winter turnout

[juevans]

Im going to turn my 3yr old welsh c gelding out for the winter, he as been out 24/7 all summer but will have to move to another farm for the winter I just have a few questions that Im hoping can be answered
Would I need to give him a bucket feed or not?
Would he be better with or without a rug ? as his fly rugs over summer he as managed to rip and riddle out of
so rather concerned that a rug would be dangerous his overall condition is good at present all opinions appreciated

 

[KarynK]

He's a native so he should be fine out without too much supplementary feeding. As long as you have a good quality forage he shouldnt need much else, if you wanted to make sure he has everything he needs, feed a small amount of balancer that is designed for a forage diet or provide a mineral lick.

If the field has good shelter then he should be fine without rugging. I would get a good quality lightweight that does not need leg straps, horseware rhino pony or similar that will fit well and not move, then you can use that if the weather turns wet.

The advantages to rugging are, rainscald prevention and to prevent heat loss so you do not have to feed too much. In cold dry weather they have their coat it's only when it's wet or wet and cold that they get very cold.

Hope that helps

 

[ElliePippa]

Would defo rug

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[Cahill]

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Would defo rug

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i would not rug at 1st, the pony will grow a coat to suit himself.
i would reveiw the situation with regards to the pony`s weight but he should be able to cope ok and youngsters are best without things to get tangled up in.
if the pony has good grazing and/or hay he will keep warm from the inside.

perhaps a small token feed each day so he has a routine and does not forget how to be handled.

 

[ofcourseyoucan]

if you are not going to be riding him i would leave him naked. he was bred to live half way up a mountain so will grow a big coat, and they dont shrink in rain! if you go up when its ben wet and part hiscoat i bet he is dry underneath. Add lib hay or haylage plus grazing should suffice, but you could give him a little something as it will make you feel better! bringing horses into a stable is a human thing not an equine choice!

 

[Ellies_mum2]

I have a 13 month old Sec D x and I'm not planning on rugging her at all if I can help it. We are changing fields end of October/ beginning of November to the Winter field. They'll be fed big bale hay and feed if necessary. The baggage will have a token feed to make sure she has all the vits etc she needs

Her winter coat is just starting to make an appearance now - getting fluffy