Randonneuse
Well-Known Member
(please move if wrong section)
I know it is not possible for everyone BUT just would like to tell you about my experience with my 14hh pony Haflinger x Anglo Arab!
Pony is 17 year old, I've owned him since he was 4 (and will have him for life).
I brought him over to the UK in May last year. (I'm from France originally)
I've only ever hacked with him.
Since he is in the UK, I ride him 4 days/week in Winter(sharer does 2 days/week), 6 days/week in Summer.
He has lived out 24/7 all his life, has never been in a stable and do not wear rugs! (I know I'm sooo mean but we don't really do rugs in France!)
Anyway...in France we don't do dentist (not where I used to live, in the middle of nowhere in the mountains!) and for the first time last week in 17 years he had a check up from a dentist.
He was very good and the dentist said his teeth/mouth etc were perfect!!!
He only rasped his teeth a bit but that's all.
I asked the dentist why and he said it's because Pony is 24/7 out in the most natural environment I could give him and grazing as all horses should be doing for the most part of their day.
He doesn't get any feeds either except for hay in the Winter.
My friend who is an Equine touch practitioner did some Equine touch on my Pony as I wanted to see how it "works" and make sure Pony doesn't have any problems.
She said it is very rare when she sees a horse with no problems at all on his body!
And again...because he is kept out 24/7!
In the Summer I set up a small Paddock paradise as Pony likes getting fat but at least he has the freedom of moving and not being stuck in a stable!
I don't own my land (unfortunately!) but he is kept at a DIY farm and the farmer doesn't mind how I keep Pony
(He is also very well balanced, barefoot and ridden bitless!)
I probably have bored you to death but just wanted to show you how good it is for the health of your horse to be out all year around!
Comments welcome
I know it is not possible for everyone BUT just would like to tell you about my experience with my 14hh pony Haflinger x Anglo Arab!
Pony is 17 year old, I've owned him since he was 4 (and will have him for life).
I brought him over to the UK in May last year. (I'm from France originally)
I've only ever hacked with him.
Since he is in the UK, I ride him 4 days/week in Winter(sharer does 2 days/week), 6 days/week in Summer.
He has lived out 24/7 all his life, has never been in a stable and do not wear rugs! (I know I'm sooo mean but we don't really do rugs in France!)
Anyway...in France we don't do dentist (not where I used to live, in the middle of nowhere in the mountains!) and for the first time last week in 17 years he had a check up from a dentist.
He was very good and the dentist said his teeth/mouth etc were perfect!!!
He only rasped his teeth a bit but that's all.
I asked the dentist why and he said it's because Pony is 24/7 out in the most natural environment I could give him and grazing as all horses should be doing for the most part of their day.
He doesn't get any feeds either except for hay in the Winter.
My friend who is an Equine touch practitioner did some Equine touch on my Pony as I wanted to see how it "works" and make sure Pony doesn't have any problems.
She said it is very rare when she sees a horse with no problems at all on his body!
And again...because he is kept out 24/7!
In the Summer I set up a small Paddock paradise as Pony likes getting fat but at least he has the freedom of moving and not being stuck in a stable!
I don't own my land (unfortunately!) but he is kept at a DIY farm and the farmer doesn't mind how I keep Pony
(He is also very well balanced, barefoot and ridden bitless!)
I probably have bored you to death but just wanted to show you how good it is for the health of your horse to be out all year around!
Comments welcome
