No shelter, no problem?

[Mayandbump23]

Our summer field does not have any shelter from rain (there is some natural shelter from sun as there are some big trees just outside the field that shadow parts of the field at different times of the day). I hadn?t previously thought of this as a problem but a friend of mine was absolutely shocked when she found out we don?t have any shelter (and don't rug). What are people?s opinions on this? We currently have two ponies on the field, both hardy native types that live outside all year round. At times if it?s been raining for days (like now) they are a bit (=soaking) wet but both seem happy and healthy. The field is big so they have plenty of grazing (a bit too much in fact, need to chuck a couple of sheep in the field to keep the grass down?). In the winter they will be moved to a field with a field shelter but that cannot be used at the moment (occupied by ewes with lambs).

[Butkin]

We have some trees in our summer field although, due to strip grazing, they don't always have that much shade.

To be honest I'd not worry at all if in your position. I'd only rug them if you wanted to keep them dry for riding otherwise they would be fine.

I'd be more worried about sun than rain and would apply suncream to noses daily if necessary.

[CMOTdibbler]

Fwiw, Dpony doesn't have a field shelter, and was only rugged in the very coldest weather. They have lots of hedge and tree shelter, and seem happy (he lives with 2 other ponies)

[marge2]

Not a problem at all in summer so long as they have trees for shade. Flies are a pest so plenty of fly spray and maybe a fly mask is all they will need.

[Callisto]

Native breeds should be fine without a shelter or rugs all year round, as long as they are not clipped and have plenty of hay in winter.

[ManateeEquineOhara]

The fields I have had for summer have never had shelters. Although at the last yard there were a lot of trees for shelter. At the current yard there is far less natural shelter so I do have to make sure the mare has factor 50 on her nose and her scar. The rain is not an issue.

[ExitPursuedByAKitten]

Our fields have no shelter at all - and are on the top of the Pennines! At least flies are not a problem and there is almost always a breeze (or a galeforce wind!). I would love a shelter but they seem to manage without it.

[Saggyoldclothcatpuss]

Tellm your friend to take a hike! Does she even have horses?
You have native ponies FGS, and you do have shelter, you have trees! British Native Ponies are bred to survive in the wild in the British isles. That means mountains and moorland. Neither known for their abundance of field shelters!
I make a point of ignoring anyone who tells me to feed/shoe/stable/rug my ponies. This advice usually comes from one of the multitude of local 'warmblood wannabes'! Just smile and nod!

[CailinBainne]

think about all the native Irish ponies that have practically evolved webbed feet

As my friend said to me "ah they'll not melt"

[Loshad]

if trees for sun shade they will be fine, always wince a bit when i see ponies kept 24/7 in electric stripped fields with not a spot of shelter from the sun or wind, but yes a tree is def up to the job