Dumb question??

Dizzy Woo

Dizzy Woo

Well-Known Member
Apr 20, 2008
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We have our own little 'herd' of 6, they live out 24/7 on about 2.5 acres, about two miles away from our house, (I hate leaving them every evening) they have two field shelters which the dominant two monopolise. Obviously this is not ideal for them, there is not enough room and they are churning up what was a couple of lovely padocks now the weather is damper.
We are lucky enough to probably be moving home so we can have the 'herd' with us on our own land - whoopee- :D
Any how the place we have found has 7 acres of paddocks and four stables, my husband wants to stable a couple of them every night, he beleives they will be happier, but I think they are happy enough out 24/7 grazing and just being together - its what they are used to. Am I thick? I think its great to have the stables at hand if needed, but arn't they gonna be happier out, and if not how do I discern who to give a stable to? :confused:
 
What breed/type are they? What size are the stables in relation to the horses? I really need a bit more info to be of much help!
 
I would say if they are happy with their current 24/7 arrangement, no need to stable..stables will be great in case of emergency, but they are outdoor animals capable of living out. Much happier that way I would have thought.
 
outs better if thats what there used to plus depends on breed? Ours are out but when weather turns nasty we have big stables and put them in in pairs so they always have thier closest buddy with them.Works well and they seem happy with the haynets and friend in with them:D x
 
cassie crazy said:
What breed/type are they? What size are the stables in relation to the horses? I really need a bit more info to be of much help!
Click to expand...

3 stables are 12x12 and 1 is 15x12,
'Herd' - 1 section a 11.2hh, 1 nf x section b 12.2hh, 1 section b 14hh(beautiful), 1nf x cob 14,2hh (gelding), 1 haffy 14hh, 1 mw irish draft 16hh (gelding).
I think the little section a was stabled for the first couple of years of her life but we have had her for a year now, she does seem to be the most delicate, but is rugged up now and she hates it if she is not with her field mates.
When we got our haffy she had been mistreated and had been kept in a trailer, she was really thin - not the case now- she just looks at grass and puts on weight but she does get the most exercise and that keeps her ok. I think that may be why she was locked up to keep her off the grass.
They are all so close especially the four mares, the thought of them being put in seperate 'bedrooms' dont sit right wiv me.
 
I would leave them out apart from really cold/snow. Then I would put the 11.2 and the 12.2 together and the others in a stable each.
 
What about an elderly horse?

Which begs me to ask: What about an older horse, about 20 years old, who is not used to being out? Yes, it's the old gentleman, Chief. He has about 8 acres to run around in and a small barn where he can get in out of the elements if he wants to. If he has a blanket on, will he be OK this winter?:confused:
 
My 20yr old mare (and and old 20 at that) is in for the first time tonight. If Chief has access to shelter then I would leave him out.
 
I would rug if needed and leave out if you can bear the filth! Mine is much more relaxed and it's natural, isn't it, to leave horses in a herd so they can socialise etc. It's the 'ideal' situation and you don't have any finer horses that would drop weight quickly. Good luck with the move-my dream!:)
 
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