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Denise Hall
| | Posted on Saturday, Jan 29, 2000 - 11:06 pm: |   |
The owner of the barn where I board my horse is building a new facility. They want me to go with them but they are raising the price a lot. ( More than other barns in the area ) When I mentioned the price, my trainer said that my horse could stay in the pasture all summer. If the weather gets bad she says my horse will run into the paddock. I thought my horse likes the stall and I am worried. The trainer says horses prefer being outside and this would be better for the horse and my pocketbook.
Is it true that my horse would prefer spring thru fall outside with an paddock to run to? I live in Michigan
Dee Hall |
James R. Hughes
| | Posted on Saturday, Jan 29, 2000 - 11:38 pm: | |
I live in Iowa and have 7 quarterhorses. They are outside 24/7 all year long. I truly believe that they do prefer being outside. They do need access to shelter of some sort in the event of bad weather. |
Kim Fotter
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 30, 2000 - 7:17 am: | |
Hi!
I live in NH and leave our pony out all summer. He does love his stall but has excess to it continuously. Since he has no buddies the safety of his shelter seems to comfort him, but even this winter if he has his blanket on when it is 0 F and the wind is blowing, he stays outside. I've heard some say horses aretoo dumb to use the shelter, but I don't think this is true. when my pony is uncomfortable he goes in. The summer before last he was not near the barn but had a 3 sided shelter-he would sleep in it at night as he had shavings on him in the am! I think a horse with a shelter, so they can escape the bugs and the elements, is happier than being in the barn. |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 30, 2000 - 9:08 am: | |
Hello Denise,
I think shelter from the sun in the summer is as important as shelter from the wind and rain in the winter. As long as he can get out of the sun, no problem and he will probably prefer out. There is one other possible aspect to consider. Horses on continuous turn out do not get handled quite as much so tend to be a little more of a handful when haltered and led.
DrO |
Liz Krug
| | Posted on Sunday, Jan 30, 2000 - 3:06 pm: | |
My mare is "retired" to get bred this spring, and she will be going on pasture 24/7 w/another mare around March when the weather clears up.
I used to live in Los Angeles where the horses live 24/7 in box stalls (VERY little T.O is available). I moved to North Carolina and my mare gets out 8-9 hours a day, and she's a different mare! Much quieter and happier! |
Denise Hall
| | Posted on Monday, Jan 31, 2000 - 10:44 pm: | |
Thank you Liz, Kim, Jim, and Dr. O. It's nice to have so many good opinions on this subject. |
Deborah Horan
| | Posted on Wednesday, Feb 2, 2000 - 12:47 pm: | |
I have a TB mare that was stabled 'normally' - in at night, out in the day. I keep my horses on 24/7, open door to the barn turnout. My formerly stabled mare prefers to be out, unless it is windy or otherwise bad weather. She seems fidgety and antsy if I do lock her in. My other mare had a reputation for destruction of property as a filly; they kept her stabled at night. In the 13 yrs I've had her, she has not destroyed anything. Even in the winter, she'll stay outside in the snow and cold, until she decides to go in on her own. Keep 'em out! |
Darren Robertson
| | Posted on Wednesday, Feb 2, 2000 - 4:35 pm: | |
It really depends on the horse too.
My black mare will stand out in any bad weather no problems, but as soon as it gets hot and sunny she goes indoors and stays there.
She is happy indoors unless she can't get out then she chucks a wobbly. I think most would prefer to be outside, for show people their is a greater risk of injury outside, or a greater risk of vices if kept indoors. I prefer to let mine wander in and out, though I am not impressed when they come in, poop in the stable then leave again :-(. |
Terri Pierce
| | Posted on Thursday, Feb 3, 2000 - 1:06 pm: | |
Denise,
I, too believe that they prefer to be out. I have a VERY HOT BLOODED Arab mare that gets turned out pretty much 24/7. If she were to be kept in continuously, or even just at night, I really think that she would go NUTS. Not to mention that she would be difficult to handle. Her being turned out has not caused any ill effects.... when she sees me coming, she calls out to me, starts tossing her head and waits for me at the gate! She seems much more willing to work than some of the horses at the barn that are cooped up all day.
I keep a stall for her "just in case" because it rains so much here and I HATE rainrot (I live in Florida).
Good luck!
