Putting horses out with snow?

Question

We have about maybe 6 inches give or take an inch or two. I'm afraid to turn my horses out because I don't want them to get hurt. I have a friend who had a horse who they had to put down because he slipped and broke his leg, he had other health issues as well. My mare is around 20 she has some leg problems as well as neck issues. My gelding is 10 and he's perfectly able and has no issues. I'm terrified that either one will be injured. I feel bad keeping them in but I think I would die if something happened to them. What do you guys do in the winter? The barn I'm at has been turning out in certain fields. Am I just being too cautious

lauren · Answer

At my barn all of the horses are turned out year round (with shelters, forests and plenty of hay, they are very well taken care of) and they are just fine. The snow is ussually 3+ feet and they love to play around in it.

Edit: if the snow balls bother you you can also get special shoes to keep snow from collecting. I also heard that you can use olive oil to keep snow from building up. I have only ever seen the shoes method.

lakelady · Answer

My worst problem with snow is the ice balls that get packed in their hooves. Once I got those figured out, horses generally don't slip in snow, they will on ice though. If it's a small corral sprinkle hay over the icy spots.

partly cloudy · Answer

I would put them out, unless you are on the side of a mountain or have barb wire fences.  the longer you keep them in the goofier they will get when you do finally put them out and then they will hurt themselves.

Trending News

Putting horses out with snow?

3 Answers