Is my horse warm enough?

Question

Rebel, my 19 month old painted saddle stud does not like to go into his barn except to eat his hay, and grain w/vit twice daily. Does he not realize that the barn will keep him warmer or is he warm enough with all the winter hair? And, today I sat bareback on his back and he acted as if nothing was going on. We didn't walk anywhere, but I just had to see how he would react. He's had the saddle on several times and wandered around peacefully. Are some horses not a problem at all to break if they trust you. I spend so much time with him. Does anybody else fell like their horse is like a best friend. This sounds stupid but you know what I mean.

Answer 1

I really saw myself in you --my horse Nomad and I go back 26 years and we met when he was 10 months old --he was born in the wild sort of speak hadnt had but a few times of human contact till he came to live with me --I didnt push him I let him come to me and that took near two months--I'd sit on a bucket in his paddock and just watch him watchin me--well the time came when he decided I possed no threat and decided he needed to buddy up-- may I say my heart raced and tears ran but we have been the best of friends ever sence--I too started with light saddles just for fun and he never made a fuss guess he thought it was normal of some sorts--and by the time he was near 1 and a half I decided to just sit on him just to see what he thought--he turned to look and smelled my foot--no big deal there--I myself was on top of the world--near 2 and a half we actually decided that riding out on the trail would be fine too and he proved himself to be brave and trusting of my judgements the trails were new to him and so much to see jack rabbits and oil pumping units --he just took it all in never spooked --there has never been a time that I can think of that we have not had a great time --his hip doesnt work like it should these days so the trail rides are just grand memories that I know he shares as well-- he as I said is one of my best friends and with still very much spring in his step he makes my heart flutter every time he flips his head that Arab thing he does and screams to me --glad to see me he says--thats my friend and memory lane--now about being warm enough the best way to know if they are warm enough is if they shiver even when they are dry--if not then they are fine if so a blanket at night is good to have--dont worry that he perfers to be out side most horse like to be able to see all around to make sure someone or something is not sneeking up on them --remember they are animals that are preyed on by others --so they are always on the watch--Nomad never really stood in except to eat or if it was real rainy and even then he stood with his head poked out the barn door-- :-) watching always watching ---Last but not least--be careful when your baby gets closer to 2 Nomad was a great stud colt and then just around two he went sour--he loved my daughter who was also two and he would rub his nose through her hair and blow--but one day she went to greet him and he nosed her and then I saw a darkness fill his eyes and he through his head back and bared his teeth and was going to take the top of her head off--I so luckly was right there and grabbed my daughter just in time --the only other clue that he was changing was he had in the past month gotten very vocal twords the horses next door and seemed so much less calm--pacing the rails --I had him cut as I had never wanted a stallion to begin with but because he was so easy going and I wanted as much growth as I could get I hadnt had him cut--After that he was back to his sweet self and we have lived happy ever after--
God Bless a long life with Rebel as I have had and still am having with Nomad

Answer 2

First off, as far as the going into the barn, if he's got access to shelter and he chooses not to use it, he's obviously comfortable. If he hasn't been clipped and he has a full coat there is no reason he should be cold. Many owners worry when they see snow or ice on their horses and rush to put blankets on them. The reality is, their coat is doing its job and insulating them, keeping their body heat close to their body. Since the coat traps the heat, no heat escapes to melt the ice/snow on their backs.

As far as riding, I wouldn't start that for at least another year. If he's got walker, saddlebred, or any similar gaited horse in his background they usually need to at least three before they are ridden. As far as how easy or difficult he will be, it depends on his personality. If you do all your "home work" and make sure he has the correct exposure, it should be easy to start. If you have questions or issues, I would recommend being in contact with a trainer, even if you don't send him out, it is never a bad idea to have a second set of eyes in case you run into something that you figure out, or want some extra assistance with. Especially with a stud colt, if you plan on keeping him intact and have never worked with a stud before, it's a good idea to have a trainer at the ready so you help maintain a calm demeanor through the whole experience.

In regards to the last part of your question/statement, I feel like I have a great bond with my critters, not just my horse. I use natural horsemanship technique in my training. I feel that these techniques have helped me get a trusting partnership with both my mares. I wish you the best of luck with your new youngster, enjoy him!

Answer 3

My horses are my best friends, confidants, and children. I'm currently breaking a new mini stud and he is so easy going with anything new. If your horse trusts you and is comfortable around you they will be open to new things as long as you make them seem alright to them. As far as the warmth thing, horses naturally know how to fend for themselves. Usually it will be warmer out in the sun than in a barn. If it is too cold you can put a turnout sheet on him. My rule is in the 30's ... sheet. Lower than that... blanket. Best of luck to you two, he sounds like a fine yearling!

Answer 4

Does it get chillier as it gets later in the day? If it does, then you probably shouldn't bathe your horse until its hotter out and doesn't get real cold as it gets later. A horse that gets bathed by a water hose is cold anyway during and after the bath until the sun warms it, but when it gets colder the horse will get a chill. It's probably not a good idea. ♫its a filthy hot mess;;

Answer 5

If your horse is fed properly and is fat, he will very rarely be cold and will rarely go into the barn of a winter except when it is really raining or sleating. They will stand in a barn a lot during the summer to keep the sun and especially the flies off of them.

Answer 6

If your horse is healthy and a little chubby, he should be fine, unless you live in a snowy climate. If you do, I suggest getting a rug for him to keep him nice and warm. Yes, my horses are my best friends. I love spending time with them, I could spend hours with them. My pony, Pedro, I've been through a lot with him, and now I have a horse, Rico. I love them both, but sadly, Pedro is going to be either sold or leased out :(. But at least I know he'll be ridden, because it's hard to ride in the winter in Ireland unless you have an arena, but I go to a riding stables, but Pedro still needs to get ridden. He's getting pretty chubby.....
Good luck with your horse, he sounds lovely!

Answer 7

I have 4 horses, that stay outside all year round and are fine, they have a thick coat, if you raise a horse from a baby they seem easier to break because they have been handed so much. I feel like my horses are my friends, they carry me a long way on the trail so I treat them with respect and kindness.

Answer 8

Sounds like you have a special relationship with your baby. My horses won't even go in the barn unless its raining. I would say he's in the normal.

Answer 9

HE KNOWS HE CAN TRUST YOU. THAT'S GREAT. YOU WON'T HAVE ANY TROUBLE IN TRAINING HIM. GOOD JOB! AS FAR AS THE BARN ISSUE.........HE KNOWS THE DIFFERENCE. IF HE WANTS TO GET OUT OF THE WEATHER HE WILL. HORSES BLOOD IS LIKE A LOT WARMER THEN OURS. AND NOT TO MENTION THERE THICK HIDE AND COAT. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK AND YES YOUR HORSE CAN DEFINITELY BE YOUR BEST FRIEND. YOUR HORSE IS LUCKY TO HAVE YOU...............HC

Answer 10

Yeah I think some horses just like there owners. Me and my horse sometimes have like twin telepithy. Hahaha. It sounds funny but I think it's true. Who knows?