How does your barn bring horses in/out?

[justhanginon]

Where we are now (which we love) the fields are set up so that if you open the gates properly the horses are in a contained situation where they can walk right into their stalls. They are turned out in very small groups and it is a very small barn (nine horses total) but I have been at a bigger self care barn where people could do the same thing. It took my horses about a week to figure out the drill and the bo led them into their stalls until they caught on. Now it is like clock work, bo arranges the gates and calls them in and they file right in to their appropriate stall. Occasionally some of the boys get goofy and try to get into someone else's spot and eat their dinner etc but the bo is right there with lunge whip in hand just in case and can quickly diffuse that. They all get handled pretty much everyday so no need to worry about them becoming wild and unmanageable. I was just curious how everyone else did things and what your thoughts were on this method.

[Jasmine]

I've seen that done, and seen it work very well. I've also seen that cause facial fractures, knee fractures, and hock fractures. I think it depends on the horses involved in the situation.

I personally would not have my horses at a barn that did things this way. I'd rather pay a bit more to have them hand walked in.

[theoldgreymare]

All of ours get individually brought in from the fields. Our barn is set up so that two of our fields could just walk/run in but we choose not to do it that way for safety reasons.

[LuvMyTB]

My barn has a few different barns on the property and things are done a bit differently in each barn. In one situation, pasture-boarded horses come in once a day to be grained. The barn aisle opens directly into the pasture via a gate. The BO opens the stall doors, shuts the door at the opposite end of the aisle, then opens the gate. The horses all walk to their stalls and then the BO shuts them in. Same thing to put them back out. Works really well, although she does carry a stick/rope in case things get rowdy.

Another barn has a huge pasture with about 20 horses in it. The pasture is connected to a smaller paddock by a long chute. The horses are put in the paddock and then allowed to go down the chute into the pasture. Reverse for when bringing in. Again works well, some horses get a little fractious when waiting to go in/out in the smaller paddock, but they know the routine for the most part.

[joiedevie99]

For the most part, each horse is walked in individually. There are a few sets of horses that are best friends and walk in better together than one at a time, so in those limited situations someone will lead two horses in- one in each hand. No horses are allowed to run in, even though several paddocks could, because of the risk of them slipping on the concrete barn aisle or hurting each other.

[thumbsontop]

It wouldn't be my first choice...absolutely wouldn't with food already in the stall. The extra handling leading in and out reinforces good manners. I have been known to let the last horse in from the pasture with no halter and she just goes right to her stall but usually at least throw a lead rope around the neck.

If I were boarding I wouldn't like it...one of those things that's fine if it's just your own horse I suppose.

[trubandloki]

Pasture is attached to individual paddocks. Stalls have dutch doors into individual paddocks.

Stall doors are kept closed until horses are in their individual paddocks and gates of paddocks are closed, then stall doors are opened and horses are allowed inside.

[justhanginon]

trubandloki - So essentially youare doing it the same way we do but instead of going inot their appropriate stall on their own they go into their appropriate paddock. My girls also have their own little individual paddock but not all of the others do. I think they have the best of both worlds with that. They have their stall but can move around a little and not be so closed in.

[BeastieSlave]

I have three who walk themselves into their stalls and two who wait outside to eat. It works just fine. I haven't ever had a problem with a beastie picking up the program and there is rarely a rush in the barn. They might run to to the gate, but they walk into the barn - and always right to their own stall. There's no confusion. Just like in the pasture, there is an order for going into the barn, and the beasties all know their places.

[deltawave]

I agree with jasmine. Seen it work very well, and have also seen mass chaos and a lot of needless slipping, sliding, cuts and dings and bruises. Fortunately nothing worse than that, although the stage is definitely set for it.

It's one of those things where you have to decide if the possible risk is worth the perceived benefit. If I had my 'druthers in a borading situation I'd prefer to have horses attached to people at all times when they're coming in and out of their stalls.

At my place they're out 24/7, with stalls closed off during the day (weather permitting) so they don't use them as toilets. At supper time each horse lines up politely outside their own stall and waits to be let in. This took a LOT of enforcement at first! The bossy one would bully the wimpy one, etc. and I had to police things even in a very tame, quiet group of 3. It wasn't rough, but it was definitely horse-agenda time, not human-agenda. In a large group with horses of varying temperaments, manners, etc. I'd be pretty uncomfortable.

[mjrtango93]

Ours get walked in and out in hand, no more then 3 at a time. Letting them sort it out seems scary to me. What happens if 2 go in 1 stall and start kicking? No whip is going to break that up. Plus we have a stallion on the outside aisle and he would never go for that! The mares are never walked more then 2 at a time, but the geldings can go 3 at a time.

[justhanginon]

deltawave - In this particular situation it works perfectly. That was why I asked, because I am actually surprised at how well it does work. I have been there for about nine months and the only injuries to anyone have been some bumps and cuts from some of them being squirrely in the field. The in and out thing is very orderly and they all know who goes where and in what order. But I do think this is an unusual group and a couple of the horses (several actually) are good old retired sweethearts. One guy is pushing 30 and is gorgeous, sweet and the picture of health - when I got there I would have guessed he was about 16 !

[Foxtrot's]

Not my preference as I have my horses at home, but one barn used to open gates and a huge herd of horses came streaming in. It was quite a site, and they all knew the way to their stalls. My eyes were bugging out, but it worked. None of them, of course, were show horses and had low key temperaments I'm sure.

[trubandloki]

trubandloki - So essentially youare doing it the same way we do but instead of going inot their appropriate stall on their own they go into their appropriate paddock. My girls also have their own little individual paddock but not all of the others do. I think they have the best of both worlds with that. They have their stall but can move around a little and not be so closed in.

Yeah, I suppose it is similar.

The reason no stalls are open before horses are safely in their paddocks with gates closed is so no one can get trapped easily. The stall door is a narrower opening and if cornered inside a stall it could get ugly.

