This message is from: "Debby" <miss.am...@earthlink.net>
I don't leave mine out in any kind of rain or storms. But mine are stalled at night, I have one that doesn't like the skeeters. Mine are use to this, they have their regular routine/schedule. Out early a.m. (if weather permits) and in by 10am. But I do have runs, no climb fence, to keep dogs out, and they can be out there until it gets too hot for ME! Then I have them in. I just haven't any trees in their runs, and with "mom" having cushings, though I clip her, even the short hair is so thick. I must admit to spoiling them with timed misters in the afternoons. But I'm out there working and mucking and grooming, and the misters are a big comfort to me too. I do allow them out in the evening, until close to 10pm, and then they are closed in, but they have extended roofs that are enclosed halfwalls, behind their stalls and they are allowed out there. I've seen horses just left to fend in bad weather outside, especially the older ones that are retired and not used anymore. Longer coats have a harder time drying out, they develope rain rot. But I have seen horses in terrible terrible stall conditions, never mucked, standing in months of muck. One barn owner calls it "Gods" gift, its natural and she just turns it over to allow the wet spots some air. I can tell you it was not a pleasant place. She hung the fly "catchers", the stinky yellow things, right outside the stalls. Yes, they attracted alot of flies...right outside ones stall. So one had to deal with flies being drawn to this stinky smelly stuff. I found it all strange. I've seen that those with run in sheds who keep theirs out, most times one or a few of them will not be allowed in the shed. I'm not a believer in pecking order between horses. One thing if they are out on many many acres, but we put them in small paddocks and turnouts, and it can be quite dangerous. Vet bills are high enough that I don't need to add. Just do right by the horses, whatever you choose for them. Keep them safe and fed and clean, check their feet everyday and check them everyday for weight, whether too thin or too much weight. FWIW, my older mare is afraid of lightning and thunder, to the point of shaking, so its not an issue for me, she gets closed in and she feels safer, and yes, so do I. So what! : ) Debby in TX Important FjordHorse List Links: Subscription Management: http://tinyurl.com/5msa7e FH-L Archives: http://tinyurl.com/rcepw Classified Ads: http://tinyurl.com/5b5g2f
