Turnout at night in Winter?

[marmalade76]

Sounds good, I always think mine prefer to be in in the day when we're there.

 

[Honey08]

Interestingly my gelding was turned out at night in summer. In early September his companion got lami, and obviously stayed in. I just opened my gelding’s door at night so he could wander on the yard and hard standing as well as go to the field. As September went on and the weather got colder I found he’d been in the stable at some point during the night, despite being out in the field when I arrived in the morning. By the second week of October he just stayed in his stable, despite the door being open. Basically he changed himself onto our winter system (in at night, out during the day) by himself! Who knows if that’s because he’s been here 16 years and that’s what we do, or if he just wanted to be in. He doesn’t get much winter coat, so perhaps that’s why he prefers it.

(This isn’t judging anyone, it’s just a muse..)

 

[shanti]

Mine are out 24/7 but if they had to come in at any stage, I can imagine them much preferring to be out at night. They are much more active during the night (I often hear them racing around at all hours) and I have noticed that they do an awful lot of intermittent resting during the day, particularly when the weather is warm. Seems like a great solution for both horses and humans

 

[bubsqueaks]

Glad your all enjoying your new routine - we've just switched ours to straw bedding as their only in from 7-3 most days so not much to muck out & saving a fortune too at £2.50 per bale.
Just because we liked to be all tucked up & cosy in bed at night we apply that to our horses which I now disagree with - horses are far better moving around at night to keep warm & continuously graze & their hind gut keeping them warm.

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I often bring mine in early evening if its raining or if they need a rug change so I give them a net and go back out at about 10 or 11 if its torrential or icy with snow they stay in.

They always seem eager to go back out though rather than be kept in I just don't want them out all night if its really horrible one of mine hates it.

I find they are much more chilled to ride when they are out at night in winter.

 

[Bobthecob15]

I often bring mine in early evening if its raining or if they need a rug change so I give them a net and go back out at about 10 or 11 if its torrential or icy with snow they stay in.

They always seem eager to go back out though rather than be kept in I just don't want them out all night if its really horrible one of mine hates it.

I find they are much more chilled to ride when they are out at night in winter.

Yes ours stride back out to the field after being in all day which suggests they are happy to go back out! Yep seems to be working for ridden work too so far x

 

[expanding_horizon]

Interestingly my gelding was turned out at night in summer. In early September his companion got lami, and obviously stayed in. I just opened my gelding’s door at night so he could wander on the yard and hard standing as well as go to the field. As September went on and the weather got colder I found he’d been in the stable at some point during the night, despite being out in the field when I arrived in the morning. By the second week of October he just stayed in his stable, despite the door being open. Basically he changed himself onto our winter system (in at night, out during the day) by himself! Who knows if that’s because he’s been here 16 years and that’s what we do, or if he just wanted to be in. He doesn’t get much winter coat, so perhaps that’s why he prefers it.

(This isn’t judging anyone, it’s just a muse..)

Think are all different, mine seems to have a different view to what I’d like him to do.

A few days ago I brought him into lovely bed and Haylage to dry off before a clinic. Wasn’t grateful and was keen to go back out.

This morning wasn’t raining and I brought him in to take rug off and do feet, and he was happily settling in for a doze in his stable, but had to turf him out. (100% certain as soon as I’d left for work he’d be looking out of stable pointedly in direction of his field!)

He’s not yet managed more than about 45 minutes stabled without wanting back out (has adlib Haylage in field too, and seems impervious to wind and rain as long as well rugged).

His stable is therefore him all winter but not sure he’ll use it. He used to live out at night with 2 others, and be stabled daytime.

In bad weather when I appeared in dark about 6.30am, the other two horses would run to the gate wanting into stables and breakfast. Mine was non plussed about coming in even in freezing driving wind and rain. Not hard to catch but not looking up / coming over to gate. And looking longingly back at field after working later in the day when going back in his stable.

 

[JoannaC]

Mine are out at night and come in for a snooze in the morning, I find it so much more convenient having them in when I want to ride or poo pick with the dogs etc. They do have access to the barn though and bring themselves in throughout the time they are out.

 

[cobgoblin]

I've always done this, summer and winter. In out of the heat and flies in summer and out when there's less sugar in the grass.
They only come in at night in the winter if we've had a lot of snow or it's driving sleet, tbh that's more for my peace of mind.

They wait at the gate in the morning and just about stagger to the stables before falling asleep.