The paddocks are larger and horses can easily get by each other, etc.

[shakeytails]

I've seen and done it both ways. I don't have pastures that adjoin the barn now, so turnout/in is done either individually or 2 at a time.

[BeastieSlave]

Well, I realized that might feel differently about the beasties taking themselves to their stalls if I was in a boarding situation.

I don't think it's an age thing. At the farm, two of the guys who currently walk themselves in are youngsters. They came to the farm in October. One is now 10 months old and the other is almost 4 years old. They are sensible young guys and they picked right up on how things work :yes:

I also feel the need to defend myself... Letting the horses walk themselves in from the pasture does not mean the beasties don't get handled!

[Mia412]

Our pastures can all connect to the barn by opening different gates, so the horses walk themselves in. Our turnout groups are very small, though - 4 in one, 3 in one, and 2 in the other. Each group comes in & is shut in stalls before we let the next group come. The 2 group gets led out every day, and in the summer the group of 4 gets led out to the grass field at night. We've never had a problem, but it's a very controlled situation.

We have all older trained horses right now . . . with babies or greener stuff we can adjust our routine as needed.

[Just Wondering]

Ours get walked in and out in hand, no more then 3 at a time. Letting them sort it out seems scary to me. What happens if 2 go in 1 stall and start kicking? No whip is going to break that up. Plus we have a stallion on the outside aisle and he would never go for that! The mares are never walked more then 2 at a time, but the geldings can go 3 at a time.

How is it any different than a horse getting picked on in the turnout?

Our horses come in and are turned out freely. All turnouts are connected to the barn. Once upon a time we led each horse in across the drive. The last straw was me doing chores one evening by myself and an over anxious mare clocked me with her head. I never passed out but I had no choice but to sit down and wait until I could see clearly again. Had she knocked me out and tromped on me . . . .

[justhanginon]

BeastieSlave - I agree that sense definitley doesn't always come with age :)

[ponyjumper4]

I have some I bring in one at time, some that come in two at a time, and some I just let go to their stall. Boarders horses are always brought in by person and right now, always one at a time. Mine are the ones I sometimes let in on their own, but that too depends on the situation.

[horsegirl520]

My barn brings the horses in 2 at a time. I wouldn't have my horse at a barn that let the horses run in like that.

[pandorasboxx]

I'm at a very small barn. Two mares in one field and three geldings in another. We open the gates from each field to the barn paddock. Mares first. They run down to the barn and then wait to be put one at a time into their stalls. Then geldings. Repeat.

Turned back out by following/herding them to the appropriate field. They walk back up on their own accord usually as hay is waiting for them in the field.

Probably wouldnt work as well with a larger herd.

[jazzrider]

We used to board at a barn where they would just open the gate and let 18 horses (mixed herd, pastured together) come running into the barn and into their stalls. There were tack boxes etc. in the aisle, and it was only about 10 feet wide. Now that I think of it, I can't believe we stayed there as long as we did. :no: But PTL our horses did ok with it. Some did not.

Now, on our own place with only five horses, each horse get's hand walked into his stall with a lead rope around his neck, and feed gets dropped after they come in. Except for Jazz :rolleyes:, who gets to wander around eating grass and do as he pleases. :D

[Lori]

The way our barn is set up, we walk them in and out individually. On the days I work there, I take each horse out in the order the barn owner does so that they are on the same schedule/order. During these arctic cold days, they get turned out in their small groups of 3 to 4 in the indoor while the stalls are cleaned, then brought back in and the next group goes out. Otherwise, they go outside into pastures for the whole day or night depending on the time of year.

My ponies and a few other boarders are in the paddocks with run ins, so they are out 24/7.

[Trot Left]

Reminds me of the trip to the feed mill the other day.

Loaded the truck, pulled out of the shed and out of my rear view mirror I see a huge chestnut horse - LOOSE (road is just a skip away)...

What I didn't see was a lady brining in her horse (leading) with the chestnut just following... if you call tear-ass-trotting across the icy driveway happily following. I thought I was seeing things!

[partlycloudy]

So what happens when horses go to a situation where they need to be led in? I have some horses here for training that were allowed to walk in and out of their stalls (or should I say dash in and out) They have the worse gate and stall manners I've ever dealt with! they are downright dangerous when you try to lead another horse thru the gate before them...what a pita! they also try to run out of their stall door everyone time you crack one an inch. Can't tell you how many times I've been nearly run over by them.:mad:
No Way would I ever do this...or have a horse in my barn that had been 'trained' this way

[justhanginon]

horsegirl520 - They don't actually "run" in. Some of the boys run to the gate until it's open, but walk over to the barn and into their stalls. They are also let in and out in small groups (my 2 mares are with one other mare in their group). I don't think I would be okay with a giant herd of ... I think someone said their old barn had 18 horses, charging in and running about. But with this small group it works. If I asked the barn owners to walk my mares in, I am sure they would do it, probably be confused about why since my two would probably be brought in together, but they would do it - they are great.

[kellyb]

We do it like the OP's barn. Besides a minor scuffle here and there, it works fine. They don't come galloping in. It's more like they are just people filtering into a bar. Some hang out in the yard a bit and then come in, so one person can 'direct traffic' with ease. 7 horses.

[Mia412]

So what happens when horses go to a situation where they need to be led in? I have some horses here for training that were allowed to walk in and out of their stalls (or should I say dash in and out) They have the worse gate and stall manners I've ever dealt with! they are downright dangerous when you try to lead another horse thru the gate before them...what a pita! they also try to run out of their stall door everyone time you crack one an inch. Can't tell you how many times I've been nearly run over by them.:mad:
No Way would I ever do this...or have a horse in my barn that had been 'trained' this way

Mine are ABSOLUTELY not allowed to be pushy about any of those things! If they are, they get led in & out until they learn. No one runs. They walk! No one leaves their stall without an OK, no matter how wide the door is open.

