Please help - to live out all year?

[kerrylee]

Hi!

Well.......I can get 1/2 price livery if I don't have my stables so they would never come in..BUT I rarely bring in anyway - only when snowing or rained for days!!!

What to do?

Shelters are expensive - unless anyone knows anyone who does cheaper ones??

[rummi]

I haven't had a stable for over 10 years, and have 2 on grass livery. I am lucky, as i am the only one on my yard who doesn't also have to pay for a stable (I like my YO! ;D), so only pay £12 per horse per week.

I also get use of hay barn, store room, schooling paddock, jumping paddock, electricity, water etc! I am fortunate that if something were to happen that required one of my horses to be stabled, I know several owners who would offer their stables.

Thats the only drawback I can think of, what would happen if you horse required box rest (e.g. laminitc, injury etc?).

Personnally, I wouldn't bother with a field shelter if you have enough natural shelter.

Hope this helps

[Casper]

You have to do what you think is right for your horses Kerrylee. Personally I prefer to have a stable for Bobby and Clover, but lots of horses live out 24/7 365 days a year with absolutely no problems at all.

What would happen if there was a medical emergency and one of your horses absolutely needed to be stabled for box rest etc? Would one be available to you at your yard in these circumstances, or would it be tough luck?

[kerrylee]

Thanks the field has hedge right along it.....

Bailey is stunning

[rummi]

Oh thanks! Bailey looks a bit different now, my 'baby' is growing up!

[kerrylee]

Yes thats the only problem Casper.....if they had to have box rest....although I think in an emergency my YO would make room for me...

[kerrylee]

AAAAARRRR what a sweetie...I loaned palomino and she looked like your pony.

[Azrael]

How often do you use a stable? And is it more because they need to be in or because it makes you feel better to tuck them up in bed when the weather mings? Is the field nice and dry enough that you'd be happy enough for them to be out all year? No point spending money on something you don't need, but make sure you really are happy to be without stables first..

Check with YO first that something can be sorted if they need to be kept in if ill/injured?

[zack]

Hi, mine live out pretty mjuch all the time, and are happier for it, but I do keep paying for a stable just in case. (and also 'cos mine are barefoot and need to come in out of the wet occasionally) I think if you could access one in an emergency that would be fine.
Lucinda McAlpine keeps all her top dressage horses out 24/7 and apparently they barely ever use the shelters!

[ooo_banana]

My pony is living out all year this year, but we still pay for a stable, for emergancys :/

[Cheryl Walmsley]

as long as you can use a stable in an emergency I'd go for it.

[sarahfox]

Shouldnt be a problem if they are usually out anyway.My biggest bugbear is seeing horses without summer shade rather than winter shelter!So as long as they have some wind protection they should be fine.
I think Rummi wants to show her lovely horsey off again!lol!

[rummi]

oh dear, have i been rumbled!!!!!? ;D

I hoped no-one would notice how Bailey was taking over!!!

But I DO LUV my little Hairy Hooligan!

(who, by the way, was lovely today, as he didn't escape into the extra grass yesterday. I'm convinced the sugar/energy in the grass was making him inot a hooligan - we had some nice cuddles today!)

[sarahfox]

lol! yes thats about the hundreth pic of him this week! ( not complaining mind!)

[rummi]

now now, I'm SURE its only 99, I've told you a million times, DON'T EXAGGERATE!