Snow Storm -- In or Out?

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

Snow Storm -- In or Out?

prospect · Advanced

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.

pbm969 · Well Schooled

-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

justice · Grand Prix

I only close doors (with the beasties IN) if it is significantly windy. They have the choice 24/7, year-'round, otherwise : )

Temps this year have been reasonable for us in New England but the snow has GOT to STOP!!

-- Edited by justice on Tuesday 1st of February 2011 03:27:45 PM

Hey Dana, nice barn! Mine is sort of like yours : )

-- Edited by justice on Tuesday 1st of February 2011 03:28:36 PM

Barbara F · Grand Prix

The snow is just starting here in Toronto, It's supposed to be a heck of a storm overmight and tomorrow.

I love the pics of the fabulous barns, guys. Thanks for adding them! I can see that all your horses have very "tough" lives! ;)

-- Edited by Barbara F on Wednesday 2nd of February 2011 12:14:33 AM

-- Edited by Barbara F on Wednesday 2nd of February 2011 12:14:51 AM

justice · Grand Prix

Thanks B, I am a very good ..maid : )

KatyM · Well Schooled

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!

justice · Grand Prix

Thank you, KatyM : )

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

Hoti47 · Well Schooled

I throw out extra hay and let my boys play in the white stuff.

Nikki Salo · Grand Prix

Agree with Barb, lovely barns all the way around biggrin

Ashley of Ashvale · Foal

Turned my guys out while we did the stalls than brought them back in and they were More than happy to come back inside! :)

justice · Grand Prix

Thanks for liking my little barn. It's home, we love it : )

I wish my guys would stay out of the rain but snow is fun: easy to push the maid flat on her butt : )

-- Edited by justice on Wednesday 2nd of February 2011 05:33:57 PM