[partlycloudy]

When you get an eight yr old mare in for training that has been allowed to run in and out for 5 yrs...its one hell of a retrain job...basically every single day the horse needs to be reprimanded. these behavious are very hard to break.

[justhanginon]

mia412 - Same with mine. They also get led in/out of the field, stall, etc without any problems or pushiness.

[vxf111]

Method 1: At the current boarding barn, horses are out in small herds 4-6/pasture. One pasture gate is opened, the horses come down the exterior aisle area to the barn (they do not run, more like saunter), and wait one at a time to be brought in to the barn and then to their stalls on a lead. Then the next pasture gate is opened etc. Stoney knows this, it NOT BE RIGHT. He waits at the pasture gate to walk up with a person. Because he knows this is how it's supposed to be. I have to be honest, I don't *love* this practice. It is the ONE thing I'd change about current barn. BUT it has been done there for years, the herds are small and very well put together (they make SURE everyone gets along well and there are no scuffles). I don't think, knock on wood, that there's ever been a problem.

Method 2: At previous barn, the pastures weren't attached to the barn. So someone (usually under the age of 16) was sent out with 4-5 lead ropes and would lead in 4-5 horses at a time. Now talk about dangerous-- THAT was dangerous. Seriously. For humans and equines. Shane sustained more than a few dings through the use of that method. It was amazing more people weren't hurt. The horses were a lot less mannerly and the herds were pretty mixed/somewhat aggressive and there was often scuffling during the bringing in process.

I don't LOVE the current method but it is leaps and BOUNDS better than the second. Personally, I prefer to lead the horses in, no more than 2 at a time (and only 2 that get along and have nearby stalls etc.) But it's one small compromise for what is otherwise an incredible place. And so much better than method 2!

[CB/TB]

It was done where I used to board. I was there for 18 years and there was never an accident. There were several pastures , Some of which opened into a long , winding , fenced alleyway. Staring with the closest- one at a time, each gate was opened and the horses let out. Sometimes there would be a canter , but usually everybody was full from a day at grass, so they'd saunter into a big paddock and wait at that gate to be let inro the barn. Only the stalls for that group of horses were open. If the BO was alone,, he'd walk back and let them in, then go to the next field. If someone was there to help, doors were shut after horses were in, then opened for the next group. It was like a dance to watch them come in every night.

[olympicprincess]

Barn #1: Brings them in by 2s & 3s.
Barn #2: Brings them in individually... 3 of the 4 are over the age of 20 and MELLOW. BO is a big worrier. ;)

[Wigwag]

They hand lead them, typically two at a time for the ones who are calm and get along. My horse has his usual "walk to turnout buddy" and others have theirs. There are the occasional few who are handled individually.

We don't have enough horses in any one paddock to cause issues at the gate. The occasional problem horse (only one in particular - who isn't even there currently) is quickly reprimanded for inappropriate behavior, and the day goes on.

[Acertainsmile]

We lead all of our horses in individually... even if I had a setup where I could open a gate and let them sort it out I wouldnt... if something were to happen it would be MY fault... plain and simple...

Enough bad things can happen that cant be controlled.... so I try to eliminate the bad things that I can control.

[kellyb]

So what happens when horses go to a situation where they need to be led in?

Mine are totally fine either way...

[Huntertwo]

They are hand walked in where I board now. I was at one place where several were let in at a time, unless the restless horses pushed the gate opened and a bunch came in at once. Gate to pasture was a few feet from the barn.

It was an accident waiting to happen. Seen several horses slipping in aisle, two going into one box stall :no:, one horse even fell in the aisle while running in.

After seeing so many near misses, we boarders asked BO to start leading them in my hand. Unfortunately, that didn't last long.

[BeastieSlave]

No rush. I've said it before, watching my gang walk into their stalls is like watching synchronized swimming. They walk into the barn in a line and then turn off (pretty much at the same time) to the left and the right into their stalls like they are exectuing some routine.

I also need to note that my barn opens directly into their pasture, so for them, 'waiting at the gate' is waiting at the barn door. I couldn't let them walk themselves in or out if they had to go through an open space.
A friend down the road keeps her horses at a barn where they have to lead them in from the pasture to the barn through an unenclosed area. The horses don't always wait to be led and sometimes charge the gate (a whole 'other problem). Even though they have recently put up an electric tape-enclosed walk to the barn, I have had to stop and help her catch horses who were running down the road instead of into the barn to eat :eek:

Also, my beasties are fine being led in individually. Not leading them in/out at feeding does not mean they don't get handled! They are all pretty much well mannered and polite beasties.

[MyReality]

I have a love hate feeling about run-in vs led in.

In a big farm, run in really make sense. I can't fault them for coming up with run in. Horses for most part, adapt very quickly. They are very smart... icy days they walk carefully, good footing they really go for it, but spring days with good grass they would walk/eat. Plus the horses clearly have SO much fun doing it, to be able to run with his friends. I don't want to take that away from them.

Then I hate it because it does increase the chances of injuries. It also means if my horse has a small injury and technically can be turned out, I have to keep him in just because I don't want him to run like that.

[Hilary]

My barn is set up like Beastieslave's - there is a solid door from barn to pasture. We have 4 horses.

There is no running allowed. I open the door and usually they are standing calmly waiting. I let them in, and monitor to make sure no one decides to venture off where they should not. If they do, hell rains down.

If, for whatever reason, they are rowdy, I let one in at a time and shut the door. They are also fine to be led in separately.

They are very well behaved 90% of the time for me. They do not behave for my mom, who while very competent, is 72, and not as quick or forceful in the discipline dept. So she lets them in one or 2 at a time and they behave for her.

They know she usually feeds at night because when I do, there is definite surprise - "oh, YOU? I'm gettin' in my stall, right now!"

My older TB gelding can be difficult - he has food anxiety issues and if it's cold he sometimes freaks out and will trot into his stall and goes through phases when he's rude about going out.