Terri |
Bunny Delgado
| | Posted on Saturday, Feb 5, 2000 - 7:13 pm: | |
Dear Denise, Well, I hate to be the only one with a different opinion, but here goes. I have an almost 17 year old Peruvian gelding that I have had since he was 3. When I got him he had been out days, and stalled at night. This was the schedule my other horses were all on so it worked out fine. During nice weather I tried leaving him out with a run-in shed but he would become very stressed and couldn't wait to get to "bed" in his own stall. When he is stalled at night he is his usual mellow self. He seems to get edgy at night-maybe he's afraid of the dark!! My other horse is a 5 yr old Paso Fino who was out 24/7 in all weather before we got him a year ago. We were very concerned that he wouldn't be happy or comfortable in his stall at night, but he is happy as can be. Totally relaxes, is covered with shavings every morning and seems to also enjoy the pampering.
I know from having horses all my life and from being around other people with horses, most of the horses I have been in contact with just love coming into the barn, being brushed and pampered and having a really nice rest. Also, being able to eat their own grain and hay without having to deal with the "pecking order" of the field, seems to relax them and make them comfortable. Also, it is much easier to keep weight on them when they are stalled at night. Depending on the horse, this could be good or bad-good if the horse needs to keep more weight on, bad if you have to keep weight off.
Yes, it is alot more work. But now that we have only two, its worth it to have that time to spend with my best friends and know that they are happy. Of course, they are out from early morning until at least 7 in winter and much later during summer. They always have shelter, plenty of grazing and fresh water. So, whatever works for you and your horse will be best. It also depends what other horses will be out with yours. Are they docile and friendly, or is the leader of the pack agressive , possibly injuring your horse? It's alot to think about. Maybe you just have to try it or speak to the owners of the other horses in the herd that yours will be with to see if they have encountered any problems. Good luck what ever you do . Just do whatever makes you and your horse happy. |
A.F.M. Hyde-Clarke
| | Posted on Sunday, Feb 6, 2000 - 2:56 am: | |
Bunny, you are not the only one with a different opinion - my 3 definitely enjoy their stables and coming in at night. They are also out as long as possible in the day, weather permitting, and bring themselves to the gate nearest the house and stables in late afternoon and wait to come in. If we are a little late, due to a hay delivery or something, one horse gets quite upset and shouts for us and paces up and down.
After one horse had a respiratory infection, the vet suggested he be left out at night for a while. As the stables are next to the house in the "Garden" area, I left him there. This was a disaster, and I gave up in the middle of the second night, as he stood by my bedroom window most of the night, banging it with his nose, shouting regularly, stamping his feet - really cross and upset about the whole thing. Peace and happiness reigned again once he was back in his stable.
Whatever makes the horse happy is the important thing, as you rightly said. |
Terri Pierce
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 7, 2000 - 8:04 pm: | |
Hello--
That is part of the reason that horses are so much fun! Each horse (regardless of breed) is different and has different likes and dislikes! Just like us!! Just listen to your horse!! Personally, I "feel" like I am a better "mommy" when she stays in at night,(not to mention that she stays cleaner!) but, she has let me know in no uncertain terms that she is NOT happy with that arrangement!
Terri |
Teresa W. Cooper
| | Posted on Monday, Feb 7, 2000 - 8:47 pm: | |
I agree,it depends on the horse and the situation.
My 21 year old gelding has free access to his stall in the day,and yes he uses it to come in and poop.However,at night,he wants to be in his stall.He has two large windows to hang his head out of and see what's going on and no matter what time of night I look out,he is usually looking around.But when I am late to put him in his stall,he gets very agitated with me.He could go in there on his own but his routine is to wait for me.He knows he will be pampered during that time and he loves it. |
Dave Brent
| | Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2000 - 8:17 am: | |
Hello All, My wife and I are rather new to horse ownership, although we have had lots of lessons and ridden for years. Our 6 yr.old gelding has had the run of our pasture, which has two stalls that the horse could enter and leave as he wishes. Yesterday we brought home a 3 yr.old mare as a pasture mate for him. Although the introduction went ok, the gelding does not want to let her use eaither stall. He had been eating in one and sleeping in the other. He will try to kick at her if she trys to enter one of the stalls. Should I let them work this out between them, or seperate them until the become closer?
