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Discussion on Sporadic Turnout | |
Author | Message |
Member: beckettj |
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2010 - 3:39 pm: The management of my boarding stable is very inconsistent with turnout. If the weather looks the least bit too hot (over 85 degrees F) or too cold (under 20 degrees F), if there's a chance of rain - not even thunderstorms, just rain, or snow, or if the pastures are the least bit wet or muddy, there is no turnout. Last winter, the horses weren't turned out at all from December through February.In the past year, at least 5 horses in our barn - including mine - out of a total of 20 have sustained ligament injuries, mainly front or rear suspensory tears or lesions. Our vets seem to believe the injuries occurred during turnout for the most part. My question, is sporadic turnout just as bad or worse than no turnout at all? There are a number of us who feel that it's unreasonable to keep horses in when conditions are not optimal, but reasonable. None of us wants our horses out in 20 below zero weather, nor in ankle deep mud, but this isn't what's happening. We believe that horses should be turned out for at least 2 hours a day, unless conditions are dangerous for our horses, because if they're not, their tendons, ligaments, muscles, etc. aren't being used and fitness and flexibility suffer. I'm interested in what the group thinks - although I think I know the answer. Thanks! |
Moderator: DrO |
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2010 - 6:34 pm: Hello Janice,It is not clear that such a schedule as you describe actually increases the incidence of muscoskeletal tissues in the adult. I can think of such regimens that are employed yet do not seem to lead to increase problems. The most extreme with the most stall time yet has the most strenuous work load would seem to me to be TB race tracks. During the whole racing season these horses are stalled when not being worked with no turn out time at all. One ameliorating factor is that most of them are worked daily for 5 days a week but no turnout. Then again this does not disprove your supposition and even somewhat supported by the observation that following prolonged rests for injury horses are at greatest danger for reinjury when first turned back out. I too believe that horses should be out just as much as is practical and we use 12 in and 12 out mainly to provide comfort for the horses. It is just simple observed truth that unshorn horses need little protection from the dry cold and as for high temps in the summer, night time turn out can be a real blessing for the horses. DrO |
Member: rtrotter |
Posted on Tuesday, Sep 21, 2010 - 8:05 pm: Hi Janice,I have racehorses. My horses are out every day, at least 12 hours and sometimes more depending on their racing and training schedule. This is on top of whatever their daily jogging/towing mileage is. I feel that a lot of normal racehorse problems are reduced or eliminated all together because of my management practices and that includes tendon and ligament problems, breathing problems, illness problems,tying up problems and metabolic issues. That said, there are a lot of reasons why horses get hurt but I know I get nuts when I see horses that have been inside for some time go out and go bonkers in the field especially when they are not used to it. I think I'd look for another boarding facility that has a more consistent turnout routine, just because its better for your horse and horses in general not to be cooped up in a stall all day. Just my thoughts Rachelle |