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Post by stormyskies on Jul 20, 2010 14:33:51 GMT
I go through this every year! Lol!
Its been raining here for a few days. Still warm. Eased off this morning for a few hours.
Do I leave mares and foals out or being then in tonight? My gut is telling me to leave them as they been at grass 24 7 for over 2 months now so don't really want to change routine. But the soft side of me wants to bring them in to dry off with hay and tuck them up! Lol!
They are both strong fillies out in big fields with mums and 2 other mares and are a close knit herd. Plenty of grass to go round.
What do I do?
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oldbag
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by oldbag on Jul 20, 2010 15:24:25 GMT
I'd leave them out if it's warm still, I only bring in if it gets cold and windy with rain so their coats are soaked and they lose insulation. Changing routines can bring more stress than warm rain and I'd keep them on grass as much as possible rather than start on the hay..
Whatever you feel is right for them obviously tho..
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Post by stormyskies on Jul 20, 2010 15:53:45 GMT
i know that was my thought about haylage.
bugger its now thundering and p*ssing down!!!!
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Post by Springclassic on Jul 20, 2010 18:00:29 GMT
i know its difficult, and you want to fuss them but leave them out...they will be fine....
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Post by stormyskies on Jul 20, 2010 18:06:28 GMT
have been monitoring them all night so far lol. i even took my life in hands and incorporated riding stallion past their field on our hack in the pouring rain, much to his delight and my horror. he went from 14.2hh to 20hh!!!!!!! we did the most amazing trot by lol.
all seem fine. the youngest, who is 2 months doesnt seem happy but she is a little traditional diva so not surprised.
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vjc
Full Member
Posts: 535
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Post by vjc on Jul 20, 2010 21:12:25 GMT
My routine has always been stable them for a short time to get them used to the routine of handling and leading out then after a couple/few weeks providing the weather is not to harsh turn them out and leave them out. As long as they have had a little handling i have always found that i can put a rug on them in the field if needs be. Eric is out and he is fine, although i have got high hedged fields.
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Post by hairyhack on Jul 20, 2010 22:32:26 GMT
Agree with vjc, mine were in overnight for the first few weeks then I sent them to a friend's for full turnout with other mares n foals. I was worrying the other day with all this rain but they were fine when I went to visit :-) I did put a rug on them both though as they're not as hardy as the traditionals and don't have much hair!
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Post by holiday on Jul 21, 2010 9:42:25 GMT
I also do the same, mine stay in for a few weeks then get 24hr turnout, however im very mean and they dont get rugs im not a great believer in rugs and foals mixing unless absolutely neccessary!! They are all fed twice a day and at the moment have ad lib hay as well as the grass has gone they also have high hedges round to get under!!! If I think they could do with a bit of dry if its been raining for days, I bring them in for a couple of hours in the daytime so babies can have a snooze on the dry.
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oldbag
Junior Member
Posts: 63
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Post by oldbag on Jul 22, 2010 18:29:48 GMT
Hi just wondered if they weathered the storm ok?
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Post by stormyskies on Jul 22, 2010 18:56:02 GMT
they did thanks. i stressed all night but then got up in morning to sun and they were fine.
been worried again today as been raining constantly today and its cold and damp. they all seem fine but got their pens ready just in case. bit of a chilly wind which i dont like when wet. if its still raining tomorrow will bring them in for a couple of hours.
they both hardy strong buggers so dunno why am worrying!!! lol
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