Turnout in wet weather

[horsemad]

Do you think it is better to turn horses out every day, even if it is pouring with rain (which it quite often is in this part of the world!)?

I never know what to do for the best - some people at my yard don't like to put their horses out if it is wet, but I hate to think of the horses stuck in their stables all day. So - in or out? Or does it depend on the individual horse - are some happy to be out in all weathers and others prefer to be in a dry stable?

[Mehitabel]

it does depend in the horse, but in my experience 99% of them are happier out. with a decent waterproof rug and enough to eat, they really don't notice the wet. remember they have that waterproof fur - dig your fingers into the long winter coat on a wet day and you'll see that the dense under-fur is dry, even when it's wet on top. all of ours go out for at least a few hours, then we check them at lunchtime and bring in any who are waiting at the gate looking miserable.

[Kerry's Partner]

I commend your horse-empathy. It was really brilliant to read about how you care for them - I wonder how many others do the same?

[KarinUS]

Ours are turned out all the time- unless it's really horrid (wet, windy, AND cold for example).
They do get their blankets put on when they need them and there are also run in shelters in the field.
They are used to being out so I think they'd get kind of restless in their stalls.

[Mehitabel]

cheers sandra. i have been very lucky in having a yard owner who would bend over backwards for any of the horses in her care, and has always taught me to do the same. if i have half the empathy and feeling that she has i shall be happy with myself. so i try to spread the word on here and other boards!

[Tootsie4U]

Our horses are turned out 24/7 (well, most of them) and they have run-in sheds. Its the middle of winter here, so if it freezes rains, the horses go in their shelter. In the other months, the horses just stand in the rain, and dont mind it.

I think the horse knows best. As long as they have an option to go to shelter, they can take care of themselves in this way :)

[Kerry's Partner]

Well it is really appreciated - it's good to share such ideas in the hope that others will take them up.

Thanks very much.

Sandra

[Wally]

There is wet weather, then there is wet weather with force 11 winds!

Ours stay out in ordinary rain, you know, the stuff that falls in verticle drops, when it is coming at you like a sand blaster horizontally, and been doing it all day we let them into the indoor school for a break from it, a lie down in the dry and some feed in peace.

Even my old Haflinger who is 30 will go out every day in all weathers except blizzards and storm force 11-12 winds. He might only be out for 2 hourse, but at least he has been out and a bout.

I would like to have field shelters but open sheds would blow away, or loose the roof first winter.

[Kerry's Partner]

Yep that's empathy for the horse - you gotta consider the climate haven't you!!!!!!!!!

[Horsey Bird]

I cant believe how few liveries offer winter turnout. OK I know there is the field-churning issue and then theres the dreaded mudfever, but it amazes me that it could be so hard to find decent turnout.

I was recently looking at liveries and called or visited 10-12 places. Of those only a handful had any winter turnout, and most had it severely limited.

Then this weekend i was lucky enough to find the ideal livery yard.....what swung it for me was the sight of this black cob coming in from the field who'd obviously had a good ole roll in the mud. Every inch of him was covered in dirt, even his eyelashes were caked. It was such a funny sight. His owner didnt know where to start with the clean-up operation !!

Thats where my horse will be kept!

[galadriel]

Hee. I went out this afternoon and Kat had mud circles around her eyes. Silly mare :) Should've had a camera.

I think horses are happiest with space to roam, whatever the weather. Given the opportunity, mine are out 24/7. I think a 24/7 pasture with run-in sheds is probably ideal in most climes.

However, some horses have a sensitivity to moisture. Some horses NEED to be out of the mud at times, for the sake of their hooves; in an extremely wet season, such horses would need to come in for at least part of the time. Some horses are very susceptible to rain-rot, and when out in the rain can come down with it quickly; such horses should either have a very effective rain cover, or be brought in from the rain (if they won't stay under shelter). I honestly have no experience with "mud-fever" which is mentioned on here reasonably frequently, but I imagine it causes special considerations too.