Any Ideas. |
Denise Conroy
| | Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2000 - 10:05 am: | |
Hello Dave,
We have a similiar set up here. Our winter corral is small with two stalls. We used to leave them open until we got more horses. Now we have found it to be more dangerous because the horses get cornered easily...and like you are experiencing, it is a territorial thing. The dominance subsides to some degree but we found it easier to close the stalls up and let them work out their pecking order in the corral. We only use the stalls when the weather is bad or the flies are out and then we lock each one in where they can be safe and comfortable.
Hope that helps. Someone else may have other thoughts.
Denise |
Marion Dickinson
| | Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2000 - 11:48 am: | |
Dave, try for a while longer to let them work it out. Usually the mare is the alpa, but I guess the gelding thinks she is invading his home. What happens when the gelding is sleeping? Then can the mare come in the 'eating' stall and sleep? If she is always forbidden shelter, then I guess you have to think about separation. |
A.F.M. Hyde-Clarke
| | Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2000 - 12:22 pm: | |
Well, I do think your gelding is very sophisicated with really good housekeeping!!! To have decided to sleep in one stable and eat in the other is cool, as my niece would say! No wonder he doesn't want his organised arrangement dis-organised!
Could you not perhaps build your new mare her own stall, or stalls? Next to/adjoining his stalls? It is important that they both have shelter from the wind/rain/sun at all times, and it is better re worms etc. if they eat inside and not on the ground outside.
That would solve the problem perhaps. |
Jackie Aldrich
| | Posted on Sunday, May 14, 2000 - 7:39 pm: | |
Hi all,
I too live in Michigan where you never know what the weather is going to do, including the weathermen! But I do think that it's an individual horse type of thing. I have a mare who will only use run-in when it is cold and windy. She will stand out in the rain or sun though. I do bring them in in the winter because of the ice we get. The sun will warm and melt during the day but will turn to ice at night. In the summer when it is really hot I put them out at night til noon and bring them into barn with a fan and they love it. And it's funny, the morgan will let me know if she wants in at night or not, either she will stand at the gate kicking to come in or she will walk away when I come to the gate as if to say "I would like to stay out please"
And the TWH is happy in or out. HE does use run-in more than the mare.
We will be bringing home a saddlebred mare who is 2 yrs. and has been running the Kentucky hills all her life with Mom and sisters. I'm sure she will change the minds of the other 2 wanting to be in! It's just nice to be able to give them the choice and mine do let me know what that is. |
Dave Brent
| | Posted on Saturday, May 20, 2000 - 6:44 am: | |
Hello All, All it took was a little time for our horses to get to know one another. Although it seems the gelding has become the alpha, he now lets our mare "bunk" in the same stall as him at night. During the day they use seperate stalls durning rain and cold etc.....I think our gelding got tired of trying to be in both stalls at one time. :) |
Elizabeth Jopp
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2000 - 2:04 pm: | |
More questions on 24 hour turnout:
Physically speaking is it "better" for a horse in the long run to be turned out 24-hours? Putting aside his/her preferences, our preferences, the weather, etc.
Thanks, Liz |
Julie
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2000 - 3:14 pm: | |
Hi Fellow horselovers,
Just thought I would add my thoughts on this, too. Personally speaking, I believe it is 'Physically' better if our horses are comfortable with the arrangement and 'stress-free'!The only way to determine this is to try giving them the different options for a few days at a time and see which one they seem to 'handle' the best. I definitely agree with Alexa and the others that mentioned that your horse WILL let you know - one way or another. If you are around them frequently, you will be able to pick up on these indications that say "This isn't working for me" or "I love this arrangement".
Our two horses are let out to the pasture each morning at 5:30am (if I'm late, believe me, I hear about it) and brought in each evening around 7pm. They look forward to coming in each night (they each have their own stall which is open to the corral), but our gelding still prefers to be outside in the corral; our mare stands in her stall all night. This has shown me that there definitely is a 'personal' preference. However, I can tell this arrangement works well for our horses because they can be where they want and still be with each other. They look forward to going for rides each evening and 'pout' if we have other chores to do, so we choose not to ride. We still take time to pamper them by brushing them out, cleaning their hooves, etc.
Dave, I had to laugh at your last post because I could definitely relate. Our situation was a little different in that we have a QH mare and bought a QH/Paint gelding and our mare did the same thing. To be honest, until she decided that trying to 'claim' both stalls just wasn't worth it; I would get tired just watching her. ha ha Glad your two worked it out, as well.
