Turning Away For Winter

Bigbadbill

Bigbadbill

Member
Joined
15 November 2013
Messages
12
Location
Canterbury, Kent
Visit site
I have a warmblood who I bought back in May, he very nervous, spooky, anxious and generally a bit mental. I have tried to work very hard with him over the last 6 months but havent really got anywhere so I want to turn him away for winter to give us both a bit of time off and then try again in spring. He is currently stabled at night and out during the day on our lovely yard. I dont want to leave the yard but they cant live out there either so my question is, will he still benefit from not being ridden and having time off even if he still comes in at night? i dont know if it makes any odds but when it gets to summer they go out at night and in during the day so this would happen once he is back in work.
 
We all need a break sometimes... no matter how old we are. It could be that there are underlying issues which will benefit from the break. Pain, muscular, skeletal, limb etc. Whilst the vet may be able to investigate, sometimes all they really want to do is get the horse working again despite what the trouble may be. Steroids, nerve blockade, surgery etc. when actually, sometimes, it's just that they need a break. Perhaps discuss it with a trusted vet and see how he is in spring and if no improvement, start investigations.
 
Yes I agree. My previous horse was a TB who I lost to a whole host of problems including KS and navicular so I am no stranger to pain related behaviour. I wanted to try all other options before exploring that :/ just praying that some time off work and just me handling him will let us bond a bit more before trying again.
 
Yes, when i've given my horse time off before I've still stabled overnight for his home comforts. Sometimes helps to take the pressure off and bond :)
 
Ah perfect, I just wondered if it had the same benefits as them being out in a field 24/7 I'm thinking I'm just gonna not ride until spring, I'm gonne keep all his feed the same though so he doesn't loose weight or get cold.
 
I have just turned my rising 5yo ISH away for a few months. He can be sharp (which i suspect is 80% babyishness, the rest is probably just him). My work is too busy at the moment, so I can't ride him much which makes him worse, he then went off to a pro for a few months, but as I can't afford this long term, we decided to try a break for 2-3 months.

When turning away, I think the whole point is that they just become a horse a again, out in the field, with buddies. If you really can't move him somewhere else (have you suggested paying a small retainer to your YM?) then I suppose its better than nothing.

Mentally, Im not sure a break will change him much if he is 14. However, if there are any physical niggles it might help.
 
Bigbadbill said:
Ah perfect, I just wondered if it had the same benefits as them being out in a field 24/7 I'm thinking I'm just gonna not ride until spring, I'm gonne keep all his feed the same though so he doesn't loose weight or get cold.
Click to expand...

I would just play it by ear with the feed. If we turn away, generally we don't give hard feed as that can upset the digestive system of grass-kept horses. It makes more sense if they are stabled with hay. If you think he is losing condition, ad-lib hay is better. That way, you know if his behaviour is feed related too... if you cut the feed and he improves or worsens, then it can tell you a lot about any digestive issues too.

I don't know about where you are, but it's not gone much below 9oC here and today it's 16... the grass, despite the lack of sunshine, is lush. Not looking too good for my spring "buffer" zone I was hoping for.
 
Dusty85 said:
I have just turned my rising 5yo ISH away for a few months. He can be sharp (which i suspect is 80% babyishness, the rest is probably just him). My work is too busy at the moment, so I can't ride him much which makes him worse, he then went off to a pro for a few months, but as I can't afford this long term, we decided to try a break for 2-3 months.

When turning away, I think the whole point is that they just become a horse a again, out in the field, with buddies. If you really can't move him somewhere else (have you suggested paying a small retainer to your YM?) then I suppose its better than nothing.

Mentally, Im not sure a break will change him much if he is 14. However, if there are any physical niggles it might help.
Click to expand...

Yes, I do agree and think it would be much better if I could find a field somewhere just for short term but I am struggling with that at the moment :(

He is such a funny cookie and I'm not really understanding him yet but recently all we seem to do is argue so I just thought some time off for both of us may help? He is a very fit and healthy horse and has regular physio, work, saddle checks etc so im praying there is nothing physical :( guess you never know though.
 
tallyho! said:
I would just play it by ear with the feed. If we turn away, generally we don't give hard feed as that can upset the digestive system of grass-kept horses. It makes more sense if they are stabled with hay. If you think he is losing condition, ad-lib hay is better. That way, you know if his behaviour is feed related too... if you cut the feed and he improves or worsens, then it can tell you a lot about any digestive issues too.

I don't know about where you are, but it's not gone much below 9oC here and today it's 16... the grass, despite the lack of sunshine, is lush. Not looking too good for my spring "buffer" zone I was hoping for.
Click to expand...

Well a few months ago I took him off all his feed and supplements to see what he was like on his own, once i had that to work with i contacted saracen and they advised a feed for him and the correct amount of hay etc, i then chose my supplements and since he has been on that diet he is alot better but still a monkey!

current diet -
1/2 scoop shape up mix
1 scoop of chaff
2 scoops acid x
10ml of magic calmer

all that twice a day plus a 8kg hay net soaked for the evening and then at least 10hrs turn out a day on grass...

he has had ulcers in the past apparently too.

i was worried about cutting his food right down as i had just got it right for him and hes at a good weight and seems to be a bit happier in himself but then i guess if he isnt in work he doesnt need as much?
 
Well, I would say a horse at rest needs zero extra feed. After all even growing foals and yearlings at studs get strictly grass and still grow into huge beasts. What was he like off the feed altogether?

I know what it's like to have an ulcer... Has he been scoped to see if there are any now? Just in case, you know... that could be why he's acting up.

Since you're soaking all the sugar and goodness out of the hay, I see why you are having to feed the shape-up. Why don't you just feed the hay? Hay cut in summer is full of vits and mins and you rarely need much else on top if it's good quality.

I would seriously consider a scope though :)
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top