Can a pony survive outdoors in snow please answer?

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BlondB

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Can a pony live outdoors in snowy weather without being put in shelter at night. He has a good run of land but there is snow. Last year he was out and it was equally as snowy but he was being fed fodder. Please can someone answer.
The snow is about 1 inch thick and soft. There is lots of tree areas and lots of sheltered areas in his run of land.
 
In the current conditions I would not leave a horse out, the snow is up to my knees where I live and if a pony slipped he might break a leg, that to me would be a bigger concern. However, if he is a hardy pony of a native breed with plenty of rugging and perhaps boots to keep his legs warm, and IF he has a suitable field shelter (all fields should have shelters if they are to have ponies), and plenty of hay, yes he should be OK. If he is a fine breed like part TB or Arab he'll need to come in, and you would need at least 2 rugs so you can change them twice a day and let the spare dry. Under rugs, neck covers and boots are probably to be advised too. But I would not be leaving a beloved animal out in the snow just for my own peace of mind. It may not kill him but the constant being wet and having wet legs may make him ill, give him problems, make his hooves soft etc.
 
it really depends on the horse. some horses are used to cold weather and some are used to warm. either way, a horse does need to stay in a WARM environment for as long as possible.. seeing as to how they are very very warm blooded animals, they can survive for a short time (i.e. 5 hours max) in snow by themselves.
 
Horses and ponies have lived in the wild for thousands of years without any shelter or home comforts. Your pony should be OK, but ensure it has plenty of fresh water available
 
No he can't. He's got to sleep somewhere and he would freeze to death in the snow. He needs shelter and hay.
 
No, he needs to be in a shelter with a nice, cozy blanket. Wouldn't you prefer that over sleeping in the snow with just flip-flops, jeans and a sweater on? Because that's how the pony would feel. That is, unless it is a northern pony bred for cold and drafting, but your pony is probably a Shetland.
 
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