the retired two never seem to bother but not a risk I really want to take.
Im thinking in real winter it may be a case of two out by day and two by night in the same paddock?

Secondly (and this may sound silly!) Which do you think is less field trashing?
Leave out 24/7 in the knowledge they will be pretty quiet and chilled much of the time or stable part of the day/night to give the ground a bit of a break BUT risk the inevitable hooning around for a while when they get released ;)
 
Weather permitting I think left out is better, really depends on field drainage.

Acorns, rake and bag or electric tape the tree canopy area.
 
I tape off the oaks from September to December. I would say leaving out is generally better and giving access to the largest area you can.
 
Drainage in all but one is shocking! Heavy clay soil, sadly. The one that's ok it higher so I guess drains down into the others.
Would just taping off under the canopy be sufficient? I figured I'd have to go miles out from it and loose much of the paddock!
It wouldn't work with the ridden ones as mine will spend all day psyching himself up to go through the fence and get the acorns! (Seriously he's like an addict!) good idea for the retired two though!
 
They tend not to fall far, i have taped mine off and had to put up 4 strands with electric to keep my shetland away but it works
 
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