EnduranceAli
10th Oct 2006, 11:27 AM
I am keeping Frayne (12.2hh registered Exmoor mare - 7 years old, but literally only been ridden for the past year - overweight when she arrived and still has weight to lose) out 24/7 at the moment. She has only been exercised in-hand so far (due to lack of saddle) and already sweats up a bit after hillwork and a bit of trotting (she is growing the typical Exmoor winter coat). She is barefoot and coping ok with daily roadwork/stoney tracks - but I will get her shod if she needs it. Nothing to eat apart from grass and occasional apple/carrot. For now I plan to continue with this, and gradually increase her exercise level. I can't imagine her ever losing so much weight that additional feed will be obviously required - but should I think of introducing something high-fibre and low energy in the coming months? I want to ensure that she gets the correct nutrients etc. She will be fed haylage out in the field once the grass stops growing! I intend to do pleasure rides, local shows etc with her - even dressage, western riding and driving is planned for the future!
Over the next few weeks I will see whether she needs a bib clip - and then perhaps a more radical clip if that is not enough when she has her full winter woolies (probably just a low trace clip). I would prefer to keep her unrugged most of the time (perhaps just a lightweight turnout to keep her back dry). Would she be ok with a bib clip out 24/7 (bearing in mind the strong coastal 'winds' we have)? If she was clipped more, then I would introduce a warmer rug and possibly use a stable in worse weather.
So many questions!
Ali xx
Over the next few weeks I will see whether she needs a bib clip - and then perhaps a more radical clip if that is not enough when she has her full winter woolies (probably just a low trace clip). I would prefer to keep her unrugged most of the time (perhaps just a lightweight turnout to keep her back dry). Would she be ok with a bib clip out 24/7 (bearing in mind the strong coastal 'winds' we have)? If she was clipped more, then I would introduce a warmer rug and possibly use a stable in worse weather.
So many questions!
Ali xx