Winter turn-out paddocks

metalmare

metalmare

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Sorry I've posted a couple of questions on here regarding the new livery yard, but I don't want to get under the owner's feet asking too many questions.

That's where you helpful bunch come in :-)

Due to the wet weather the horses at this yard are still on a couple of mud paddocks that are used during winter.

I'm not mad on horses being stood in a stable all day, myself, and would rather turn-out. But nobody at the yard provides hay for their horses while turned out (it's electric fencing, so nowhere to hang hay nets and I guess it would get quickly trampled into the mud and wasted).

But it really is mud with only a few threadbare strands of grass and due to my working hours the pony has to be out all day or not at all. It's a long time with really little to eat and he was clearly unhappy when he came in tonight. I know this is only for a couple of weeks until the summer paddocks dry out but I'm more inclined to keep him in where he at least has his hay.

Is this sort of turn-out usual practise (not including starvation cases).

Sorry, I've only really kept ponies at grass before, so this side of horse keeping is new to me.

Thanks.
 
Unfortunatley my horses are still in their winter paddocks aswell and yes it is muddy and so is my liveries i cant get access to the summer fields as they are flooded but I do have a menage they can be exercised on etc. There isnt much grass as the girls have churned it up well and truly after only 8 weeks and yes it is really muddy at gatesways etc but to be honest with the weather we haev had im surprised its not been worse. Winter turnout for me personally is not about grazing its about your horses not going off there heads being stuck in 24 hours a day and if you need to feed them extra haylage when they come in then thats absolutely fine by me Ill even top it up and double check their water if I dont think they'll have enough till morning on my last check around at night.
 
its common practice but could you feed hay in a big bucket. i did this for my mare in the field to stop her trampling it
 
I don't think I've been around long enough to suggest any alterations such as posts, much as it is a simple solution.

I'll ask if I can feed from a bucket for now; obvious idea, thank you.

I'm sure that won't be a problem. It's been really upsetting me today, the thought of him being hungry, but I really want him out... Tomorrow he can have the best of both worlds.
 
It is common practice on many yards. If its practical you could always ask the other owners if they want to put hay out, but if no-one is already chances are they don't want to. Any chance you could make an arrangement with someone else on the yard whos there in the middle of the day?
 
He was brought in midday earlier in the week. Today was the first time he was out all day, which was what really brought it home to me how grumpy he was!
 
be careful if putting hay in a bucket - great if there is only yours trying to eat from it but if he is with other horses it could cause upset and a few scuffles !

sorry to put a dampner on it - if you have min 1 bucket per horse and spread them out you should be ok
 
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