This vs That - Stall+TO or Run-In

[AAHunterGal]

Hey all - gathering opinions, which can be an adventure here on the forums, lol.

My gelding has been doing very well over the past year. He was purchased with diagnosed mild Kissing Spine and is asymptomatic. He also has a hock that’s a 1/5 on a flexion exam.

I recently moved to a different state, back to a barn with a trainer I love & have known for a long time. In my old state, he was turned out all night (5pm - 8am) in a paddock that I would say was about 3/4 an acre with a friend.

In the new barn, he has a larger field, and is only turned out from 6am - 12pm. He seemed to be doing well with that when I arrived in October, but I’ve found out that in the winter and spring the turnout at all is hit/miss. Example: He’s been inside for the past 9 days, and I’ve been needing to go to the barn to handwalk to get him out of his stall in addition to the rides. He’s become pretty stiff and sour, and I don’t blame him.

While they are set to go back outside on Tuesday, whenever it snows, or is too windy, or they want to irrigate the fields, etc, they stay inside. They also get pulled off the big fields and go into smaller paddocks in the Spring when they hay the fields.

There isn’t a lot of true TO where I live now - but - I have the opportunity to put him someplace with a 15x40 foot run with a shelter. I also have the opportunity to put him someplace with a 30x100 foot run with a shelter, but I like the trainer where there is a smaller run better. He would still be surrounded by horses in the runs, that’s something to add, and he can interact with them.

He does not need a field to “run” in to get energy out. He is a pretty low-key boy, and even staying in the past week he hasn’t been naughty or wild under saddle. He does however need a LOT of movement to stay healthy with his back.

WWYD? Stay with the trainer you really love and know well and just accept the touch/go nature of the turnout? Or go to a place with less of a relationship with the trainer, but have space for the horse to move more consistently? What’s the smallest run a horse with KS would really need (maybe that’s a vet question)?

I’m trying to think of anything i haven’t included. I guess the only other thing is that he HAS become much stiffer and less willing to move forward while he’s been confined, so it’s not like I don’t notice a difference. But when he IS able to be turned out, he feels pretty good even with that limited amount.

[albytb]

I feel like this is tough for me to advise on now that I have a horse living outside 24/7 and can’t imagine going back to stalling but I think I’d prefer stall+TO if the run in means that my horse won’t get to be outside with friends.

[AAHunterGal]

He would still be surrounded by horses in the run, that’s something to add, and he can interact with them.

[Posting_Trot]

Every horse is a little different. But I think what you’ve found is that the current situation (stalled with turnout until there isn’t any turnout for 9 [!] days) isn’t working for him. You say that he’s stiff and sour and you have to handwalk him to get him out of his stall.

That wouldn’t work for me either.

I’d go with one of the barns that have run-ins. Ultimately, it may not be ideal but it sounds better than the current set-up.

[Salty]

It sounds to me as if he really needs the turnout so I would do that. Maybe you could trailer in for lessons with the first trainer?

[Bluey]

Bring that up to your favorite trainer.
Trainer may find a solution where you are, or may agree with you that horse needs more movement, why not try next barn and see how horse does.
In new barn, make it clear horse needs more space to walk around than a stall, why you are moving.
When we stalled horses, if one needed more movement, may get occasionally yard privileges.

[Demerara_Stables]

@Bluey

Bring that up to your favorite trainer.

This is a great idea. Since you have a long term relationship with this trainer, I’d bring up your dilemma to her/him and say that the situation really isn’t working for your horse. Maybe your trainer doesn’t realize how big of a problem it is. Most trainers want to do what’s best for the horse, so maybe she/he will have another solution for you.

[Texarkana]

There are so many variables.

I agree with the general consensus above that trying to find a way to stay with a trainer you love AND get the turnout you need would be ideal. That might not work, though.

I’m wondering if a run is going to give him enough movement to keep his back happy. There’s a big difference between a 3/4 acre field and a 15x40 run. The 30x100 would be a better option, but not if the training program is going to be less than what you want/need.

[Pico_Banana]

Ugh, I’m so sorry you’re in this situation. Ideally, I’d talk with your current trainer and see if something can be worked out because she should be realizing the impact the lack of turnout is having on him.

Short of that, I think you need to move. Being stuck inside for 9 days must be so hard on them, and particularly one with KS. If movement is critical to his comfort, I’d go for the bigger run-in even at the expense of the better trainer.

[trubandloki]

@Bluey

Bring that up to your favorite trainer.

As others have mentioned, I would start with this.
Have a talk about your horse’s turn out needs and see if there are any options for more turnout where you are?
I suggest this because I have known more than one boarding situation where the lack of turn out during bad weather was because the barn owner/manager had so many owners who wanted Dobbin to not get wet/muddy/walk in the snow that they just did not turn out anymore in the yucky weather.
They might be more than happy to have your horse out if you really want him outside even when it is raining.

@AAHunterGal

I have the opportunity to put him someplace with a 15x40 foot run with a shelter. I also have the opportunity to put him someplace with a 30x100 foot run with a shelter,

If you have to pick one of these two I would definitely pick the one with the larger run.
I have 12’ x 40’ runs attached to stalls, and they are great for alone time over night, while eating, or such, but I can not imagine them being the only turn out.

[SharonA1]

It is so tough to find the “most close to perfect” situation…

I might offer that the most wonderful trainer in the world is not going to get far with a physically or emotional unhappy horse, so if a horse needs turnout and isn’t getting it, the trainer might become less relevant than the lifestyle.

[Lost_Shoe]

Why leave your current trainer whom you like, over a temporary inconvenience (short-term weather-related stalling) without at least first asking for an accommodation? Perhaps your trainer would be willing to hand walk your horse daily? Perhaps another boarder could hand walk you horse as a favor to you? Perhaps the barn could turn your horse out in the indoor (if safe/appropriate)? Perhaps they could come up with a turnout solution if asked?

In my opinion (and I think my horses would concur), a run-out paddock is not really turnout, it is more akin to a large outdoor stall. Do either of the facilities with run-out paddocks have larger paddocks or pastures available? If not, it would be a hard no for me. A run-out paddock is absolutely better than no turnout, but it is not an adequate replacement for a large paddock or pasture. I would rather hand walk on a temporary basis until the weather clears up and normal turnout can resume, than move to a place where the only turnout available is a run-out.

[beau159]

@AAHunterGal

WWYD? Stay with the trainer you really love and know well and just accept the touch/go nature of the turnout? Or go to a place with less of a relationship with the trainer, but have space for the horse to move more consistently? What’s the smallest run a horse with KS would really need (maybe that’s a vet question)?

I would say the TURNOUT is the most important for his long term health. I would not be okay with a horse stuck inside for 9+ days! Turnout is so important. I would move to one of the places that offer a run-in shed with constant movement/turnout. IMO, handwalking is not the same as them getting to be out for hours.

Can you still haul-in for lessons with the trainer you like?
Or have them come to you for lessons sometimes?

[MrPerfection]

I don’t know your budget for lessons w/ your trainer, but trailing on top of lessons and ring fees, it all adds up quickly. I would go where you love the trainer and talk about as much out time as possible. If money is not the issue, then the most turnout possible and the horse would be 1st.