Ask the Vet - Pros and cons of all day turnout

[@kippen64]

24/7 turnout helps horses stay saner.

[@matthiasweiss1144]

I'd say if your horse doesn't want to come to you and gets the hell out of Dodge as soon as you show up, that's a teachable moment that you should ponder in a quiet minute. Even better than a horse coming up to you: a horse galloping up to you from the other end of the pasture when you show up, and stopping and giving you two eyes from a respectful distance!

[@CraftyCreativeGirl]

Matthias Weiss I work in a stable and it's so funny to see the different reactions when I go to bring them in. The oldest, 29, canters up and drops his head with happy, forward ears. Another one pins their ears, turns tail, and bucks around

[@VixxTheFoxx]

16hr turn out and 8hr stall is what I do or when there is bad weather bc my horse is prone to thrush and wet hoof related issues

[@oliveshupe9679]

We keep our horses in when the weather is bad or when it's super muddy outside so they don't injure themselves by slipping, is this okay?

[@scostley16]

Smartpak Sarah, (sorry if that was supposed to be w/out an H) what do you recommend for beginners when it comes to running?

[@patlowe4578]

I understand the pros for 24/7 turnout but is there a possibility of lameness due to early spring grass.

[@smartpak]

Hi Pat Lowe - good question! You’re absolutely correct that, while 24/7 grass turnout is ideal, there are many instances where this may not be the best choice given an individual horse or situation. For example, a horse with risk factors for metabolic or lamina issues may do better in a dry lot. Grass does tend to be higher in sugar in the spring and the fall (and other times that it’s stressed) and it’s important to have a good understanding of your horse’s needs and their turnout situation. We’d recommend checking in with your veterinarian if this is something that you’re concerned about - and check out this video for more information on this topic: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXipaWusnMipnas - SmartPaker Carolyn