Hope everyone has a terrific weekend,
Julie |
Linda Antipala
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2000 - 9:05 pm: | |
It's great to get opinions from all over the country (world!) on horse stuff we live with everyday. Really, really enjoying being part of this site. Our four horses are pastured 24/7, but we do have a big 20x30' run-in shed available to them. The pasture is cross fenced and the shed is 1/2 on one side for the two mares, 1/2 on the other for the two geldings. There are no trees in the pasture, so they use the shed for sun protection (very important in Hawaii) and I've seen them gallop to the shed when the rain starts coming down hard. Sometimes it rains off and on for weeks here, and we put a lightweight rain sheet on them to help prevent rainrot because they will graze in the rain. They seem to like the shed the most when it's windy, putting their faces right to the wall. The geldings share nicely, the bossy mare sometimes doesn't let her girlfriend all the way in, but the roof overhangs so the more timid mare can get out of the rain or sun. We think this is really an ideal situation. There are some horses here who are left out all the time with no available shelter and they are covered with rainrot, have sunburned faces, always dirty, etc. We vote for pasture and open shed. |
S. T. Bruce
| | Posted on Friday, May 26, 2000 - 11:16 pm: | |
I have 29 acs. with a 50 X 60 open barn and two sheds. One of my Qt. mares was on the show circuit since she was two and never saw an open pasture till I retired her at age five. From the minute I turned her out she adjusted to staying out 24/7 and appears to enjoy it. As Dr. O stated, as long as you provide shelter from the wind, rain, or sun you are giving your horses a suitable enviroment. |
Bonita Cubow (Bonita)
| | Posted on Saturday, Sep 2, 2000 - 5:25 pm: | |
It is nice to hear that there are other horseowners like myself who take their horses' requests into consideration. I have a quarter horse gelding and a thoroughbred mare and foal who go completely ballistic when darkness falls regardless of the weather. At first I thought they might just be anticipating mealtime, but even after graining them outdoors, running the fenceline they would be - wanting to come into the barn. With the hot, humid weather we have here in VA, I seem to be the only one who isn't turning out at night, but properly fly-masked and sprayed - with trees for shade - my guys seem perfectly happy out during the day and in at night. (I also sleep better as well, knowing where everyone is and what they're doing!) |
Taara Amrine
Member
Username: Goodie
Post Number: 15
Registered: 4-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, Jul 10, 2003 - 11:19 pm: | |
I just have to ad my 2cents worth. My two horses have been through every kind of stabling situation possible. Currently, they seem to be the happiest. They are on 3 acres that is sectioned kind of weird (used to be a cattle farm). They have a shelter with dirt and 3 open sides, they have trees with big leafy branches that create great breezes when needed. They also have a barn with straw and a cement floor. Even though this sounds harsh, of all the areas they have to play and sleep, they choose to spend about 75% of their time in the barn. When I was in WA, they never left their pasture to come near the barn. Here in MN, it's the exact opposite. I actually have to chase them out of the barn in order to clean it! I have masks on them 24/7 with breaks for cleaning and wipe-downs. They also have fly sheets. I tried going without and found that they actually got upset more, stomped ALOT, and go pushy when I went near their masks! They will run into the barn for their sheets and masks within about 20 minutes of me taking them off. I have even tried coating them with fly spray but they really enjoy the sheets and masks. Between the clothing and the barn, my horses are the happiest they have been in the 10 years I have owned them. I know that they hate the bug difference between WA and MN. |
Lori
Member
Username: Lccsi
Post Number: 19
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 3:55 pm: | |
Hi. I have a 6 month old weanling filly. I would like opinions about whether it would harm her to be in a day/night turnout being stalled (out 10 - 12 hrs a day on pasture) vs being on rough board and out 24/7 .. Right now she is temporarily being boarded in the day/night turnout and being stalled. When she is out she is pastured in a paddock next to another mare. She seems content and grazes and plays on her own. Is this situation OK or would it be better to have her out 24/7.. |
Karen Nolte
Member
Username: Morg1
Post Number: 67
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 4:23 pm: | |
I've always been under the impression that growing legs are better off if the foals get to roam freely opposed to being kept in a stall. I prefer having all of my horses out 24/7, unless of course they're being shown. Even then I feel guilty for keeping them in. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 931
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 4:32 pm: | |
Lori-what kind of climate does she live in? Does she have a shelter when turned out? Would she be alone or with other horses when turned out? |
Lori
Member
Username: Lccsi