[Wigwag]

Then I hate it because it does increase the chances of injuries. It also means if my horse has a small injury and technically can be turned out, I have to keep him in just because I don't want him to run like that.

Something else to keep in mind is that in my experience, when a horse is led to and from turnout, the barn help is much more apt to notice if they are limping or have an obvious injury. As my horse is walked down a long gravel drive, and then a subsequent paved drive, you can hear the clip clop of his hooves quite well. They notice when something sounds "off."

If the horses are galloping amuck everywhere, a slight lameness or injury often won't be detected.

[Just Wondering]

Something else to keep in mind is that in my experience, when a horse is led to and from turnout, the barn help is much more apt to notice if they are limping or have an obvious injury. As my horse is walked down a long gravel drive, and then a subsequent paved drive, you can hear the clip clop of his hooves quite well. They notice when something sounds "off."

If the horses are galloping amuck everywhere, a slight lameness or injury often won't be detected.

Actually I see have more confidence in picking up soreness or injuries by watching the horse move freely.

[BeastieSlave]

If the horses are galloping amuck everywhere, a slight lameness or injury often won't be detected.

I've seen a lot of galloping amuck at my friends' barns while the horses are waiting for someone to lead them in.

Also, don't assume the horses come running into the barn if they aren't led, and don't assume they aren't watched when they walk in.
IMHO, it's easier to spot a lame beastie when it's walking toward or away from you than when it's walking beside you, and I hear the same clip clop whether I'm leading or they're walking themselves to the stall. You don't have to be leading a horse to hear if it's off.

[dab]

Know of a horse whose leg was shattered when he got cornered in a stall at a barn where the herd was allowed to run in -- I don't think the time saved is worth the risk --

[Mary in Area 1]

I would NEVER allow this at any barn or with any horse I owned. The worst, career ending injuries I know have happened in this scenario. Both my husband and I have been nearly killed by horses who have previously been in this situation and REFUSED to be led properly afterward. I actually think it is one of the worst management practices you can do with horses.

I understand that many of you have done this successfully and without incident for years. I also know that you have been LUCKY.

[Fluffie]

Simple answer--no.

My older horse is very afraid of whips, and a person "sorting out disputes", even he is not involved, would send him into a panic and very likely a vet call as a result. :no:

[chawley]

Each horse at our barn is individually hand walked to and from the field.

[Wigwag]

Re: injuries when running in and "sorting themselves out" - yup, exactly. To those saying they see injuries better when they are running "free." The horses you see come and go freely on their own must be much calmer than I've ever seen. Every barn where I've ever witnessed multiple horses running in/out - it's complete chaos. They are galloping around, sliding around corners, kicking and biting at eachother. They aren't trotting around in a nice circle or in a straight line. There's no way you'd be able to detect one being slightly off, or see a nasty scratch on someones leg.

I've known a couple different horses who got majorly injured running into the barn. One got run under a gate and nearly broke her leg. She was being chased by a bully horse and he ran her so hard to the gate that she slipped and slid half under it. Another horse was run under the siding of the barn when one horse cut off his entry to the barn.

I've seen numerous fights occur in stalls when more than one horse went in the same stall. And as for the whip sorting things out - it just made things worse.

If I had a nice small barn with a few horses of my own who were calm about it, perhaps it would be a different scenario. But IME running in and out of turnout at a boarding facility is never ever safe, and I will never board somewhere again that does this. It's pure and simple laziness to not hand walk them in.

[yellow rose]

This is an interesting thread!

Mine go two by two. Each horse has a "buddy" that they are turned out with and they get led in/out together. Works like a charm. The only exception would be the mares, 3 of them, all bffs that go out together, sometimes I lead them all at once but 90% of the time the girl that works for me is there to take one while I take 2.

Couldn't imagine letting my horses run in to the barn, for purely safety reasons -- we have a concrete aisle and the horses would slip on it if they got a little wacky in there, also our farm is kind of sprawling with paddocks behind, in front and to the side of the barn.

I can definitely see the horses "running in" if the barn were IN the paddock like some described, like a shedrow barn.

[goeslikestink]

Something else to keep in mind is that in my experience, when a horse is led to and from turnout, the barn help is much more apt to notice if they are limping or have an obvious injury. As my horse is walked down a long gravel drive, and then a subsequent paved drive, you can hear the clip clop of his hooves quite well. They notice when something sounds "off."

If the horses are galloping amuck everywhere, a slight lameness or injury often won't be detected.

in answer might happen if someone expreince wont if not- so not always

[BeastieSlave]

I can see both sides of this, and each horse owner/BO has the right to do what they think is best. Letting the horses walk themselves to their stalls works for me at this barn.

I haven't ever had, or personally known, a horse to be injured this way, but I concede it could, and does, certainly happen. I have known a horse (my trainer's) who had a leg broken in a scuffle at the gate waiting to be brought in at feeding time. She had to be put down. As we all know, anything can happen with horses.

[goeslikestink]

My barn is set up like Beastieslave's - there is a solid door from barn to pasture. We have 4 horses.

There is no running allowed. I open the door and usually they are standing calmly waiting. I let them in, and monitor to make sure no one decides to venture off where they should not. If they do, hell rains down.

If, for whatever reason, they are rowdy, I let one in at a time and shut the door. They are also fine to be led in separately.

They are very well behaved 90% of the time for me. They do not behave for my mom, who while very competent, is 72, and not as quick or forceful in the discipline dept. So she lets them in one or 2 at a time and they behave for her.

They know she usually feeds at night because when I do, there is definite surprise - "oh, YOU? I'm gettin' in my stall, right now!"

