I wouldn't worry about pasture boarding him if he has access to hay, shelter, and clean water. I can totally relate as I am going off to college next year and my dream facility is too much money for stall board. They offer pasture board for a fraction of the cost and I am going to do that instead. My horse, much like yours, is happier outside anyway!
Indoor vs. outdoor board
My question is.. what is your opinion on boarding a horse inside or outside? I have had my horse inside and outside, and it really seems that he does not like being inside, and since i'm going back to school I can't afford to keep him inside. I don't know somthing about keeping him outside all the time makes me feel bad. Am I just over reacting? (Please be nice)
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I am a college student and I 'pasture' board my horse. They have 2 run in shelters and automatic waterers and hay 2x a day. I am blessed with wonderful BO and when its really cold or rainy and then gets really cold (we have a lot of CRAZY weather here) they bring the pasture boarded horses in and just put them in the indoor arena to get them out of the elements. But I have both stall boarded and pasture boarded and I dont think stall is better in anyway.
Oh boy you sound just like me, I had a really hard time when I first got my new horse and had to send her outside to live as opposed to that stall that she was living in before I got her, she did just fine. This winter I did keep her inside but I only did that because I work at the barn and it was cheaper plus she was being trained at the same time. But now she is going back out in march and I am already freaking out, but I know deep down that she will be fine. Just remember that when you first put your horse out with the other horses they will re-oreder thier pecking order and thats okay just ride it out let it happen. GOOD LUCK.
I think all horses need outside time. I hate seeing horses locked in a stall all day, only getting out for rides and a few hours of turn out. It's just not natural. That being said, I bring my horses inside for the night over the winter for one reason, and one reason only. Ricci hates the rain and the cold. Leaving her outside would leave her miserable. She is a pampered princess that won't step foot in a drizzle without a blanket on. Would she live if I didn't cater to her preferences? Of course, but there's no reason to. All in all, your horse will be fine outside 24/7 as long as he has adequate shelter. =]
You couldn't pay me to indoor board my horses. I, personally, don't much believe in it. Stalling a horse creates nothing but problems, in my opinion. I understand it's a necessity for some, but I really don't think you should feel bad - your horse will probably appreciate his freedom much more. It's better for both circulation and digestion for your horse to be able to roam and preferably graze. We don't even have a barn, our entire crew lives outside year round and out of 8 horses, only 1 needs a blanket in winter.
In my experience, the ONLY reason a horse may appear to prefer a stall is because s/he has learned that they eat there. The multitude of boredom vices that develop out of stalling a horse are a testament to how most feel about being cooped up inside half the time.
In my experience, the ONLY reason a horse may appear to prefer a stall is because s/he has learned that they eat there. The multitude of boredom vices that develop out of stalling a horse are a testament to how most feel about being cooped up inside half the time.
You couldn't pay me to indoor board my horses. I, personally, don't much believe in it. Stalling a horse creates nothing but problems, in my opinion. I understand it's a necessity for some, but I really don't think you should feel bad - your horse will probably appreciate his freedom much more. It's better for both circulation and digestion for your horse to be able to roam and preferably graze. We don't even have a barn, our entire crew lives outside year round and out of 8 horses, only 1 needs a blanket in winter.
In my experience, the ONLY reason a horse may appear to prefer a stall is because s/he has learned that they eat there. The multitude of boredom vices that develop out of stalling a horse are a testament to how most feel about being cooped up inside half the time.
I completely agree. Horses are healthier both mentally and physically outside as long as they have shelter, fresh water, good grass or hay. BO's couldn't pay me to 'inside' board my horse
Living outside is better for horses in just about every way, mental health, digestive, joint and muscle, hooves(if they are barefoot). I used to bring my horse inside for about half the time(more if it was raining) and moving him to 24/7 pasture was absolutly the best horse decision I have ever made. He has always been a colicy horse but since I moved him outside he colics much less often, and when he does colic it is usually mild. He also used to come up lame from an old racing injury several times a year, and I have not any problems with that since he has been outside.
Don't feel bad about keeping your horse outside, he'll be healthier and happier, you will have a fuller pocket book, it's a win win.
Don't feel bad about keeping your horse outside, he'll be healthier and happier, you will have a fuller pocket book, it's a win win.
