Yearling Advice

I would go for option A. Chancer from that age was brought in by himself - no other horses around but I was there. If in overnight he did have a companion.

He always goes on the trailer and to shows by himself - he has to depend on me and not other horses. Makes life so much easier for me not having a horse screaming for others and napping.

Whilst Cairo was at hospital on some days he was the only horse in the yard - not another horse in sight - he just ate his hay and went to sleep without a hint of fuss or stress.

I personally feel it is better to learn to be independant whilst young and more easy to manage than take on a big strapping 5 year old. It is also nice to know I don't have to rely on someone else bringing their horse in to keep mine company.
 
At that age they are still very young-minded and you aren't really going to be teaching them something particularly productive by making him come in every night....therefore my choice would always be, regardless of this situation, to leave youngsters out 24/7....at least until they are in their second year and about 6 months prior to them starting on their groundwork and backing.

It is the only time in their life where they have free rein to do as they please. It is the best time for them to understand they way of the herd and I think it is best for them to be out as much as possible at this vulnerable stage.

By continuing to enforce this bringing in at this age, they may inadvertently be storing up problems for the future.
 
Now you make me feel like a horrible mum for bringing him in at night from 15 months.

Though in fairness to me, he was coming in at night from when I got him as the turnout had changed over from 24 x 7 for the winter. He did have the first year living as a wild beastie though with one hell of a strict mare which has taught him to be very respectful.

He can go out with anything (as long as it is not a fighter) as I know he won't start a fight or trouble - he is as valuable as old Cairo as a nursemaid and already has a job going into the other field and looking after the mare in the yard next door when the ponies go out. He loves meeting new "folks".
 
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