Can horses live close to a river?

Question

We were considering getting one or two horses, we have enough land but we live on the river. Our yard gently slopes downward very gradually with a two flat landings on the hill. Once it reaches the river the water is only inches deep, and slowly gets deeper (no big drop offs). We wouldn't let the horses go that far, but do you think it is hazardous to the horses??

Answer 1

Its fine.They will proberly love it actually! Just check there'snothing they could get themselvescaught on/tangled up in etc

Answer 2

nope i have had my horses in a field that has a river gong through it. they love it especially on warm days they cool off in it.

I have drinking troughs in the field but they prefer to drink from the river,  

Answer 3

I sure hope not. Because thats exactly on what my land, and my four horses live on.

They have lived on it for four about 6 yrs. And my mare has been there for about three.

Its very helpfull. Because the grass is always growing, they have fresh water, and its very cool down there.

But where i live the current isnt very strong, i even swam in it yesterday. Im not saying your horses will even go down there, none of mine do, or that they will even go swimming.

The only down side is, that there are alot of flys, and things like that. So they will need more flyspray then ussall.

Answer 4

No, they should be fine, just be sure you fence them off far enough away from the river in case it would flood, etc

Answer 5

na but you should fence it off so they dont go swiming lol

Answer 6

Not really hazardous, but if you are worried about it, fence it off so they can't get out into it (or walk down it on an adventure to neighbouring land!)

It would only be a major hazard if it was bordered by deep marsh bogs a horse could get stuck in or was strong and fast flowing enough to wash a horse away. Obviously if there was a risk of it becoming larger due to flood water, the horses should be kept away from it.

Answer 7

Well if you fence it off obviously it wouldn't be hazardous as long as you make sure the fence isn't damaged(check for repairs daily), If you mean can they drink from it then you'd have to make sure it isn't polluted and that it doesn't have a sandy bed.

Charlotte x

Answer 8

it shouldnt be hazardous to your horses at all however if you can stop them it might be advisable to put some post and rail up as they can be a bit naughty and get them self in to bother.  also make sure they cant get in to the river andup the other side as you dont want them to disapear.  watch out for horses with sweet itch as this may then become a problem. on the up side horses can and do cope with water make sure the water isnt stagnant and hasnt got a sand bottom incase of sand colic.

good luck with the horses

Answer 9

Not at all.  I used to work for a guy who had a hundred broodmares, total, divided into three separate pastures and each pasture had a river going through it.  As long as there is not stagnant, unmoving water, the risk for mosquitoes is small, and that's what you really need to worry about.

Answer 10

Nope, and its perfect for letting the horses cool off in & drink from, I see no problem letting them go that far either...unless the water in your area is unsafe to drink (you may want to test the river/creek water before you let them drink it...)