Oh I'm so happy to hear all these comments.. makes me feel alot better about keeping him outside. Thanks for everyones input 
I think your overreacting. I have been to many barns and I wouldn't put my horses in even the nicest ones. Horses are happiest when they are outside and not stuffed up in a smelly barn. With outside board you sometimes get bigger stalls and you always get cleaner air and those things are important for your horses.My question is.. what is your opinion on boarding a horse inside or outside? I have had my horse inside and outside, and it really seems that he does not like being inside, and since i'm going back to school I can't afford to keep him inside. I don't know somthing about keeping him outside all the time makes me feel bad. Am I just over reacting? (Please be nice)
Hmmm I moved Hunter from his always outdoor paddock to an awesome barn. I think he has the best of both worlds now. He has an 18" x 20" stall plus huge paddock so can be in or out his preference. Once the weather gets nicer they are out in field all day long. I would never put him in a situation of being only oin a stall all day long.
I see a lot of places that have the horses in these little sand paddocks all day long. Poor horses.
I see a lot of places that have the horses in these little sand paddocks all day long. Poor horses.
I prefer 'pasture boarding' to stable, or stall board; horses, when they have the choice would rather stand outside, even in the weirdest weather conditions...yes, they may go in and out of a shelter, but most will prefer being able to see and hear around themselves, to being inside, where things might be distorted. I don't think there is anything wrong with pasture board, as you know your horse will always be 'exercised' because he has room to kick up his heels when he wants to. Free choice hay, and water, are 'really' all a horse needs to maintain his body function well. But shelters, atleast a 3 sided one, are always good to have in the pen, so they don't have to stand out in every type of weather; if they desire, they can settle in the shelter to 'warm up' or dry off a bit. Mine all have access to run in, and yet, they are always out and about in cruddy weather...they could care less; it's me that gets weird about it sometimes!Lol!
My mare, who really hates wind, and would hide in her shelter all the time, now stands out in pretty much anything, now that she's realized I will blanket her accordingly. She is body, clipped though too, but she really seems to realize the blankets block the wind, which make her happier to be outside. Lol!
My mare, who really hates wind, and would hide in her shelter all the time, now stands out in pretty much anything, now that she's realized I will blanket her accordingly. She is body, clipped though too, but she really seems to realize the blankets block the wind, which make her happier to be outside. Lol!
I keep my horse on pasture board and my horse, when I first got him, came from a pampered horse farm.
Although, I think I am going to get a stall for the summer time. Just because his feet get sooo crappy and he gets bit up so bad by the other horses and flies.
But, I don't feel bad at all about keeping him out over the winter.
Although, I think I am going to get a stall for the summer time. Just because his feet get sooo crappy and he gets bit up so bad by the other horses and flies.
But, I don't feel bad at all about keeping him out over the winter.
Personally we keep our horses outside. Neither of them have ever been stalled in their lives and they're perfectly happy. They have access to fresh water that is filled up every week{we have a large tub} and has a heater in the winter so it doesn't freeze. When it gets to cold they get blankets, they have access to a run in as well as 5-6 acres of trees. Plus they get hay and complete feed morning and night. I love outdoor.
I work at a a stable ad the only differance in my opinion between the two is yeah indoors is warmer in the winter and the horses get a shorter coat so there isn't really the need to clip{to much} but there are a few horses that weave, pace and crib. My outdoor horses never got weaving or pacing problems. They vrib but that's an entirely differant matter.
I work at a a stable ad the only differance in my opinion between the two is yeah indoors is warmer in the winter and the horses get a shorter coat so there isn't really the need to clip{to much} but there are a few horses that weave, pace and crib. My outdoor horses never got weaving or pacing problems. They vrib but that's an entirely differant matter.
I built my small barn at home so that my horse could go in and out of her stall whenever she wanted and I find that is the best, she has a big paddock that surrounds the barn.
The stable where I board my gelding here is an indoor, his stall is 12x12". Only in the winter they bring them in for the night, other than that their just brought in to feed. I board there because they have an indoor arena, which makes life alot easier when you have a young horse to train, but other than that I like for my horse to have as much outside time as possible.. with that said, a girl who boards there constantly has her horse on "stall rest" because her horse is "lame" when really the only problem is because hes always in his stall, getting stocked up.
