You might worry about your horses being outside when the weather is harsh. It is because you might not be at home to take them into their stall, or the weather might be too severe to go outside. But most of all, people worry if the horses can come to any harm when you leave them in the rain, and in some areas, the rain can get quite heavy.
You can leave your horses in the rain as they are tough animals. You don’t have to worry much about their health when they are in the rain, but look out for the muddy and wet conditions as they can cause other problems like hoof infections and mud fever.
Many people who own horses believe that their horse shares their emotions. And some horses, in all honesty, do have such feelings. However, most horses don’t mind riding in the rain and wind. Horses are demanding animals, and they can endure many things. They are built for harsh conditions and are work animals.
Can You Leave Your Horses In The Rain?
Your horse won’t get sick in this rain, and many people decide to leave them in it. You can leave your horses in the shower if the rain is gentle. However, when the rainfall is heavier than that, it’s best to take your horses inside their shed or pens. Then, when the winds pick up and thunderstorms begin, your horse’s life could be in danger.
Risks Of Leaving Your Horses In The Rain
Rain is the underlying factor that contributes to a wide range of issues and consequences. Even if the rain won’t harm your horses, it doesn’t imply that it won’t adversely affect them. For example, when it rains for an extended period or too frequently, your horse is at risk of contracting several diseases and ailments.
1. Risk One: Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection your horse can get, which can cause fever, loss of appetite, and abdominal pain. In worse cases, it can lead to the mare needing to abort the foal. However, this disease is relatively rare. The bacteria reside under the soil, and when it rains, it moves to the surface, where they can spread.
2. Risk Two: Mud Fever
Mud fever is very similar to rain rot. However, it only affects the horse’s legs and is caused when the horse stands on wet and muddy ground for too long. The bacteria typically stays on the surface, but when the skin softens, it breaks through the skin and causes the infection.
3. Risk Three: Mosquitos
In areas with a lot of summer rain and high humidity, like Florida, the mosquito population can explode after a rainstorm because of all the standing water. The mosquitos won’t cause a big problem, but they carry many diseases which are terrible for your horses.
4. Risk Four: Hoof Infections
Hoof infections are widespread in horses, and there are many causes for this problem. However, thrush is one of the main problems in hoof infections. It affects the frog of the horse’s hoof, and its caused by extended exposure to water. This issue can also make it difficult for the horse to walk, leaving the tissue vulnerable and exposed.
5. Risk Five: Rain Rot
Rain Rot is often known as dew poisoning. It is a skin condition that contains bacteria that live naturally on your horse’s skin. However, wet conditions can cause infections that can result in scabby dry lesions on the back and neck.
However, you can easily avoid this by maintaining a clean coat by frequent brushing of your horse. However, this is only sometimes the case if you reside in a wet and muggy climate. In conditions like this, it is essential to keep the horses out of the rain or at least dry them off as soon as possible after they get wet.
How You Can Protect Your Horses From The Rain
There isn’t any way to stop the rain, and you can’t do much about it, but there are several ways that you can ensure your horses get a bit of protection. For example, you should make sure they have shelter. However, a canopy with three sides is preferable to a natural one. Therefore, allowing air to flow gives them a choice to take refuge from the rain.
Another thing to protect your horse is regular brushing. The brushing will remove any mud in the horse’s coat, stimulating the natural oils in their coat. The oils will act as a repellent to the rain and protect the horses. Your horses will also get a nice shine to their coats from the brushing and the oils.
You can put straw on the muddy areas in your field so your horse won’t slip or step in it too much. Be sure not to over-blanket the horses, also. It can cause them to overheat and then cause other problems. When the weather gets too extreme for them to stay outside, ensure they have something to do. You can place boredom buster in their pens to help with that.
Can You Leave Your Horses Outside In A Thunderstorm?
While it’s true that some horses may be startled by the loud noises and bright lights, most horses like being outside when a storm rolls in. Additionally, most horses would rather be outdoors during a thunderstorm. Some evidence suggests that doing so may be safer for them. Some people will say that if your fields are open, it’s better to stall your horses.
If your horses keep moving in the field, they will be safer, which is also best for tornadoes and hurricanes. Even though your horse’s chance of getting hit by lightning reduces when the field is full of trees, many owners still bring their animals inside before and during storms. But there is no correct or incorrect way to get your horses inside.
Your Horses Can Slip In The Rain
With all the rain, your fields can become a muddy mess. Since the bad weather can cause your horses to get spooked, they can slip into the mud. In addition, the harsh thunder can scare the horses, and when they fall in the dirt, it can lead to other serious injuries. They can break bones in their legs and can otherwise seriously injure themselves.
It is also not recommended that you go far on a hike with your horse as the trails can also be muddy and cause injuries to the horse and you. However, the rain will also be much worse for you than the horse.
A Disadvantage Of Keeping Your Horse Inside In Bad Weather
It’s possible that your horse becomes agitated or anxious from being stabled indoors. If the horse is upset or afraid, it may act out by kicking at the stable doors. In turn, the constant kicking causes harm to the horse. Add to it the fact that thunderstorms tend to frighten horses, and you have a recipe for catastrophe. Your horse may suffer more significant health problems if it is confined.
Additional Advice For Leaving Your Horses In The Rain
There are several facts you should know about horses. While some of them are easy to handle and don’t give you much trouble, you still have the ones who can be difficult. Owning one horse isn’t easy, but when you have multiple, you have to keep your head and ensure they are safe and comfortable in their terrain.
- Long Periods – It’s best to leave your horses inside for a short time. While their coats are also waterproof, they are still at risk for other things.
- Shelter – Ensure your horses have enough protection when they go inside and get cover from the weather. At the same time, there will be natural shelter. It’s best also to have a run-in shed or something like it for them.
- Entertainment – While your horses are stuck inside, you can entertain them to keep them busy and occupied. You can even go for a short walk if the weather isn’t bad.
- It’s not cruel – Many people are against leaving your horses outside in the rain. But remember, going them in the rain is not harsh or abusive as they enjoy it.
- They don’t get cold – While you might think they do, your horses don’t get cold in the rain, but it’s best not to do so during the winter months as they do get uncomfortable.
Conclusion
Your horses are perfectly safe in the rain. But when the weather gets a bit harsh, it’s best to get them inside. It’s because the winds could cause branches to break, and the mud can cause them to slip when they get startled by the thunder. However, horses aren’t bothered by the rain and prefer if you leave them in open fields rather than closed stalls.
Resources
https://www.simplehorselife.com/can-you-leave-horses-out-in-the-rain/
https://equinefacilitydesign.com/equine-care/leave-horse-rain.htm
