very young foal in the paddock without shelter!

Stabling horses seems to be a very common thing in the US from what I've read here. I know it's a bit colder over there than here in Aus, but really, about 90%, probably more, of our equine population lives outside 24/7, rain, hail or shine.
My youngster, who is super well bred and cost me an arm and a leg, has never seen the inside of a stable except when he's been waiting for the farrier/vet etc.
Otherwise, he's out in the paddock with a bunch of other yearling, with a few trees around the edges. And he is in perfect health.
Horses are designed to live outdoors 24/7, in winter, they grow a thick fluffy coat. I'm not sure how many foals you've seen with a full winter coat, but they look like little mammoths!

Before running straight to the RSPCA, why not contact the owner? As someone said above, if the horses are at a good weight, happy and healthy, there is no problem what so ever.

I don't think she is coming back, Kayty. She seems to have joined to get people to back her up in a wrong assumption and when that didn't happen, left.

She, obviously, knows little or nothing about horses and didn't join to learn. It's a shame, really.

The RSPCA will only do something if the animal is in danger. As helpful you may be to the foal, it has nothing to do with you and I highly doubt the owners would get in trouble due to it. I think there are foals out there with much bigger issues.
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Thank you for all helpfull messages..I ppreciate it...

The reason why I joined this forum was to get advice from experience horse owners...One thing I did not expect is such undfriendlines and rudenness from some members with such attitudes - (I hope their horses are well looked after).

Many thanks again to all understanding members for their advices.

You got advice from experienced horse poeple - just not what you expected to hear when we didn't agree with you. Please understand that many of us keep our horses on our own farms and many times, especially when we have taken in a rescue horse, someone just passing by will misinterpret what they see and make uneducated assumptions. Instead of going to the owner of the farm, they make a report which starts an investigation which is not only meaningless but aggravating.

That isn't to say that at times that passerby was wrong. A talk to the owner could stop a lot of trouble. You didn't come here looking for advice, you came looking for assistance or validation when the authorities dismissed your complaint. You didn't ask if it was OK, but rather help in making more trouble - you already made up your mind that it was wrong.

I live in Wyoming and the winters get as cold as -40 F or lower. My horses do not have a barn, they use the house and garage as windbreaks depending on how the wind is blowing. There is a turn out shed, but I do not think during winter I have ever seen them in it, usually during summer is when they use it.
They have LONG winter coats, get plenty of hay for warmth and water to drink.
No issues and that is how most the horses around here live in the winter. As a matter of fact, alot of farmers/ranchers don't even give their horses water, they let them eat snow during the winter. I prefer fresh water, but many horses survive just fine on snow.

After reading this whole thread, you can see both sides of the story guys.
This forum is a place where people can ask for help, opinions or share horse moments.

Now, everyone has given maja5 their own opinions, being horse owners with experiences. Unfortunately, there are ways and means of saying things, and some times those things come across as very rude, its very hard to convey emotion over a reply!

Its different in every country, and like others have mentioned, once you start putting a coat on, you have to keep on putting coats on. If the foal is in good condition, then I would leave be. As far as I am aware however, in the UK (I presume you say UK as you mentioned RSPCA) animals are supposed to be provided with access to water and shelter?

Keep an eye on the foal, if his condition worsens, you can always phone the RSPCA then. Until then, I would leave him be to see how he gets on. UK winters aren't really that cold ;)

*steps around drama*

Talk to the owners...could be that they aren't very knowledgeable. Maybe it's just ignorance. Suggest that they put up some little shed, something to protect from the wind.
Honestly, that's all they need! If the horses have time to adjust they will grow enough of a coat to protect them!
And if they refuse, well, there really isn't anything they you can do about it!
Good for you for trying to help!! just remember that the horse is their property and if you interfere and try to get animal protection into this, the owners might not appreciate it! Don't get yourself into more trouble than you need!
Good luck!!

I do agree that some responses came off quite harsh to the edge of being rude. I also agree with GH that it really depends on number of factors. You don't want to throw underweight horse with no shelter and/or blanket in extreme conditions. However to answer/give the opinion we really need more info on whole situation.

I agree with Kevinshorses, albiet not so rudely. Horses were made to withstand the worst that mothernature puts out. They have natural survival abilities. Just like the mustangs. Your young foal will be just fine as long as momma is there, their mothers instinct will protect them from the harshest of the elements. As long as the horses arent being starved, neglected or abused then they are fine. I would leave them be.