The stable where I board my gelding here is an indoor, his stall is 12x12". Only in the winter they bring them in for the night, other than that their just brought in to feed. I board there because they have an indoor arena, which makes life alot easier when you have a young horse to train, but other than that I like for my horse to have as much outside time as possible.. with that said, a girl who boards there constantly has her horse on "stall rest" because her horse is "lame" when really the only problem is because hes always in his stall, getting stocked up.
My horse lives outside 24/7 (with a shelter) and all my future horses will and so have my past ones, I think its best for the health of the horse and most natural.
i prefer to have them outside 24/7. unfortunately my barn does not have safe pasture board turnouts so i have both of my horses stalled over the winter & then in the summer i turn my younger mare out 24/7 [my older horse has an old injury & the only open field is on a big hill & i dont want him running up & down it everyday]
Guess I am the only one who will NOT pasture board. I wouldn't even consider it. My guy goes out every EVERY day for the daylight hours but come dark they are in. They have clean bright airy stalls well stocked with clean beding, hay, grain and water. The temperature is kept at 32 or slightly less but we work at it to keep it this cool.
My pastures are well treed including alot of big pine trees with the branches cut as high as needed to allow the horse to stand comfortably. My shelter is the best and insulated and located under large pine trees for shade and shelter from the driving rain and snow. A heated water trough and excellent hay in feeders fresh each day. Any old is removed daily.
Come night I want my horse in , dried off, feet picked and put safely away for the night.
NOt a single horse makes us walk into the field to bring them in. Everyone is waiting at the gate. I don't care if it is the food waiting, I don't care. They love their stalls, no stall walking, no cribbing, wobbling or fighting over the wall.
I care less about the cost and only the care.
I will not have pasture board.
That said my guys are out June, July, August and September except if it is a bad lightening storm. Then they come in for the storm and go right back out as soon as it passes.
I don't beleive it is better for a horse to stand out in the freezing cold, high winds , driving rain and misserable wet night.
Just think of the feet standing in mud day after day with no chance to ever dry out. My guys feet are picked daily and he stands in clean fresh bedding every night.
We are snug in our warm houses, in our warm beds, why shouldn't they?
My pastures are well treed including alot of big pine trees with the branches cut as high as needed to allow the horse to stand comfortably. My shelter is the best and insulated and located under large pine trees for shade and shelter from the driving rain and snow. A heated water trough and excellent hay in feeders fresh each day. Any old is removed daily.
Come night I want my horse in , dried off, feet picked and put safely away for the night.
NOt a single horse makes us walk into the field to bring them in. Everyone is waiting at the gate. I don't care if it is the food waiting, I don't care. They love their stalls, no stall walking, no cribbing, wobbling or fighting over the wall.
I care less about the cost and only the care.
I will not have pasture board.
That said my guys are out June, July, August and September except if it is a bad lightening storm. Then they come in for the storm and go right back out as soon as it passes.
I don't beleive it is better for a horse to stand out in the freezing cold, high winds , driving rain and misserable wet night.
Just think of the feet standing in mud day after day with no chance to ever dry out. My guys feet are picked daily and he stands in clean fresh bedding every night.
We are snug in our warm houses, in our warm beds, why shouldn't they?
What do you people do with outside horses if you don't have a nice warm barn to bring them into for brushing?? If it is cold and your horse is outside in the freezing cold do you honestly spend time brushing, picking his feet and grain him??
Since my guy is coming in every evening I am there preparing his stall and then personally bring him in, do my maintainance and tuck him in. The barn is warm , dry, well lite so it encourages boarders to come and hang out.
If the horses are just out in the cold, wind, mud or snow, it is dark so how do you go and spend time???
The enviroment of a nice barn encourages you the owner to work with the horse.
Again regardless of the savings I will not pasture board.
Since my guy is coming in every evening I am there preparing his stall and then personally bring him in, do my maintainance and tuck him in. The barn is warm , dry, well lite so it encourages boarders to come and hang out.
If the horses are just out in the cold, wind, mud or snow, it is dark so how do you go and spend time???
The enviroment of a nice barn encourages you the owner to work with the horse.
Again regardless of the savings I will not pasture board.
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