Who is turning their horse away for winter?

[Cornish on the Cob]

Basically I am still nervous riding even though my 4 year old mare is one in a million! I thought maybe turn her away for winter and concentrate on getting to know her on the ground as I've only had her 7 months. Then in the spring, start again with RI from scratch. Everything seems to be against me riding at the moment, eg windy weather, 2 new horses in our field which are making ours unsettled etc. Is this a good idea?

 

[Miss L Toe]

If she does not have a stable it can be quite difficult in the winter, you can keep her ticking over by riding out at weekends, and over your holidays, but if that does not appeal to you, just keep her in the field.
Maybe someone will be willing to go out hacking with you, otherwise wait till spring, the only problem is that she won't be very fit, so you will need to start her with 20 to 30 minute walks, rather than lessons. Or you can ask your instructor to show you how to long rein and lunge, so that she is getting a bit fitter before you ride her, and you are getting to know her character.
Even if she is stabled at night, it is part of her education to walk to and from the field in a mannerly way, and to behave in the stable, while you give her a light grooming [assuming she is rugged].
A four year old is still on the learning curve, but she has to be obedient to your commands, which must be simple and consistent, if you have a good instructor, you can ask for advice, and make a plan for her and you, it is not all about riding and aids at this stage. The most important thing is that you enjoy the learning process.

 

[millitiger]

I have turned away my 5yro for the winter.

He is still quite immature and gangly (he is 17.3hh) and can be sharp and sensitive to ride so not suitable to try and keep him ticking over just on weekends and winter weather is not helpful with a sharp, fresh and underworked youngster!

I am turning him away until March, when I will be able to ride after work again and I will crack on again with consistent work and training under saddle.

He has been out for 2 weeks now with his old companion and is already feral and very happy with a big rug, lots of haylage and a buddy to run around with!

 

[Cornish on the Cob]

I go up every morning to feed and groom and my friend at the yard is going to ride her once a week for me. She is currently out 24/7 but I have a stable for bad weather etc. I just feel that while my nerves are here, I would like to build my confidence on the ground with her.

 

[Supertrooper]

Yep, we've turned ours away, out 24/7 and checked twice a day. Just don't have time to ride in winter and don't really enjoy going out in the cold/wind/wet. We don't have a school and don't like using field when it starts to get wet xx

 

[pinkypug1]

My mare has been out 24/7 since middle of 2010 due to her & I both being in foal, she still gets lots of attention & shes never seemed happier. Even in the driving hail shes stands out in the middle of the field quite happy with her pals. I do hope to get her back in & fittened up for competing again in the spring & hope the break will have done her the world of good. I especially think a break out is good for youngsters to relax and chill for a few months, & winter is a horrid time to try and put work into a baby if you've no indoor etc.