My older TB gelding can be difficult - he has food anxiety issues and if it's cold he sometimes freaks out and will trot into his stall and goes through phases when he's rude about going out.

i have 6 at home at mo- when deb and becky home have10 dont matter if 6 or 10 or even if i have a newbie -- they all wait nd they all come inat themsame time and all know there stalls
they know from past experience i dont have any jumping rank - haha
and they go in - in a snesiable order- big barn lot 1st little shed next
when turning out open barn doors to big barn open stable doors, cats out,, closed outer barn door-- as have feed room inside barn-- and open little sheds doors

and if i happen to be late or have left the odd bit off work they know that they have to wait until i say they can come in-- i dont allow fighting whilse waiting i dont allow fight niping barging whilse waiting or in my presents-- so they are obediant and wait

[goeslikestink]

I can see both sides of this, and each horse owner/BO has the right to do what they think is best. Letting the horses walk themselves to their stalls works for me at this barn.

I haven't ever had, or personally known, a horse to be injured this way, but I concede it could, and does, certainly happen. I have known a horse (my trainer's) who had a leg broken in a scuffle at the gate waiting to be brought in at feeding time. She had to be put down. As we all know, anything can happen with horses.

totally agree with you-- mine are all fedat the same time even if i have a livery or two i state they come in when mine do so get fed all at the same time normally works out well as nnorally in work so time scale as to when i do the horses is the same in the evening in the mornings i turnout-- and feed so they get a good deal i also do christmas holidays as i am up at the crack of dawn and do them 1st thing

but in big yards here and aorund horses come in at different times-- and thats when problems arise at the gate-- some horse are goo and stand back and wait and some dont as they are bargy and hlaf the time they barge is becuase they are given sweets at the gate to be brought in-- which encoruages and reewards a bad behaviour so mine has a no sweet rule or feeding over the fence line -- ie dont feed ponies etc for the same reason cuase kicking fighting and biting--

[Bravestrom]

we have a herd of 10 - two ponies, a weanling, yearling, and 6 draft crosses - two geldings and the rest are mares. When it is time to come into the barn they have an established order. We let one in at a time through the door - with their stall open. Then we close the door to that stall and do the next one. They are all coming in from one corral and they all know their order and the drill - there is no pushing at the door and rarely does it go out of order.

Works well for us and they seem to like it too. I would never let it be a free for all coming in the door.

In the morning it is basically done backwards - open the door to the corral and then one horse is let out at a time - they each go out the door - I can leave the door open because they want to go out and don't come back in.

When one is out the door the next one is put out. It is orderly and works well for us.

[hundredacres]

I've seen that done, and seen it work very well. I've also seen that cause facial fractures, knee fractures, and hock fractures. I think it depends on the horses involved in the situation.

I personally would not have my horses at a barn that did things this way. I'd rather pay a bit more to have them hand walked in.

YEah, this scares the heck out of me. I got my mare at a barn where they had 60 horses and they hollered "The horses are coming in!" and everyone backed up against the walls while the herd was let in. Frightening. When I brought my mare home it was a good 3 months before she'd act civilized when entering or exiting a stall.

Having said that - I'm down to 6 horses now and I have at most, 4 out at a time and I deal with it the same way now *blush*. I feed 3 times a day and work so I don't have time to handwalk every one of them in and out. They are all calm and never go into anyone elses stall....they do however try to hang back so they can sneak a bite of the cat food while I'm busy latching the first couple stalls. lol

[justhanginon]

hundredacres - 60 horses flying into the barn is just a wee bit different than 6 sauntering into their stalls. It works great where we are and we don't have a cement center aisle (not that they come flying into the barn anyway). I would never leave because of it and I do think the bo has a MUCH better chance of catching any lameness by sight when the horses are coming toward the barn through the small paddock. That being said, this is a unique setup and involves a couple small groups being turned in/out that behave accordingly. In other words, children don't try this at home unless you know how it will go.

[enjoytheride]

I was visiting a parelli barn and they bring the horses in with dogs then run the horses into stalls. It was SCARY.

At my barn the arena connects to a chute which opens to the pasture. You open the arena gate and the chute gate and all the horses (17) run into the arena. In the winter they LOVE to run like idiots in the arena because the footing is good, the summer they take their sweet time coming in. One by one the horses come up to the gate and we grab them by the halter and lead them to their stalls.

It takes a new horse a few days to figure out the routine, and the horses actually line up in a specific order every night! The lower rung horses wait outside until the bullies go in and then they come in for their turn. My horse is always second.

[mbj]

this is fun reading. I've experienced both and have seen good and bad in both. Basically accidents can happen, and they are least likely to happen where a place is calm and orderly and the horses have a clear routine and are sorted into compatible groups. When it is done well, horses do seem to enjoy "doing it themselves". However, I am a worrywart and if I do that with my own, it is one at a time so there is no chance of for some freak reason 2 are into one stall. I know there are lots of places where horses share stalls (not just mare and foal) and I also know horses are smart and adaptable once they know the routine, but I am chicken. My boarders get led in and out 1 or 2 at a time. I minimize waiting at the gate naughtiness by always bringing each small group in in the same order. They relax when they know who is on first, etc.

[Dune]

I think it's a rather sloppy/lazy way of doing things, but if it's your farm, and it works go for it. If I was paying for board and someone did this with my horses I would not like it at all. It may be fine for you now, but how are you going to feel if your horse gets needlessly hurt?? I mean they manage to do that quite well without help from us...:winkgrin:

[galwaybay]

My former barn used to just open the gates and let them all in - used to be there would be may 5-6 in each field and each field was let (not led but let) in and the horses would pretty much stroll into their own stalls, once in awhile there would be some trick-or-treating going on. Then BO decided all the horses got along and were busting the fencing between fields anyway so then 12-15 horses would all come in together, then same thing for going out - open doors, grab lunge whip and out they'd go. Sometimes this could be a challenge and I often wondered if it really would be easier to lead 2 or 3 out at a time. I boarded there for 10+ years and can not recall any injuries occurring via this method, but will say the barn set up was okay for this. My new barn, horses are led in and out. My horse used to have a tendency to choke but has not since he's been at the new place - while I never attributed his choking to the method the BO uses to bring them in- as I type this reply I'm wondering if perhaps the way former barn brought them in contributed in some way - there were other issues as well - hence "former barn"

[myrna]

All of ours go out 1 at a time,and come in 1 at a time.Usually about 12 horses.