 

[SilverLinings]

Mine are out 24/7 but if they had to come in at any stage, I can imagine them much preferring to be out at night. They are much more active during the night (I often hear them racing around at all hours) and I have noticed that they do an awful lot of intermittent resting during the day, particularly when the weather is warm. Seems like a great solution for both horses and humans

I imagine as prey animals with not the best night vision (not as good as that of a lot of predators) they feel safer resting and sleeping during the daytime when they can see danger approaching more easily.

I read a research paper a few years ago that found that the horses used in the test study were prepared to work (perform tasks in the correct order to trigger a switch for a light on a timer, when the light went off they could turn it on again by repeating the process) in order to keep the lights on if they were stabled overnight, implying that they prefer light to darkness and don't automatically feel safer just because they are in. I will see if I can find a link to post here.

 

[expanding_horizon]

I've always done this, summer and winter. In out of the heat and flies in summer and out when there's less sugar in the grass.
They only come in at night in the winter if we've had a lot of snow or it's driving sleet, tbh that's more for my peace of mind.

They wait at the gate in the morning and just about stagger to the stables before falling asleep.

It’s funny mine used to be out at night in daytime. He’d be asleep in stable snoring by 11am guaranteed. Now he lives out he’s not interested in coming in to sleep in stable . . .

I think he must sleep more in field now.

 

[shanti]

I imagine as prey animals with not the best night vision (not as good as that of a lot of predators) they feel safer resting and sleeping during the daytime when they can see danger approaching more easily.

I read a research paper a few years ago that found that the horses used in the test study were prepared to work (perform tasks in the correct order to trigger a switch for a light on a timer, when the light went off they could turn it on again by repeating the process) in order to keep the lights on if they were stabled overnight, implying that they prefer light to darkness and don't automatically feel safer just because they are in. I will see if I can find a link to post here.

Interesting, makes perfect sense though. They are very alert, moving around constantly through the night and they don't go near the shelters or trees.

 

[LEC]

Very advantageous to the horses. I wouldn’t worry too much about extra rugs so long as the fields have shelter- it's usually colder standing still in a box

Though I spoke to a leading vet and he said there is a higher prevalence of horses who get ulcers who are out at night and in by day. It’s something to do with meaningful rest and the fact they often don’t eat for periods of time in the stable as snoozing. One of the first things he suggests people do if they have a horse who lacks energy is ask about routine and to change it to horse in at night. Likewise if you have a horse who is too energised being out helps a lot. We had a long discussion about it.

 

[poiuytrewq]

I’m aiming to do this, mine are currently still out over night.
I think it’s so much easier and I’ll be more inclined to ride in bad weather if the horse is already stood in and dry.
Same go’s for farrier visits, days the hunt is around and so on. It seems a no brainer to me.
I tried last year though and my riding horse at one point just said no! He’d escape every night regardless of hay. I also found they just trampled the hay in after a time so it got trashed.
This year I’ve been able to save my grazing more and hope to strip graze so they always have a bit.

 

[poiuytrewq]

Though I spoke to a leading vet and he said there is a higher prevalence of horses who get ulcers who are out at night and in by day. It’s something to do with meaningful rest and the fact they often don’t eat for periods of time in the stable as snoozing. One of the first things he suggests people do if they have a horse who lacks energy is ask about routine and to change it to horse in at night. Likewise if you have a horse who is too energised being out helps a lot. We had a long discussion about it.

That’s interesting. I can’t leave mine out 24/7 as he once collapsed after I had to leave them out for a week (new concrete on the yard)

 

[ycbm]

Though I spoke to a leading vet and he said there is a higher prevalence of horses who get ulcers who are out at night and in by day. It’s something to do with meaningful rest and the fact they often don’t eat for periods of time in the stable as snoozing. One of the first things he suggests people do if they have a horse who lacks energy is ask about routine and to change it to horse in at night. Likewise if you have a horse who is too energised being out helps a lot. We had a long discussion about it.

That doesn't surprise me at all, it fits what I was thinking with my earlier post about getting enough to eat during the day.

 

[Bobthecob15]

Though I spoke to a leading vet and he said there is a higher prevalence of horses who get ulcers who are out at night and in by day. It’s something to do with meaningful rest and the fact they often don’t eat for periods of time in the stable as snoozing. One of the first things he suggests people do if they have a horse who lacks energy is ask about routine and to change it to horse in at night. Likewise if you have a horse who is too energised being out helps a lot. We had a long discussion about it.

