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Re: [RC] horse abuse/shelter - A. PerezThe Maryland Horse Council has a "Guide to Minimum Standards of Care for EQUINES" (http://mdhorsecouncil.org/guide.htm). This specifies that horses should have access to a 3-sided shelter. While I think this is ideal, the farm I field board at has two fields, one with a loafing shed, the other with a heavy tree-line (cedars). The horses seem to spend much more time in the trees then in the shed. Personally, I think it is important that animals have some way to get out of the sun in summer and wind/rain in the winter, be it a shed, under trees, etc, preferably with free- choice access. Heat and sun are probably worse then cold/rain: horses keep warm much better then they cool off. I have in the past kept a horse stalled full-time (except when hand-grazed or ridden), but I'll never do it again. Fortunately he was a mellow guy and did not seem to mind it, but I'd MUCH rather see a horse field-kept then stalled full- time. They are by nature grazing animals, and will be much healthier and happier living at grass then confined. (I once had someone tell me that is is 'too cold in Virginia to field- board'... I had to laugh!) Luckily, it is also the cheapest alternative: I field baord for $150/month (includes hay in winter)L stall board in this area runs 500-750/month! ________________________________________________ Get your own "800" number Voicemail, fax, email, and a lot more http://www.ureach.com/reg/tag =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Ridecamp is a service of Endurance Net, http://www.endurance.net. Information, Policy, Disclaimer: http://www.endurance.net/Ridecamp Subscribe/Unsubscribe http://www.endurance.net/ridecamp/logon.asp Ride Long and Ride Safe!! =-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=
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