Whos horses live out 24/7 all year round......

Hayz · #1 23rd Apr 2008, 10:23 AM

and dont fizzle away?? Got to move horsey...........again

.......... and can leave her 24/7 out 364 days a year.......... but will she fizzle away????

*taz* · #2 23rd Apr 2008, 10:28 AM

mine lives out all year round!

what do you mean by fizzle? im blonde lol!

Mehitabel · #3 23rd Apr 2008, 10:30 AM

does she look like she is in the process of fizzling away?
http://historicalfact.com/~es/pony%20pictures/petal.jpg

i believe that provided there is enough space for the amount of horses in the field, shelter, enough hay put out in winter, and the field is well draining enough that they can get out of the mud, out all the time keeps them healthier both mentally and physically.

it's my 'default' preference if the horse can cope with it - some do prefer staying in but in my experience with the right field and management they are firmly in the minority.

*Sez* · #4 23rd Apr 2008, 10:31 AM

Mine has done this year

He's a poor-doer TB and loses weight at the drop of a hat. He isn't looking 100%, because he hasn't been worked in five or six months, so has lost some muscle tone, and he lost some weight after he went unfed while I was on holiday for a week

but aside from that, with good rug management and regular weight and feed reviews, he's done pretty well and I'm considering keeping him out next winter as well.

molly34 · #5 23rd Apr 2008, 10:33 AM

What do you mean by fizzle away?

If you mean fade away or drop weight, my girl actually put a bit of weight ON to start with because I was paranoid about her dropping any and overcompensated! She's in a herd with some finer ponies and TB types, and they've all wintered fine - most horses can stay out with the right rugging and feeding.

If you mean fizz up, they're all having the odd bonkers moment with the spring grass coming through, but its not a big deal... just makes life more interesting

SO1 · #6 23rd Apr 2008, 10:52 AM

My pony has to live out he refuses to be stabled as he jumps out even with ad lib hay and no he has not fizzled away at all. He is well rugged and gets hay in field and has companions.

This is a picture taken off him in the winter.

angelfben · #7 23rd Apr 2008, 10:56 AM

My boy has just gone bakc out 24/7 after being stabled overnight for the last couple of years. He's positively offended at the idea "What mummy?? No nice stable with big thick bed, 3 variety's of stable toy, big haynet and stable licks???"

But he'll soon get used to it again and I think it's better for them physically and mentally.

This is what he looked liked when he was out 24/7 in the past.. I'd recommend rugging in muddy weather

jazzybear · #8 23rd Apr 2008, 11:01 AM

My pony lives out. She is rugged if the weather is really bad, and gets hay.

My friend has 2 TB's and a Welsh D who all live out all yaer round, unrugged. They are fat if anything! They are given hay in winter though, but they all look fab.

As long as you keep an eye on her at all times, and check her weight regularly and adjust feed /rugs etc accordingly, im sure she will be fine x

minihorse · #9 23rd Apr 2008, 11:10 AM

Hi all my horses have lived out and have all been fine.As long as you check
them .for cuts bumps etc and they have good shelter water and fed
hayed etc....Most stay healther .............

LinzCos · #10 23rd Apr 2008, 11:20 AM

Mine are out all the time and hate being kept in. The cob and Shetland are fat despite being on limited grass and no hard food. The TBX is out naked for the first time too this year - she hates having rugs on. She has still kept her weight on and is much more relaxed too.

Tasel · #11 23rd Apr 2008, 11:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by angelfben

He's positively offended at the idea "What mummy?? No nice stable with big thick bed, 3 variety's of stable toy, big haynet and stable licks???"

But he'll soon get used to it again and I think it's better for them physically and mentally.

That made me laugh! Little pampered boy!!!

capalldubh · #12 23rd Apr 2008, 11:29 AM

Jackson is a m/w TBxID type and lives out all year round. He copes fine with all weather and grows a good coat, so isn't rugged unless it's forecast for rain and gales, or heavy rain for more than a few hours. The only thing that hasn't held up well this year are his tootsies, which this winter suffered from the waterlogged field. Looking at getting some hardstanding for next winter to get around that problem

He lives in a herd in a 20 acre field with woods and bushes for shelter. He gets more feed than the others (nativey types) but even so it's just two lots of speedibeet and vits etc daily.

ETA he is a pretty relaxed and laid back boy, if he was a bit of a stresser, he might not cope so well (but then I think I'd just rug a bit more...)

Jenbee · #13 23rd Apr 2008, 11:31 AM

My little one is living out 24/7 and is getting to be a little fatty! Most horses generally keep weight on better living out as long as theyre warm enough ive found x

Hayz · #14 23rd Apr 2008, 11:38 AM

Hiya

Its 9 (10 if she went) on 24acres of meant to be really good grazing.

She is a rising 6 ISH.

By fizzle i was being silly I just meant not waste away

angelfben- lol that will probably be her.

I am going this weekend to look round and if suitable I think I will try it. She live out in summer anyway and loves it. It will be easier for me too!

Mehitabel · #15 23rd Apr 2008, 11:48 AM

that sounds great. the only thing i'd make sure to check is that you can have a stable for emergencies - if she cuts herself or is ill or anything. is there a yard that you can bring her in to for tacking up, grooming, farrier etc?

Kizza07 · #16 23rd Apr 2008, 11:55 AM

I have 4 horses that live out 24/7 all year round!!!

I think its better for them, because they dont have as much fizz when you go to ride them!
They do get quite a bit dirty, but with decent rugs, you will be fine!! Just so long as you have some type of shelter for when it rains!

Hayz · #17 23rd Apr 2008, 11:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mehitabel

that sounds great. the only thing i'd make sure to check is that you can have a stable for emergencies - if she cuts herself or is ill or anything. is there a yard that you can bring her in to for tacking up, grooming, farrier etc?

Im not to sure about tacking up ect. I would assume so as the lady said they all ride alot. There are stables but its a different yard to the field. Hmmm really need to look at it first, I am starting to rather like the idea of ot now though!

capalldubh · #18 23rd Apr 2008, 11:56 AM

Quote:

By fizzle i was being silly I just meant not waste away

Jackson is just 6 - I've had him since he was 4 and he's lived out because I value my life

Given the choice, I would happily offer to ride a 4 year old who lived out over a 10 year old who lived in! All of his fizz, he works off in the field - he is a big laid back happy go lucky lad when ridden because he's able to move around, run and play in the field. Having said that, we have been having slightly more bounce than usual the last few weeks with the spring grass (but it's manageable bounce

).

Kizza07 · #19 23rd Apr 2008, 11:57 AM

As far as tacking up goes, i wouldnt worry too much!!

I just pop the bridle on first, put the reins over his neck and pop the saddle on, he just stands, although you might have different problems!

They are usually pretty good, and im also a paddock rider!! I have no menage!

Black Beastie · #20 23rd Apr 2008, 12:18 PM

My boy lives out as much as possible but when the fields get wet over my way they really flodd so sometimes he has to come in for the sake of his feet.

He only cam in for about a maximum of a week or two this year as the weather has been colder and the ground harder. I think he enjoyed it more than being in TBH and he did very well this year not being a good doer!!

I would recommend it!!!

Nikki xxxx