turning Ted out 24/7 - companion needed also.

[jessicabeau1]

I have my own field of about 5 acres, it needs the ragwort spraying, topping, harrowing and rolling before he go's on there - he is currently at a livery yard. as most of you know he has an old injury - collateral ligament damage - and I only hack him generally. I am finding it hard financially keeping him at livery to be honest and it seems daft not using my field which is perfectly ok. I would be grateful of your opinions please - Ted is a good weight and a good do-er. Ive never had a horse live out all year 24/7 so a bit wary etc - although in winter I may have access to a shelter hopefully! what are your thoughts, he is a hanoverian warmblood and of good weight, and obviously he will have hay, feed too when the grass isnt good.
what are your thought people? also I would like a field companion for him if I am going to turn him out - if anybody knows of anything let me know- what do you all think???
hellp me!! x

 

[HollyWoozle]

I have only ever kept horses and ponies turned out 24/7 on our 3.5 acres (ish?) and as far as I'm concerned, it's lovely and easy. However, mine do have constant access to stables as a field shelter, though they really only use them in serious rain. With just the one horse I would suggest that you find him a lovely companion and section them off in part of the field, perhaps saving the other bit to grow for the winter (though this depends on your grazing).

A shelter is also helpful in summer to provide shade so I would recommend getting one in there if possible. Mine are rugged in the winter and have hard feed once a day (in the height of summer it is just a tiny tiny amount for supplements) or twice a day when it is seriously cold/snowing/icy etc. They also have hay, especially as our grazing is quite bare.

 

[Dolcé]

As long as he is adequately rugged he will be absolutely fine living out with supplementary feed and hay as needed. The only thing with a companion is that you may end up with separation anxiety from one or other if you want to ride out, I think that was the only downside to having our own field and only 3 ponies years ago.

 

[Puppy]

My warmblood lives out 24/7, no problems In fact, I am struggling to keep her weight down now that she is no longer able to work I think most horses are happier out, so certainly don't let his breed make think that you can't