Field shelter advice

[MartiniandFog]

I part loan a cob and Shetland 4days a week. They live out all year and have a wood field shelter with a concrete floor. When I was younger I had a Connie and she was stabled on a night so always had a lovely big fluffy bed.
I know they sleep stood up and what not but are they actually thriving without having a bed to lie on in horrendous weather?

Some of ours live out 24/7 and lie down in the field - as long as there’s a dry area they’re fine. They do actually need to lie down to get enough proper sleep - when they’re standing they’re just snoozing which is good but not enough deep sleep.

I’ve only seen one of them lie in the field once! So if the weather is horrendous, they just won’t be getting quality sleep?

Mine lives out with only natural shelter. He has a proper flat out nap every day after his breakfast feed and hay. They will lie down when they want to. Horses in the wild don’t have cozy stables and deep beds after all.

Why not make up a bed in the field shelter and deep litter it?

@liveforsummerthis is what I tell myself. But then also @PrincessofWellsi kinda cba if I don’t need to ha

I can’t imagine how a bed would work in an un floored shelter. Water would seep in constantly and it would probably cause a lot more problems than it solved. Yours are nice hairy native types. They will be absolutely fine! Mine was although we clip him out and have him super fit so doesn’t look it but we also have warmbloods and TB crosses all clipped and living out varying from semi retired to 2 star eventing . No actual shelter building let alone a bed and they thrive

Oh I see, I presumed there was a concrete floor like mine, but absolutely it wouldn't work without a floor and three sides.

Those horses will be fine, I guarantee they are getting sleep when you're not looking. Ours have got a choice of not one, but TWO field shelters to choose from, arranged in an L shape on our yard, bedded and sheltered from the prevailing winds. The only reason those ungrateful baggages go in there is because we only feed hay inside them. We've got a camera and when it's pissing with rain with a horizontal gale blowing, they are invariably stood in the open field with their bums facing the wind.

Honestly, they’re fine!

I help a friend with her 30yo horse - he has free access to a stable whenever he wants it yet 99% of the time he’s stood out in the pissing rain and wind having a nice roll or graze 😂

He mostly only comes in for his feed or because it’s too hot.

They will be lying down when you’re not watching them!

Thank you for all the replies! It’s put my mind at ease and you’re right, they really don’t give af about being out in the rain ha!

I also took their rugs off - it’s 9degrees now and not to drop below 5degrees over night. It’s raining but they’re hardy breeds aren’t they? Part cob and part Shetland (I suspect).

This is them and their shelter - I worry about everything lol but chat gpt and my horsey friend has reassured me this is fine and they don’t really need their rugs unless the weather becomes horrendous. Would you all agree?

Why not get some stable mats for the shelter. Gives them something soft to stand or lie on but doesn't need maintenance or make mess like straw.

I think this is a great idea!

Great! Often you can pick them up second hand on marketplace or Facebook.