[JavaLover]

My horse hasn't been getting out much lately. The pastures here aren't very good in the winter and the outdoor riding ring is all full of ice, so he's stalled 24/7 other than the 30 minute walk I give him every day. I also worry about turning him out because he doesn't have any buddies around the barn. None of the horses seem to like him and I worry about leaving him out without food.

Will ice really bother them that much? Can I still turn him out and maybe throw some hay around?

 

[ridergirl23]

ice doesnt usually bother horses...i think it would be better for him then beign stalled 24/7
the hroses dont actually have to like eachother, they learn to stay outta eachothers way. but they do appreciate ther company, even if they are old grouches XD

 

[barefoothooves]

Personally, I would turn him out with some hay to munch on. If he's really low on the totem pole, I would perhaps let him out alone, so he won't have to scramble to get away from others.

Horses can usually take care of themselves and a little exercise in the form of moseying from hay pile to pile will help keep him from going bonkers and hurting himself when the ground is thawed enough to finally turn him out. I would consider bringing him in at night where it's safer ground, but personally, I just leave the stalls open where the horses can determine if they feel like sliding on ice or staying in.

 

[Cheshire]

All the paddocks where Lilly is kept are more or less frozen solid right now. There are no indoor stalls, but the horses are fine. They take advantage of the thawed parts and the shelters, otherwise moving pretty carefully. If the horse is familiar with this sort of thing I think that would generally make a difference about whether or not they can restrain themselves from doing anything faster than a cautious walk. Generally. Lilly is from a ranch in Montana and seems to know just what to do when the ground becomes all uneven and slippery-like.

I think your guy would benefit from the turnout, if even for just the day if possible. It will do him a lot better than being in a stall 24/7. And I agree, throwing around some random piles of hay would be a good idea.

 

[kitten_Val]

How bad is it? I actually run into problem couple winters back when my qh cut leg behind the hoof really badly on ice. Now I keep bell boots on both of them for that reason when we have too much snow and/or ice.

It's probably still a better alternative to being stalled 24/7. You can throw couple flakes for him and let him out for 3-4 hours. While it's not very long, it's still better then just 30 mins.

 

[JavaLover]

Thank you for the replies! He does seem to walk slowly when it's icy and I guess I'll throw some hay around to keep him occupied. I won't put him out with other horses though just to make sure to injuries happen.

 

[JavaLover]

How bad is it? I actually run into problem couple winters back when my qh cut leg behind the hoof really badly on ice. Now I keep bell boots on both of them for that reason when we have too much snow and/or ice.

It's probably still a better alternative to being stalled 24/7. You can throw couple flakes for him and let him out for 3-4 hours. While it's not very long, it's still better then just 30 mins.

It's pretty bad. The riding ring is probably my best bet to turn him out. It's quite icy, but there are some bare patches and the corners have good snow for rolling.