Best Practices for Horse Husbandry | Lessons from the Wild

[@hoovesbyviolet]

Get a FREE copy of my E-book "Hoof Health from the Inside Out: Diet, Nutrition and Lifestyle for Healthy Hooves" Here hoovesbyviolet.systeme.io/bea52b42

[@aaronjohn6586]

Absolutely 1 of your best informative videos. To bad more owners don't have this level of knowledge and wisdom.

[@hoovesbyviolet]

Thank you so much 😊 hoping to spread the word so there is more awareness 🤠

[@2.0mommy]

Hi! I’m a new subscriber and learning everything can about horses because my dream is to own 2 in the near future. The property that we bought has a barn with 9 stalls. I always envisioned bringing my horses in for the night, but I’m seeing more people recommend that they just have access to it, but not necessarily bring them in each night. You mentioned that they just need a shelter to go into if they chose,so I’m assuming you would agree with not bring them in each night. Why do people do that then? It seems like more work than just letting them be. I appreciate any advice! Great videos! I’m binging them!

[@hoovesbyviolet]

There are always exceptions to almost any “rule” of horse care. For example if you have a very old horse or you live where there is lots of snow and it’s very very cold at night then brining them in for the night would be the best bet. But for the most part healthy horses do better choosing when to take shelter or not. My two horse love to go into their shelter in the winter, especially when it is pouring down rain. If it’s just sprinkling they would usually rather be out nibbling on grass or whatever they can find. As to why people do keep their horses locked up at night I think we humans have an idea of what is “nicer” or “cozier” or “more comfortable” but that’s to us, not a horse! They grow big winter coats for a reason and they are much happier having freedom to move and be with other horses. One more thing to mention is that when they have room to move around (ie not in the stall) they are staying warmer by moving. That is so exciting you are preparing to get horses! And so great you are doing your research, many people don’t 😂🤦‍♀️ feel free to ask any questions, I could make a video about it 🤠🐴

[@2.0mommy]

@@hoovesbyviolet okay this makes a lot of sense! Thank you! Wow, I thought there was a lot of controversy in parenting, but the horse world is just as bad. 😂 Lots of differing opinions on just about everything. I really appreciate your approach though. And especially loved when you mentioned using herbs as I’m really into that as well. I make lots of different tinctures for the family and maybe one day I’ll be using them on my horses. 💕 I live in northern Maine, so I’d definitely need to bring them inside most of the time. The stalls looked like the doors were chewed down quite a bit and I read that could happen when they’re bored or hungry. I suspect it’s from the previous horses being bored since our winters are so long. 🙁 Anyway, I downloaded your ebook and can’t wait to read it tonight! thanks again for so much information and for the reply!!

[@hoovesbyviolet]

@@2.0mommy I will make a video of different herbs for horses and what you can use them for in the semi near future (I am also a mom so it’s hard to get anything done 🤪). You got it spot on there is lots of controversy, you just have to do your own research and find what feels the best to you, just like with raising kids 😂 As far as your winters in Maine as long as your horses are healthy and not skinny they would probably be ok being able to go in and out of the stall if they choose. Depending on the breed you will probably need to blanket, some horses are bred for the snow and can handle it very well. The thing about blankets is that when you put a blanket on, it mats their fur down so they can’t stay warm on their own as well. But sometimes their own coat isn’t enough! It’s very nuanced unfortunately 😆🤠 oh and water warmers will be a huge help! You can get water warmers that just stop the water from freezing or ones that actually keep the water warm, which are much better.

[@2.0mommy]

@@hoovesbyviolet thanks so much for all the advice! I appreciate it greatly!! I’m taking notes believe me. 😅 And I’ll definitely be looking out for that video whenever you get around to making it! I get it! 😂