Catching & Turn Out
Turn out and Maintain:
-Catching:
When it is time to bring the horses in for whatever reason, this can sometimes pose as a challenge. Sometimes the horses will want to run from you so it is good idea to bring a bit of food or treats. Have the halter ready, but approach the horse calmly. Talking to him might be a good aid to catching him. Never approach the horse from the rear or directly in front. These are their blind spots. When you are close enough to touch the horse, I like to start out by placing the lead over the horse’s neck. This way the horse knows not the run from you. Then put the halter on, making sure the fit is correct. When leading the horse, make sure that you are on the left side, an arms length away from the horse. Keep in mind to keep your feet away from his, no one wants crushed toes.
-Turn out:
To turn out a horse it means to keep the horse out in a pasture. Normally if the horse is on 24 hour turn out, there will be some sort of run in for him to have shelter. Another option would be turning out for a few hours with optional stalls.
When letting the horses out, always walk them one at the time to the pasture. Never take more than one horse just incase of them fighting. I advise using a restraining tool, such as a nose chain (see restraints) to aid in calming the horse down. Putting the horses on turn out can be an exciting time. Make sure when opening the gate you open it wide enough for the horse and you to safely navigate through. Then close the gate and release the horse away from the gate. When bringing other horses out remember to follow the same steps as putting the first horse in. With this horse however, come in close the gate and walk away from the other horse.
Feeding during turn out can cause a problem with the horses. This can lead to fighting and certain horses potentually getting injured and malnourished. When feeding grain, use moveable feed containers to ensure the safety of the horses. Also you can supplement the horses with bales of hay. With this feeding method, use round bale rings, or houses to reduce waste.
Do regular pasture walks (under pasture maintain) to check to see if the pasture is fit enough for grazing. Make sure you are not placing too many horses into the field, this will prevent over grazing and fighting.
-Catching:
When it is time to bring the horses in for whatever reason, this can sometimes pose as a challenge. Sometimes the horses will want to run from you so it is good idea to bring a bit of food or treats. Have the halter ready, but approach the horse calmly. Talking to him might be a good aid to catching him. Never approach the horse from the rear or directly in front. These are their blind spots. When you are close enough to touch the horse, I like to start out by placing the lead over the horse’s neck. This way the horse knows not the run from you. Then put the halter on, making sure the fit is correct. When leading the horse, make sure that you are on the left side, an arms length away from the horse. Keep in mind to keep your feet away from his, no one wants crushed toes.
-Turn out:
To turn out a horse it means to keep the horse out in a pasture. Normally if the horse is on 24 hour turn out, there will be some sort of run in for him to have shelter. Another option would be turning out for a few hours with optional stalls.
When letting the horses out, always walk them one at the time to the pasture. Never take more than one horse just incase of them fighting. I advise using a restraining tool, such as a nose chain (see restraints) to aid in calming the horse down. Putting the horses on turn out can be an exciting time. Make sure when opening the gate you open it wide enough for the horse and you to safely navigate through. Then close the gate and release the horse away from the gate. When bringing other horses out remember to follow the same steps as putting the first horse in. With this horse however, come in close the gate and walk away from the other horse.
Feeding during turn out can cause a problem with the horses. This can lead to fighting and certain horses potentually getting injured and malnourished. When feeding grain, use moveable feed containers to ensure the safety of the horses. Also you can supplement the horses with bales of hay. With this feeding method, use round bale rings, or houses to reduce waste.
Do regular pasture walks (under pasture maintain) to check to see if the pasture is fit enough for grazing. Make sure you are not placing too many horses into the field, this will prevent over grazing and fighting.