Tips on getting an oldie out 24/7

[EnduranceAli]

I struggle with mucking out (I have arthritis), so really want to get the ponies out 24/7. I have a hairy Exmoor mare (who obviously should be out 24/7) and an elderly (33) Sec A gelding, Gambit. They have been coming in at night since September - staying in all the time if it is very wet (I have had use of a large barn area, as well as my stables). This has worked out well, but it is hard work for me and now the ponies are reluctant to come in at night (I have to walk down the field to get them, rather than them waiting at the gate for me). I thought this meant that they wanted to stay out, so last week (before the really cold nights came) I turned them back out again after their 'tea'. However, the next morning (where there was a light ground frost), Gambit was very stiff (he has arthritis) and walked very slowly in for his breakfast. Once in his stable he didn't want to go out again (very unusual for him), but I did persuade him as it was going to be a sunny/mild day. Since then I have brought them in at night, and Gambit is back to his slightly stiff/but energetic self. Last night they were both reluctant to come in, so is now the time to try keeping them out again? Eventually they will have another field with a shelter, which will be ideal. Gambit is well rugged and has a thick coat.

Ali xx

[Soot]

Rambo is 25 and moved from part-stable (night and rough days) to 24/7 on 13th January. I've been supplementing his feed with sunflower oil and devil's relief + his feed has added glucosamine. I think a cortaflex type mix or even no-bute or something like that might be the best thing for Gambit. It might also be that he loosens up after a few nights out so long as he is nice and snug.

[Joyscarer]

Although I'm a big fan of 24/7 turnout it isn't always what the horse needs.

Still I know well enough from your previous posts that you are in touch with your horses needs and will adjust what you do as required to suit them.

I'd love to read to progress reports as to how all this goes given Gambit's age :)

[EnduranceAli]

Last night I was getting their stables ready and left the gate open to the field. It was my Exxie who came up to the yard to see where her tea was, and Gambit only came when he realised he was out in the field by himself! It is a lot milder here today, and Gambit has a new even warmer turnout rug - so I may well try them out tonight.

Will start a new thread on suggestions on feeding Gambit.

Ali xx

ps Will let you all know how it goes.

[EnduranceAli]

Well, it is milder here - but was very windy last night, and the ponies literally ambushed me as I came across the field and got to the gate before me :rolleyes: That was obviously a sign that they aren't ready to stay out 24/7, so I will continue with bringing them in at night until spring is definitely with us.

Ali xx

[Joyscarer]

Well, it is milder here - but was very windy last night, and the ponies literally ambushed me as I came across the field and got to the gate before me :rolleyes: That was obviously a sign that they aren't ready to stay out 24/7, so I will continue with bringing them in at night until spring is definitely with us.

Ali xx

I knew it, you know your horses well and are ready and open to listen to them. You're the perfect owner imho :)

[blues mum]

Dusty lives out 24/7 but he hates to be stabled.
I had to take a long hard look at his feed when he was retired and think what supplements I could afford to keep him on ( while this may seem mean he was actually a loan horse who has just " stayed " with me )
his arthritis has been much better this year, and he gets corn oil and powdered ginger.
He has actually not needed any pain relief.
I do find however it flares up in any sort of tempreture change, eg when it turns warm it flares up again for a week or so.