That’s really interesting, ours seem to be eating non stop so far in the stable perhaps the novelty will wear off!
Definitely find they are better to ride if out overnight and less energy so that does seem to ring true.

 

[lizziebell]

Though I spoke to a leading vet and he said there is a higher prevalence of horses who get ulcers who are out at night and in by day. It’s something to do with meaningful rest and the fact they often don’t eat for periods of time in the stable as snoozing. One of the first things he suggests people do if they have a horse who lacks energy is ask about routine and to change it to horse in at night. Likewise if you have a horse who is too energised being out helps a lot. We had a long discussion about it.

Would be interesting if there’s any research into this. Given that turnout (movement, grazing, interaction with other horses) plays an important role in ulcer prevention and horses turned out at night have longer uninterrupted turnout time. It also goes without saying that as they have longer turn out time and less time stood in a stable they won‘t be as “fresh”.

 

[lauragreen85]

Hi, yard is considering changing from having the horses out in the day and stabled at night in winter to them being brought in during the day and turnout at night. My initial reaction is nope...but that's because I like to think of them being all cosy in stables at night time However I am not a horse and appreciate they might feel differently! We are all full livery.

I can see the positives...horses would spend less time indoors as only stabled say 8hrs compared to 14-16hrs, horses would be stabled ready for us to ride when we come up (assuming people rode in daylight hours as we have no lights) so less trekking to the fields to get them in, avoids having to bring in other horses if you wanted to ride if some cannot be left alone for example (we have several like this) also I think they can regulate temperature better outside?

Yard has said in the really bad weather they would come in at night and obviously need warmer rugs (many are quite fine). And hay in the fields over winter as they currently do. It is definitely advantageous for them too as it means they can get the mucking out etc done once the horses go out early evening.

Does anyone else do this? Does it work?

The more time out the better, horses will be happier

 

[myheartinahoofbeat]

I have my horses at home and have done in at night/out during the day in winter. They would be out 24/7 like they are the rest of the year, if we weren't on heavy clay. I'd never considered reversing the turnout in winter but this thread has definitely got me thinking and I'm going to try it.It's been interesting reading people's views on this. If my land can't cope then I will switch them back.

 

[Bobthecob15]

I have my horses at home and have done in at night/out during the day in winter. They would be out 24/7 like they are the rest of the year, if we weren't on heavy clay. I'd never considered reversing the turnout in winter but this thread has definitely got me thinking and I'm going to try it.It's been interesting reading people's views on this. If my land can't cope then I will switch them back.

I know its not something I would have instinctively gone for but so far the horses are very happy and settled and I'm sure appreciating less time in the stables!! Even the fussy, ulcer prone, fine, princess types!!

 

[expanding_horizon]

I’m aiming to do this, mine are currently still out over night.
I think it’s so much easier and I’ll be more inclined to ride in bad weather if the horse is already stood in and dry.
Same go’s for farrier visits, days the hunt is around and so on. It seems a no brainer to me.
I tried last year though and my riding horse at one point just said no! He’d escape every night regardless of hay. I also found they just trampled the hay in after a time so it got trashed.
This year I’ve been able to save my grazing more and hope to strip graze so they always have a bit.

I feed hay in field in netted hay hutches so can’t get trodden on, wasted or wet.

 

[myheartinahoofbeat]

I’m aiming to do this, mine are currently still out over night.
I think it’s so much easier and I’ll be more inclined to ride in bad weather if the horse is already stood in and dry.
Same go’s for farrier visits, days the hunt is around and so on. It seems a no brainer to me.
I tried last year though and my riding horse at one point just said no! He’d escape every night regardless of hay. I also found they just trampled the hay in after a time so it got trashed.
This year I’ve been able to save my grazing more and hope to strip graze so they always have a bit.

Having read this thread, I'm thinking about it too. Just wondering whether I want to be mucking out in the evening though, I'd rather get jobs done in the morning or is that just because I'm used to doing it that way!!

 

[expanding_horizon]

Having read this thread, I'm thinking about it too. Just wondering whether I want to be mucking out in the evening though, I'd rather get jobs done in the morning or is that just because I'm used to doing it that way!!

If you want to muck out in the morning before bringing in?

 

[PinkvSantaboots]

I have my horses at home and have done in at night/out during the day in winter. They would be out 24/7 like they are the rest of the year, if we weren't on heavy clay. I'd never considered reversing the turnout in winter but this thread has definitely got me thinking and I'm going to try it.It's been interesting reading people's views on this. If my land can't cope then I will switch them back.

