???Turnout???

[Ponymad1369]

Hi, so on the yard where I'm at we haven't had any turnout at all since end of October and we're not expecting to get it back until April/May because the ground is so wet. My pony is a good doer but he's at his optimum weight at the moment and he's a 12hh Welsh X so how would you reintroduce him to turnout when we do (eventually) get it back. Thanks.

 

[meesha]

Honestly I would move yards, everyone is restricted on turnout at the moment but to have none for so long is really not acceptable in my book. You need weight off now before spring hits exercise and soaking hay will help. When you do turnout I would make sure hay is available and grass not too lush and possibly use grazing muzzle. Introduce any change gradually.

 

[Ponymad1369]

All the yards around where I'm at are like this and the one I'm on isn't half as bad as others locally it really is the best I can do.
So should I make it so he's a bit underweight? And would you put him on restricted grazing with a muzzle or just use a muzzle? Also would you only put him out during the night/day or just 24/7???

 

[WandaMare]

If he has been off grazing for so long I would build up gradually, from one hour to a couple and then build from there.

 

[Ponymad1369]

Yep that's great thank you.