Post Number: 20
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 5:12 pm: | |
It's in New Jersey... It's just that I have not found a rough board situation that is close enough and that I'm comfortable with the horse care. The best I can find is where she will be out as much as possible but stalled for some amount of time.. She has spent her first 6 months in a herd being out all the time, got a nasty kick on the fetlock which abcessed (they shipped her wrapped in a pressure bandage for 3 days.. What a mess when she arrived but she will be ok)so I'm a bit worried about out 24/7 where they don't seem to get as much individual attention and handling. I guess the question is will it hurt her by not being out 24/7 |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 936
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 5:51 pm: | |
All of our babies are brought it at night and when the weather is cold and wet. I don't think it's ever hurt them. As long as they get time to bounce and run I think it's better to have her going in some of the time and where you feel more comfortable with the care. (I assume her stall is kept clean.) |
Karen Nolte
Member
Username: Morg1
Post Number: 69
Registered: 4-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 6:34 pm: | |
As long as she gets a lot of time outside I think she will be just fine. How big will her stall be? |
Lori
Member
Username: Lccsi
Post Number: 21
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 6:53 pm: | |
She will be in a 12x12..Goodness knows she looks like a peanut in there but she will grow  |
Robert N. Oglesby DVM
Moderator
Username: Dro
Post Number: 13917
Registered: 1-1997
| | Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 7:32 pm: | |
As Sara notes many foals are raised with 12 in and 12 out or something close to that. Ours are brought in. But would the muscoskeletal system be even stronger with 24 hour turn out? It's an interesting question Lori that science has not answered yet but we do know that constant stalling is detrimental to the cartilage and bone.
But it is only one of many questions involving turn out. I think the daily haltering and leading are very important in the early training. And there is the health question of being able to closely examine the foal when brought in and observe the horses appetite.
DrO |
Shelley
Member
Username: Sswiley
Post Number: 70
Registered: 1-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 11:03 pm: | |
I have always had my babies out 24/7. For one, the haltering/leading became a problem. I assume it was because she did not do it on a daily basis. It, was fixable of course. I also wonder if they should be learning to "deal" with stall confinement just like they have to deal with tieing for periods of time. |
Sara Wolff
Member
Username: Mrose
Post Number: 938
Registered: 1-2000
| | Posted on Sunday, Oct 16, 2005 - 11:35 pm: | |
As Dr. O. mentioned, for us part of bringing them in each day is the handling they get. They always gets brushed a little, their feet picked up, etc. when the come in, and we work a lot on leading, not running ahead, moving from pressure, etc. when going in and out. They are started in halter from day one of their lives, though, and it putting a halter on always means something nice for them; ie food, lots of petting, etc. We seldom have a problem. If you're concerned about catching, use a foal halter tied together with string that will break easily, or one joined together with velcro that you securely fasten before you start leading. |
Gary Ohlson
Member
Username: Gohlson
Post Number: 8
Registered: 6-2005
| | Posted on Monday, Oct 17, 2005 - 11:03 am: | |
I have always kept my young colts out on a 24/7 basis. I live in Denver Colorado and all three of my young boys seem to do very well being outside. As long as we give them food to eat and space to move around in, they seem to enjoy being outside. We do give them a three sided shelter where they can go to get out of the wind and the snow/rain when needed, but keeping them indoors seems to be out of the question. We also do not put a blanket on them and they all grow a very nice and thick coat which keeps them very warm.
If your stable owner doesn’t mind and if you know of a carpenter, you could always have them build this shelter for your, and if they do it right, it can be made moveable.
http://www.cps.gov.on.ca/english/plans/E8000/8162/8162P.pdf |
Sue G
Member
Username: Warwick
Post Number: 203
Registered: 4-2002
| | Posted on Monday, Oct 17, 2005 - 12:30 pm: | |
My young horses are out all day (12 hours in winter and longer in summer) and in every night. Like Dr O and Sara mentioned, it's important to handle them regularly. Makes life much easier on all concerned from the get-go. |
Lori
Member
Username: Lccsi
Post Number: 22
Registered: 6-2004
| | Posted on Monday, Oct 17, 2005 - 1:03 pm: | |
Thanks for the advice.. I'm going to keep her in a day/night turnout and stalled.. I'm pretty lucky in that she is a very good baby and leads pretty well and stands quietly when we groom her and pick up her feet as well as standing for the vet.. I know she will get as much as possible pasture time but be safely tucked in for inclement weather and non-turnout hours as well as the daily handling.. Thanks for all your opinions.. |
