Out 24/7 on restricted grazing? (Long)

[EnduranceAli]

Since Frayne came back to the family farm in February and then Mitzy joined the family, I have used the stables/yard/barn and various grazing areas (depending on weather/mud/where the cows are/what areas of the yard are being used etc) in different combinations. The only combination I always have access to is the stables and 2 small grazing areas next to our house (only about 1/2 acre in total - rough grazing, lots of brambles etc). However, because of my arthritis, I can find it really difficult to cope with daily mucking out - and both Frayne and my hopefully new pony (Mitzy is going back to her owner to have a foal and I am buying a friend's endurance pony - if my hubby agrees) will live out quite happily all year round. I do intend to clip them in the winter, and then they can wear rugs where necessary. However, I know that the grazing will get muddy and poached in wet weather - which I hate to see and avoid at all costs (which is why they have been in the stables a lot in the past couple of weeks or out in a barn/yard - by the way, during the winter I cannot use the barn/yard as the cows/calves will need that area). At the moment they cannot go in the barn/yard, as hubby is moving machinery in and out of the area - so they are out in the field 24/7. This is fine, as the field is dry. A friend suggested fencing off a corner of the field and using that in the winter - it will get muddy, but we can feed large bales and they will be standing in the waste off that rather than just in deep mud. I suppose I am soft and traditional, but I have got used to bringing the ponies into the stables (nice deep beds, rugs where necessary etc) and keeping them out of the mud. I also want to keep the ponies fit and riding regularly in the winter. Part of me just says keep on using the stables and carry on mucking out - the other part (and my hubby who says I do too much anyway!) says just keep them outside and they will be fine. Any advice from those who keep their ponies out 24/7 all year round (and continue to keep them fit) - particularly those with restricted/wet grazing. Thanks, Ali xx

[puzzles]

I'm all for 24/7 turnout. All horses can live out all year, happily and healthily. i remember a study where horses were turned out (i.e. warm, dry, ect) when they later found (given the choice) they chose to be inside, yet when we bring them in (i.e. cold, wet, etc) the horses preffered to remain outside. you may think they look miserable in bad weather, with their heads diwn and backs to the wind, but it is not a miserable sign but one of the hrses looking after themselves.
with company and roughage, your horses will be absaloutely fine and there is absaloutely no need to keep them in. if there is no or little natural shelter (trees, largish hedges, etc) then you will neec to provide an artificial one, however. give your horses the choice of being in or out and:
a) you may well be surprised at how much they prefer to be outside
b) you can have peace of mind knowing that they can go inside if they want to, and
c) your horses will get the best of both worlds.
if, however, the choice is between a dry, well ventilated and comfortable stable (even better with company) and with plenty of forage, versus a wet, muddy field with leaky rugs (if they are used) and gardly any food and no company, then a stable would naturally be preferable.
have a go and see how your horses fair,especially if they have any stable vices or habits/stress etc.
you'd certainly be doing the right thing.
:-)

[Cupcake]

Do your horses enjoy being outside?

It may seem to you that they'll love being inside all snug and warm, maybe they don't agree with you.

The majority of horses love being outside, providing they have a shelter of some kind to use as a windbreak.

The thing to be careful with letting them stand in mud is the prospect of hoof thrush. My pony has that very very badly right now, just because of the huge amount of mud she insists on standing in.