[seeuatx]

When letting them come in on their own, be very careful to check surroundings. I boarded at a barn that did this, and it was fine, until one day and extra gate had fallen. My horse went trotting to the main gate, and got caught up in the fallen one. He lacerated 2 of his legs severely, missing tendons by only a fraction of an inch. He did lacerate a vein, and was saved by a nurse trained boarder who happened to be there when it happened. I am otherwise ok with letting them come in on their own, just a reminder to check surroundings.

The barn I am at brings them in the old fashioned way. On a lead, one at a time.

[Deloris - New York]

Ok, we all have our own way. Why the question? Are you having problems with the animal. I'm assuming Yes but to ASSUME would make an As- out of U and Me. LOL.

Anyway, yes it can be done either way. Whichever you feel more comfortable doing. I believe in Hand walking. I believe this reinforces what they have been trained to do, that is IF they have been trained. Reinforces the "good manners" issues, along with respecting humans.

I have boarded at numerous barns and now have my own barn (for the past 10 years my own facility). Each barn is just a bit different. Seen it done all ways from leading with golf carts, running in on their own, leading without a line, you name it I've seen it. Well here, we hand walk (although my daughter will let them run in occassionally because it is so much easier and faster). And that really is the bigger issue. How much time do you want to save. That would be the only reason to let a horse run into a stall. Shoot if possible, I'd love for my horses to run into their saddles so I could just ride also but is it safe? It all depends on the situation. Hand walking isn't that safe either, neither is bringing in without a lead rope, and neither is bringing in two at a time (I know this personally, my shoulder still isn't right, lol). But the issue is what and why do you want to know how others do things.

Again are you having issues with your horse. If so then I would suggest maybe teaching him/her some manners and having him hand walked into his stall. Only a suggestion. We only have 8 here, different paddocks. I have green, stupid, young and well trained horses but all in all it's a matter of ranking. The only problem with running in (if at a boarding facility) would be say, someone wants to ride their horse. Owner goes to get said animal. Do they all come running in with your horse. That could be a problem.

If the horse hasn't lost respect for you then sure let them run in. But say you decide to walk them in, will they still give you the respect you deserve, or will they pounce all over and through you. My guess he/she runs you over.

I know this is a fact, because I have a boarder that sometimes brings in for me. I can always tell when he let them run into their stalls. The next day at turn in, the horses need to be reinforsed to behave. So I ask, Did you let them run into their stalls last nite? Yep.

Your horse, your boarding facility, your choice. If you don't like it leave or recommend the BO change the tactics (good luck with that one).

[Tory Relic]

I had my horse at one barn that did this. I cringed every time, because they would come tearing in through the barnyard. I understood why they did it -- they had more horses than help (or grazing land, etc) and it is one of the reasons I left.

I have never seen it done this way anywhere else. None of the barns I've worked for (breeding, show, training, racing, boarding) did it that way. If I had two or three horses that could do it in an orderly fashion, I might do it that way, but my preference is to lead them in and put them in the stall.

[hundredacres]

Delores, good points. Leading (oops....eta: letting in, not leading) isn't more "dangerous", really, unless we are talking about a wiley herd - then leading in is absolutely better for everyone involved.

I find that my horses are completely unaffected by this process (I started letting them walk in this fall when I got a job). They tend to understand that when they have a halter on they must behave no matter what anyway - so allowing them to walk into their stalls has no impact on their "respect". BUT, at the barn where I bought my mare - the horses running down the aisles like in a wild west movie - it created unecassary anxiety for my mare (and I'm certain some of the other horses) and it became a training issue when we she came here. She spent the first year being hand walked in and out of her stall and if she rushed out - she'd be returned to her stall and only led on when she was polite (there were a few other training methods I used as well, but that was the general idea). Now, over a year later she is polite when being let out freely, and she's polite when being led in and out in a halter. She knows the difference. They are all hip to the Respect Rule around here I guess.

[justhanginon]

Deloris - New York - Yes don't assume. No problems with my horse. She is 19 and gentle and almost a bit too submissive to me at times. One reason I asked is because, number one, I have only been riding/horse owning for about 5 years so I haven't "seen it all" the way some of you have and number two, a big boarding barn nearby brings them in/out from the fields 2 or 3 at a time(which I see as unsafe for human and horse). On a recent occasion something spooked a horse, who then broke free and took off down their looooongg driveway for a nearby BUSY road. Thankfully he slipped on the pavement - of the busy road - and was cut up but no one else was hurt. How he managed to miss getting hit by a car I have no idea. I also have a friend who is at a self care barn and they let them in/out but there it is chaos. Some of them wander around looking for trouble, some head into others stalls etc. So I was just curious, really no hidden issue/agenda.

[Hilary]

I think the key things here are: Running and melees? Very likely to have an injury, and not such a good idea. Every post that mentions horrible outcomes also says the horses were running.

Slow, polite, sedate? Probably fine, but you have to pay attentio and make sure it is always like that.

Goes for leading and for allowing them to find their own stall.

[BeastieSlave]

I believe if I had to take beasties from a pasture, through an unfenced area (with unblocked access to a road), to the barn, I would lead them one at a time. The key reason for that is "through an unfenced area (with unblocked access to a road)".

[TBrescue]

Something else to keep in mind is that in my experience, when a horse is led to and from turnout, the barn help is much more apt to notice if they are limping or have an obvious injury. As my horse is walked down a long gravel drive, and then a subsequent paved drive, you can hear the clip clop of his hooves quite well. They notice when something sounds "off."

If the horses are galloping amuck everywhere, a slight lameness or injury often won't be detected.

