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Summer Turnout for Horses It is amazing to realize that although you may have spent decades raising horses, there is always more to learn. This becomes apparent with each new experience or event that you and your horses are exposed to. In general, there is a lot of variety in the general care and handling of horses which may seem trivial but can determine the well being of horses which are turned out together and also your peace of mind with employees who handle your horses. This summer has been relatively easy on our horses to be out more often than in. Utilization of fly control methods both traps and fly predators for the last several years has had a definite impact resulting in fewer green flies, black flies, and even horse flies, inspite of the wet weather. A conscious effort to keep tall grass cut and eliminate as many wet areas as possible has also helped. When horses are turned out day and night in moderate temperatures, they are kept in paddocks with a run-in shed. The shed requires regular cleaning of manure piles. Horses should be grouped together so that all horses get along and can benefit from the shelter. Water tubs should be well scrubbed and filled regularly with fresh water. I have searched for types of algae and insect treatments but have found that good ole' scrubbing is still the best. A very sturdy bowl cleaner brush with a long handle does the trick. Placement of the 100 gal stock water tank is important especially with young horses. It should not be placed in such a way so that young horses can easily get pinned either to the side or in back of the tub. I prefer angling it in a corner or in the middle of a fenceline for this reason. If there is an area of shade for placement, that also helps limit algae growth. Horses can be fed grain while out to pasture and it is recommended that they be fed in containers. There are ground containers which the horses like to kick over and dump the grain and there are buckets which you can hang on the fence. The buckets should be separated from each other so that each horse has access without getting kicked by his pasture mates. Don't forget to empty rain water and ensure they are clean. If you hay horses outside as well, it is a good idea to find areas out of the sand, mud, or rock and to provide several flakes at separated distances. We have tried one large horse feeder but the horses spread the hay from the trays on the ground and defecate around the feeders. In winter, placement on the snow is OK as well. Horses housed outdoors should be checked regularly for insect bites, wearing of their hoofs from stamping from flies; rubbing their tails or body on objects; swelling of feet or legs; bleaching from the sun; and general body and coat conditions. Regular grooming is always a plus. Overall, it seems that horses benefit from lots of regular turnout if that is an option. | ||||||||||
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