So I see the snow storm approaching here in Southern Ontario -- well the skies here are grey, but I can see it on the Weather Network maps We're supposed to get "hammered" in our area (first good snow of the year), and if I had a horse right now, I'd be pacing up and down the hallway like a good horsey parent. This is mainly a question for people who keep their horses outside normally, would you bring them in? Or just check on them a little more often and top up water/hay, give them some hugs and let them be?
I had my boys on 24/7 turnout and they had a great shelter, and I have to say that I'd be pacing around, but it never bothered them! They always had free choice hay, but I'd bring extra anyway during bad weather, and top up water, and do extra checks (to their annoyance of course, because I do vitals checks as well), but the alternative would be the one horse pacing himself to death inside because he never cared much for standing in a stall. I did lease one mare that always knew when bad weather was on it's way, she'd be standing at the gate right about now and giving me "the look" when I showed up, to get her to a barn right away and make her comfy with extra shavings!
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Courage is being scared to death but saddling up anyway. - John Wayne
I am of the definitely in the stall group - our horses are out as much as possible and some (non-clipped) I leave out if it is nice and not below -5 - but in the winter my youngsters and the show horses are definitely in. My broodie is almost always in at nice - she is a wus and really likes the comfort of a stall.
I can guarantee my horses will be at the door ready to come in - rain, snow or cold they are more than happy to come in - in fact they expect it.
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www.prospectequinefarms.com - Warmblood/Draft Cross Sport Horses. New Horse Hay Feeder
-43 here on the Canadian Prairies, farenheit or celsius, it's equal at that temp. And yup, it's cold. My two mares stay out, they do have a lovely barn, but are happier when they are out.The young one wears a blanket, but the 18 year old is just fine without. They can escape the wind all around the barn, and the run-in on the front is quite cozy for them. They are bedded 2 feet deep with clean straw, they have aheated watering bowl, and free choice top quality hay. Posting a pic of the barn (in summer, sigh) so you can see how snuggly it is for them....the white door facing you in the picture slides shut, as does the one on the other side, and the opening faces southwest for best sun exposure..
-- Edited by pbm969 on Tuesday 1st of February 2011 01:53:46 PM
Really nice barns you all have. Mine had stalls with partly covered paddocks. Some liked to be out in the snow; some liked to stand under the cover, but out in the paddocks; and some preferred to just stay inside. So, I guess it's just a matter of figuring out who does best where.
The coldest we got here was -20 degrees F, so not as cold as what some of you all deal with!
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"If I am fool, it is, at least, a doubting one; and I envy no one the certainty of his self-approved wisdom." Byron
I think that they have a choice is more the point than whether we actually put them in or not. There is no right or wrong outside of extended IN time that becomes unhealthy (poor maintenance, neglect, fear, other dumb reasons..not ref. to injury/recup time). If a horse wants to be in, he should be able to get in or be brought in. If he wants out, same, generally : )
-- Edited by justice on Wednesday 2nd of February 2011 07:52:27 AM
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"....there is no normal life, Wyatt, there's just life..."