I agree with wigwag. If the horses are being hand walked in and out there is a better change of noticing if something is amiss. At the barn where I used to board my TB had a huge scrape across his forehead that the BM didn't notice for 3 days:mad:...thankfully another boarder called me to let me know about it the night it happened.....

[Deloris - New York]

Again, I ask the question, Why do you ask if you are happy? Just want the issues or strike up some controversial comments. Obviously, you have made your decision, right?

[Deloris - New York]

I can site many issues on both sides which are either pro or con. Which do you want to hear, really?

[Deloris - New York]

Oh and BTW, if you are not at the "big" boarding barn, then really it's no concern to you, unless you wish you we there instead!

[justhanginon]

Deloris - New York- I did actually have a horse I leased out at the "big" barn and was never happy about the way they brought the horses in/out in 2's and 3's because of the fact that they could potentially get to a pretty major road if they got loose. I have friends with horses there so yes, it does sort of concern me, simply because I happen to like her and her horses and would hate to see anything happen to them. Definitely, don't want to board there. So, once again, no hidden issue/agenda just sort of curious about how other people do things. I certainly wasn't looking for "controversial comments" or to stir anything up. Apparently it hit a nerve with you, but the rest of the comments really just told me what the norm was for alot of people. Maybe I should have set it up as a poll.

[hundredacres]

I never suspected some hidden agenda from the OP...for goodness sakes it's an interesting question that strikes up lots of responses and ideas. Does every question come from some secret place? Geez. I find it curious that someone would be so suspicious of a such a benign question.

[Deloris - New York]

The only nerve you hit was the one that got banged up when you started to get defensive in your post.

We are all giving you some good advice but you seem not to really want to hear it. It sounds like you have your mind made up already so why post the question. Just call me confused. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Still have no idea which way you rather would have it or why you posted.

[Dune]

The only nerve you hit was the one that got banged up when you started to get defensive in your post.

We are all giving you some good advice but you seem not to really want to hear it. It sounds like you have your mind made up already so why post the question. Just call me confused. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Still have no idea which way you rather would have it or why you posted.


I didn't read any defensiveness in the OP. She is just asking questions/gathering information, you sure seem to be bothered by it and I find that strange.:confused: Maybe you practice this at your farm and suspect she is one of your boarders. :lol:

[justhanginon]

hundredacres & Dune - Thanks... yikes. I am far from New York and like I said a couple of times, I was just curious. But you know what they say, "Curiosity killed the cat."

[greysandbays]

The only nerve you hit was the one that got banged up when you started to get defensive in your post.

We are all giving you some good advice but you seem not to really want to hear it. It sounds like you have your mind made up already so why post the question. Just call me confused. Didn't mean to hurt your feelings. Still have no idea which way you rather would have it or why you posted.


Ummmm.......don't think OP was looking for "advice".

She made it pretty clear what she was doing was working for her, but like any INTELLIGENT aspiring horseman would be doing ALL THE TIME, ON EVERY ISSUE, she is asking the question: "Are there other ways to do this, and if so, what are the reasons for those ways and how well do they work?"

Quite shock to see somebody with that much sense on this board, where the usual modus operandi is to get some fool notion stuck firmly in the brain and refusing to consider any other option as valid. Like was so admirably demonstrated by all those who rushed to this thread to say "OMG, I'm so much BETTER than THAT and would NEVER allow this with MY horse and anybody who would is a lazy, stupid, incompetent ass who doesn't give a crap about the horse's safety".

[veebug22]

How is it any different than a horse getting picked on in the turnout?

Our horses come in and are turned out freely. All turnouts are connected to the barn. Once upon a time we led each horse in across the drive. The last straw was me doing chores one evening by myself and an over anxious mare clocked me with her head. I never passed out but I had no choice but to sit down and wait until I could see clearly again. Had she knocked me out and tromped on me . . . .


The difference is confinement. It's the same reason that group turnout numbers should be related to paddock acreage -- horses that are picked on need to be able to get away from the aggressive horse. Two horses going at it in a stall or aisleway poses WAY more risk than out in a field, including an increased chance of the person getting caught in the cross-fire.

I've boarded and worked at barns with lots of different methods in terms of turning out, bringing in, and feeding. I think the safest way (and the one that keeps horses polite) is to bring each horse in individually, with hay in the stall, and then grain them. Horses get way too rude if they think that grain is waiting in their stalls, but the hay keeps them occupied and gets them digesting. Yes it's convenient to grain first, and I've done it when I was in a hurry for some reason, but I could see the difference in the horses if it was done that way for a few days running. If a horse is anxious about being left out, it either gets brought in first, or it learns to wait (depends on the horse). If it's rude while coming in or out, it gets a chain over its nose. The whole point is that bringing in shouldn't be a huge event and free-for-all. It's no excuse for poor manners. It should just be a routine element -- not a big deal. Each horse is expected to wait and be polite.

Now that my horses are home, I often bring them in and out together, but that's because they are both exceptionally well-mannered. When they have a reason to be excitable (such as being left in the day before due to bad weather), I walk them out separately. I could easily lead them both out with a lead rope around their neck, or just let them come in and out themselves, and they'd probably be just fine. But I remember a friend's words when we were discussing bringing in -- "Being around horses is risky enough. There are many things we don't have control over. Why add to that by not taking advantage of what we CAN control?" That stuck with me, especially because I've seen so many freak accidents, and plenty of injuries from horses slipping and kicking when coming in loose as a group. So, I don't take shortcuts.