I don't have loads of grazing so I play it by ear if it's really wet and muddy they come in at night then I just let them have the odd night out and it works fine.

 

[SilverLinings]

Though I spoke to a leading vet and he said there is a higher prevalence of horses who get ulcers who are out at night and in by day. It’s something to do with meaningful rest and the fact they often don’t eat for periods of time in the stable as snoozing. One of the first things he suggests people do if they have a horse who lacks energy is ask about routine and to change it to horse in at night. Likewise if you have a horse who is too energised being out helps a lot. We had a long discussion about it.

That's really interesting (I mean that sincerely) as I was told the complete opposite by a vet from the practice I use; she said horses stabled overnight were more likely to get ulcers than those stabled during the day as they tend to go longer between human visits when in overnight so a lot go without food for several hours, either because their human doesn't give enough or because their calorie intake has to be restricted (e.g. obese, laminitis risk etc) and it is easier to gobble hay in one go than graze quickly. She said the lack of movement also had an effect on circulation and digestion.

I haven't seen reliable evidence for either point of view so I might go on the hunt for some when I have time to look properly. It would also to be interesting to know how vigorous the research was and if there were any other variables not accounted for.

 

[expanding_horizon]

That's really interesting (I mean that sincerely) as I was told the complete opposite by a vet from the practice I use; she said horses stabled overnight were more likely to get ulcers than those stabled during the day as they tend to go longer between human visits when in overnight so a lot go without food for several hours, either because their human doesn't give enough or because their calorie intake has to be restricted (e.g. obese, laminitis risk etc) and it is easier to gobble hay in one go than graze quickly. She said the lack of movement also had an effect on circulation and digestion.

I haven't seen reliable evidence for either point of view so I might go on the hunt for some when I have time to look properly. It would also to be interesting to know how vigorous the research was and if there were any other variables not accounted for.

My understanding of the veterinary research is they horses produce less stomach acid at night than in the day, so can safely go longer without food at night than in the day.

I think the studies with held food for 12 hours, some day, some night and those withheld food in day got ulcers faster.

So vet advice if restricting is ensure have shorter periods without food day time than night time, and if heavily restricting for weight loss, feed the larger share daytime.

Never heard of a different ulcer risk stabled daytimes and out at night to the otherway round. I would think access to good forage at all times can be provided in either option. And either option could allow horse to be hungry if sufficient forage not available.

 

[SilverLinings]

That is more or less what I said to the vet when she was talking about ulcers @expanding_horizon, I can't remember how the subject came up as we met at a social function and ended up talking shop

I always check up on things that I am told if it will affect my animals (or friends/relatives) as I have found that some doctors and vets will state something as fact when it is actually just based on their individual experience (or their information has been superseded by newer discoveries). Their experience is of course a fact and valid, but it doesn't automatically mean that it is reflected throughout the veterinary/medical world.

I am a hardened cynic so never take something someone tells me at face value! Fortunately ulcers are not something I have ever had to deal with in the horses I have owned (and my horses live out 24/7 unless ill, so I don't need to worry about when to stable them).

 

[Hackback]

Mine are now out at night, in during the day. My hand was forced because one of them has skin issues the vet thinks might be due to photosensitivity. I was surprised how well they took the complete reversal of their routine. For the first few days they ate and drank loads during the day in their stables but they seem to have settled back to a normal diet now.

I was congratulating myself at the weekend that I wouldn't have to get up so early to go hunting because I wouldn't have to muck out first ... until I realised that I'd be bringing a mud monster in in the morning. As it happened hunting was cancelled but I don't know how people cope with that!

 

[Bobthecob15]

gives gou

Having read this thread, I'm thinking about it too. Just wondering whether I want to be mucking out in the evening though, I'd rather get jobs done in the morning or is that just because I'm used to doing it that way!!

I guess it means you have more time in the morning for riding etc?

Mine are now out at night, in during the day. My hand was forced because one of them has skin issues the vet thinks might be due to photosensitivity. I was surprised how well they took the complete reversal of their routine. For the first few days they ate and drank loads during the day in their stables but they seem to have settled back to a normal diet now.

I was congratulating myself at the weekend that I wouldn't have to get up so early to go hunting because I wouldn't have to muck out first ... until I realised that I'd be bringing a mud monster in in the morning. As it happened hunting was cancelled but I don't know how people cope with that!

yea this is the major downside if you are competing or going somewhere first thing in the morning