winter turnout

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annabelnicholas

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Just wondering if anyone has some advice about winter turnout? Been on same livery yard for 14 yrs and always used their turnout service. Have had new 6 yr old hanoverian gelding for 5mths, he was imported from Holland and had never been turned out before so found the whole thing extremely exciting- lol- and would box walk when waiting to go out, so started to turn him out myself at 06.30 when he is fine. He has his own field and doesn't seem to mind being by himself, just wondering if I will still be ok to put him out at this time in the winter when it is frosty? am going to leave him til it is dark this week to see if ok- spend about half an hour there in morning and about three hours in the evening, evenings no prob as can be there for half four,sorry for long post but grateful for any tips!!
 
Your horse will be fine, alot of people have to turn their horses out early, also a fair few horses live out 24/7 all year round.
If you are concerned about frost induced colic or laminitis then make sure you feed a good helping of chaff or alfafa before turning out, or turn out with hay
 
That sounds fine to me, though I do agree with turning out with hay on frosty grass. As far as I know their gut needs to be slowly accustomed to the frost/cold so they don't get colic. So turning out with hay should give him some time to get used to it

Good luck
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Definately put hay out when frosty/snow though and if the grass gets short. You could also feed some sugar beet before he is turned out. My horses live out and its neve been a problem. It usually only is if the horse has limited turnout
 
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