[justhanginon]

greysandbays - If I wanted controversy I would have asked how everyone felt about Parelli or natural balance barefoot trimming . :) Maybe I'll just crawl back under my rock on the eventing forum, I feel safe there. lol

[LookinSouth]

greysandbays - If I wanted controversy I would have asked how everyone felt about Parelli or natural balance barefoot trimming . :) Maybe I'll just crawl back under my rock on the eventing forum, I feel safe there. lol


Wow geesh I really don't comprehend what the issue was here with your question :confused: Perfectly logical discussion question if ya ask me. It seems the last few weeks there have been alot of random posts by particularly angry and rude posters that seem to be popping out of the woodwork. Perhaps we can chalk it up to the winter doldrums and that people just need SPRING, sunlight and warm weather!! I know I do :lol:

Back to topic at hand... I'd be concerned about my horse being led in with other horses into a barn. I'd also be concerned with my horse being free to just run into a barn in a group and then to his respective stall:confused:
Sounds like recipe for disaster if you ask me. Unless it is a shed row type barn and they each just walk into their respective stalls. My horse had a set up like that where he used to board and it worked out fine for him though sometimes was a pain with some of the other horses.

To me both those scenarios of brining multiple horses into a barn pose alot of risks. My horse lives out 24/7 with a run in. When I bring him in I often bring him in with my boarder BUT the boarder just follows along with the leadrope draped over his back while I lead my gelding. Both are very well behaved and they live together 24/7.
That said, like others have mentioned if they have to be in a few days I always take them out seperately for safety reasons.
On the other hand, if I was boarding him I WOULD NOT want him led into the barn in this manner. What I do with my horse at home is my business. That doesn't mean I think it would be acceptable for others to bring him in the barn with multiple horses. Too many opportunities for injury IMO. If he were to be coming into a barn to his stall I would want him led individually at all times.

[Deloris - New York]

Well in my defense, if you read my original post....you would see that I took quite a bit of my time to give my OPINION. Then read hers. Don't know exactly why the question was asked. That means a lot if expected to answer the post correctly.

I guess I felt a bit slighted because I like this forum and I value the opinions I read. I usually don't reply unless I feel I can contribute in a valuable way.

So again I ask (and yes, I believed it to be a VERY good question) is she having difficulty or do you disagree with you BO tactics?

[MsM]

I have seen the turn out/in method done a number of different ways when I boarded at different barns.
Several had arrangements where turnouts lead directly to the barn so letting them come in loose was an option. At one barn about 16 - 20 horses were let in to find their stalls. This was a boarding/sales barn that had considerable turnover. IMO this was a dangerous practice for the horses and people. Some horses would be aggressive and kick out or pin other horses in stalls or aisleways. Several horses were seriously injured. I didnt stay long. One variation which seemed to work was what I did when I worked off board a few weekends, but it worked best with two people. I would be at the pasture gate and let two or three horses out at a time (Keeping the others in line with a longe whip). The inside person made sure they were in the correct stall and closed them in, then another few were let in. It helped here that they were coming in from a large pasture and the gate was NOT in a corner.
Second barn already had horses in compatible groups in turnouts of 3-5, so they calmly opened the turnout gates in the same order every day and the horses walked on in. (It is amazing how the difference in approach and attitude caused the difference in the horse's reactions.)
At current barn, the horses are led in and out. While there is perimeter fencing, the turnouts are not adjacent to the barn. With some of the residents there would likely be side trips to visit other horses still in their paddocks, or perhaps a stroll to the BOs house if they were allowed to find their own way. Since there are many individual turnouts and usually some new horses, it is easier and calmer to lead them in. Our wonderful barn worker usually brings in two compatible horses at a time.

[justhanginon]

So again I ask (and yes, I believed it to be a VERY good question) is she having difficulty or do you disagree with you BO tactics?

I thank you for offering your thoughtful input. But, again, I answer, I have no difficulties with the horse and I don't disagree with the BO's tactics. In this particular situation it works like clockwork, however, it is a unique dynamic and I am surprised by how mellow and orderly things go at turn in/out.

[vanheimrhorses]

i have brought them in all kinds of ways from leading the lead pony and other ponies follow to lead each one single to owning a big barn in NY where pasture opened into aisle and let all the yearlings in at once and they galloped to their stalls, then let the older horses in who trotted calm up the aisle to their stalls and slammed their stall gates shut by themselves, horses learn pretty quick which stall is their own and only play the dumb game on a couple days
mostly they want to get in their stall and start eating the grain that is waiting for them in the stall

[ThatIrishTemper]

My barn opens the gates and lets them run in/out, one turnout group at a time. My old barn also did this. They are totally shut unto a "shoot" in the driveway so escaping is not an option. At the other barn, the turnout was against the barn doors.

There is a LOW turnover rate at both of those barns, so the horses knew where they lived and went to that stall. They were turnout out together so they know which horses to stay away from in the aisle, etc. They aren't stupid. The lead horses wait at the gate to come in first, the low ones on the totem pole always mosey on in last. I've not seen a single injury from this practice yet (knock on wood), and it's been nearly 8 years. Both my horses were raised doing it from yearlings (when I bought them) and up.

I'm sure that this won't work at every facility, but for some, it works just dandy.

[TBPNW]

I'd never board at a barn that let horses in and out like that. That said though, that's how some of my own horses come into their stalls and I prefer it. One barn is a shedrow, totally enclosed and they walk in when I open the outside gate and then into their stalls. For those that haven't done this, they are smart and know who is supposed to be where, and it is possible to have a small herd walk calmly in, including youngsters. Another barn has a center aisleway and a gate on the aisleway is opened and they come in. It's not a chaotic free-for-all, and they aren't terribly excited to come and go. Last barn is too far away from the turnout to ever do this, so they are led in two at a time. The ones being led tend to to be the most anxious coming or going. I'd guess the difference might be they don't get to see their turnout area, so someone is always feeling left behind. Chance for injury for the walk ins is there, sure, but such is the case for those standing waiting to be led in at the gate.

[Zigea]

I boarded at a barn once that did that and it worked well except for one horse slipped took out two posts and fence and cut his gut open and had to be put down.

I would not board at a barn that did that if I had to move now. Our barn, the horses are taken out 2 by 2 to their paddocks or pastures.