Still, I'd so much rather have as much turnout as possible :)

[Sparkle]

More than half our horses are always outside, with run-ins or outdoor stalls to which they can come and go as they please. The others have shelter when they go out, wether it be a run-in or a thick roof of trees. If any of the horses are waiting at the gate or looking cold/miserable, we bring them in. Usually on days when it is completely pouring all day, etc. we will bring them in a bit early so they can dry off, and some owners will bring in their horses early if they think it is necessary.

[Cathy Reynolds]

Out whenever possible because horses are herd animals and need contact with field mates. We have some strawed hard standing areas for when the fields are like glue (as at present) particularly for Benny with his locking stifles (which are now well under control as long as he is kept warm and out of cloying mud). They get brought in if they 'ask'.

[DebO]

Out no matter what the weather is. If you were to spy on them in horrible weather chances are they will be grazing when you would expect them to be up against a bush for shelter.

Obviously if they look miserable and are stood there shivering because it is a constant downpour, then they should come in.

Too many people wrap their horses up in cotton wool.

I bring 2 horses in for a Dr each day, if its raining I can guarantee they will be in the stable when I turn up. I wonder why one of them has vices! When they are out they are only out until lunch time.

[jenna_horse]

I think much of this is dependant of the breed, if they are Mountain and Moorland, there is not reason why they shouldn't be out 24/7, after all that is what they are designed for, others can quite happily live out with rugs (varying thicknesses of course). Horses are animals requiring freedom. They don't want to be locked up in a little 12x12 stable living on dry hay. They want to be out in the field rolling in the mud, munching on their grass and with plenty of space and air. They have got woolly coats remember! We may be skin and boe, but they are skin, bone AND hair! hair all over their bodies! Think of the warmth! Their hair is designed to allow water to run straight off it. I have a 33-year old 11.2hh Welshie. He was diagnosed May 2001 with poisoning... thus he has eventual liver and kidney failure. The vet gave him only months to live. But he is still with us, sparky as ever. We have him in by night because we have trouble keeping weight on him due to his condition and he gets cold easily. But WHATEVER the weather, he creates if he isn't put out at the break of dawn. Ponies know what is best for them, and although many like to be mollycoddled, it is often best for them to be toughened up a bit. Think of the pony, think of how they were designed. They are designed to withstand the elements. I'm sure you'll come to the right decision in the end. I know other people have different arguements, but this is just my opinion.

Jenna xx

[tarkia]

Most horses seem to be much happier when out in the field with their pals. Ok some horses like thoroughbreds etc seem to like their warm stables better but most medium built & native horses/ponies just love the field. Make sure they have a warm shelter or some trees, even better with a rug too.:p

[galadriel]

Originally posted by tarkia
Ok some horses like thoroughbreds etc seem to like their warm stables better [...]

Now, now, we've been through this one before ;P The TB's can be out there, fuzzy and happy, just as much as the woolly cobs!

[horsemad]

Thanks for the replies - I must say your views pretty much reflect what I thought. I try to turn my horse out as much as possible, although I don't have control of whether she goes out or not during the week.

It doesn't seem to bother my horse if she is kept stabled for the odd day - I think it annoys me more than her! Although during a particularly bad spell of weather recently, she was kept in for a number of days, and she was definitely in a grumpy mood!

[Appaloosa]

I believe that turnout is vital for the physical and mental stability of your horses. Although the yard that i'm at insists that horses are in during the winter my own horse always has 8-12hrs turnout a day. In the summer he is out all the time.

Horses are born to live outside and I think more owners should respect this. It encourages natural behavior, such as foraging grooming, herd hieracy, pair bonding etc. It lets the horse be horse if that makes sense.

I suggest that you continue to turn your horses out in wet conditions, unless it is very intense and exposed, or if the horses want to be in (hanging around the gate etc).

To me the more turnout the better, and the more we are giving the horse what he wants and desires.

X - A - X

[jenna_horse]

Well said Appaloosa!! :D I totally agree!