Tying/locking horses in at night?

[Lothiriel]

Just wondering how many of you horse owners tie/lock your horses in at night.
Is it necessary?
Anyone leave them free to come in and out as they please?

The farm with the Percherons we've been working with ties them in their open stalls at night. One of our friends ties (or locks) her 3 in; she says to do it to keep the horse from getting pushy/bossy, and thinking they can do as they please.

 

[wren]

My grandfather used to tie his horses at night, but it was only b/c his fencing was so bad. My sister and I close horses in their stalls if they are cold.

 

[chickenzoo]

Mine stay out unless I'm treating one for something. I have too many worries about something bad happening and they can't get out......

 

[Lothiriel]

Thanks you two!

What about a new horse? Does it sound like a good idea to tie it in for the first few nights, just to help it get used to things?

 

[chickenzoo]

I might put a new horse in a seperate corral or a stall if that's all I have... Just so I can see how everyone is getting along and the new one doesn't run into something out of fear at night. But I wouldn't tie them. Horses tend to get more fearful when they can't move their feet.

 

[Nslangton]

Mine are out as much as possible. It is healthier for a horse to be out!!! Regardless of temperature. With that being said, mine are in during the day in the summer due to the flies that will eat them alive and only in their stalls at night in the winter if we are going to get a lot of snow. Lucky for me the winter has been mild in PA and I have saved a fortune on shavings this year. Even in the winter I leave the big barn doors wide open for ventilation. I would never leave a horse tied up over night because of the risk of injury. I would never leave an unattended horse tied anywhere, I have seen several serious injuries from this. If you can leave your barn open and let her come and go that is great. You will be surprised how little she stays in the barn. It only takes a day or two for them to become accustomed to their surroundings. Hope this helps. I wouldn't know what to do without a horse and you sure just got a cute one.

 

[theoldchick]

All stock entering my farm are put in quarantine for at least 14 days. 30 days is my preference. Your new horse should allowed access to the out doors at all times. This doesn't mean you have to leave them in a pasture. I like to have stalls connected to small paddocks to allow the horse to move inside and out as they please.

Unless the barn is kept clean of feces and urine and has very good ventilation, keeping a horse stalled is stressful. Not only will the horse suffer from extreme boredom and develop vices, the equine respiratory system is sensitive to dust and molds.

However many people keep their horses stalled at night with no problem. They make sure toys are available to keep the horse occupied. Some stables insist on putting the horses up at night to keep them safe from nighttime 'visitors'.

Keeping a horse tied for any great length of time is torture. I would never recommend tying a horse all night to aid in training. If you want a respectful horse teach it manners with proper ground work training. Clinton Anderson, John Lyons have good information on how to get your horse to respect you. And remember respect is a two way street. You are your horse's teacher. And as his/her leader you need to be mindful of what type of horse you have. You have to find a job suitable for his/her temperament. You don't see barrel racing horses exceeding at Dressage. Never hurts to take the time it takes to create a bond with your equine friend. You'll have a better horse and you'll be a better human.

 

[Lothiriel]

Mine are out as much as possible. It is healthier for a horse to be out!!! Regardless of temperature. With that being said, mine are in during the day in the summer due to the flies that will eat them alive and only in their stalls at night in the winter if we are going to get a lot of snow. Lucky for me the winter has been mild in PA and I have saved a fortune on shavings this year. Even in the winter I leave the big barn doors wide open for ventilation. I would never leave a horse tied up over night because of the risk of injury. I would never leave an unattended horse tied anywhere, I have seen several serious injuries from this. If you can leave your barn open and let her come and go that is great. You will be surprised how little she stays in the barn. It only takes a day or two for them to become accustomed to their surroundings. Hope this helps. I wouldn't know what to do without a horse and you sure just got a cute one.

You are so right! She's been outside all day, even with the snow so thick you can hardly see a foot in front of you. But she's perfectly content to be outside.

She's gradually getting used to things around here. She tried making friends with the cow over the fence this morning, but the cow is rather stuck up and waddled away pridefully. Poor Taffy watched her go with a sad expression...

 

[DDNONIN2016]

My horses stay out 24 hrs a day with access to their stalls anytime. They love to be outside playing. You have nice fencing so I think she will be safe to come and go as she pleases.

 

[joedie]

Mine are out during the day but have access to come into their stall during the day if they wish. They really only do that in the summer to escape the heat. I do keep them in at night once they come in for "dinner". I have arguments with myself about whether this is necessary but I have a friend whose horse was run into a fence by coyotes and I guess thats the only reason I keep them in at night. I also find that I spend more time with them by brushing them every evening and picking their hooves out when they are stalled for the night. Otherwise, I think I would always find other things that need to be done.