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I would say 8x10 absolute minimum

what do you think is the smallest sized stable a 13.2 (fine sec b) could get away with? am using a 12 x 12 at the moment which gives loads of space - infact, he seems a little lost in it sometimes!

yours will be fine in medium rugs, and i wouldnt change them back either- the temp. is going to get much colder next week. my cobs always winter in medium weight rugs, but 2 days ago i had to put a second rug on bess who is now 20, as she was miserable with cold, pinched in the face, cold ears and very cold on her back. now she is warm and happy, but not too hot, wearing 2 rugs; i think its just the combination of the wind with all of the...

At the rescue where I got Izzy they have mixed herds and Izzy was in a large mixed herd and was fine. Not colts with mares though. We put about 5 colts in with a couple of older geldings to teach them horse manners and they were fine. They are now gelded and are in a mixed herd. Where I have Izzy now they have separate mares and geldings fields. Izzy doesn't seem bothered either way - just as long as he has company.

10 x 10 would be fine - i have three donkeys in a 20x12 and they all get down and sleep fine and share their hay and are very warm and cosy together.

another vote for rubber mats and small shavings coverage for time, financial and sanity reasons !

Thanks for all the replies folks,has reassured me somewhat Quote: Originally Posted by neen I'm sure your horses will be fine, devonlass, but just to chip in with another perspective; in my view, too cold is always better than too hot. Too cold might lead to loss of condition, but too hot can lead to colic. I learned this the hard way -- and the rug in question was only a mediumweight. I can see what you mean,and generally would probably...

I have always gone by the advice that horses prefer to be colder than too hot. Just check on them once your other rugs are dry and if you feel they are too hot, then change to LW. Horses are designed to live out. As long as you leave them unclipped and don't groom excessively they will build up a nice greasy layer to help keep them warm and waterproof. Although I am as bad as the rest of the mums and worry too too much. It drives my OH...

Quote: Originally Posted by Midnight_Ashes As mentioned, haylage would be a better alternative. Straw has very little nutritional value as it is just stalks. There is also the increased risk of impaction colic when feeding straw. If you have no other choice, oat straw is best to feed. yes I agree that there is very little nutritional value in straw and would obviously be making up for that in other ways with feeding. Plus they have ad lib...

We mix mares, geldings, foals and colts together. They all live quite happily in their herd.