Back to 24/7 Turnout - Back to field studies at last - a sore 'Mr F'

I have been waiting for the this time of the year; the days are longer again and the temperatures fairly pleasant already. Welcomed are the days of sitting in the field with the boys and observing, I enjoy doing this most. The boys have had time to get used to me over the winter months while I was hanging out in 'Mr F's stable doing whatever maintenance needed doing. The youngsters, especially 'Zac', watched us with great interest. The weather wasn't inviting to hang about with them in their field in winter, nor was the location 'private as it could be seen from the yard. Their new field however is at the very top of the hillside, beautiful far-reaching views and away from the 'hustle and bustle' in the yard. It will be months ahead of blissful field studies, including my insect photography.

The boys are going to be on full turnout from now on.  Their field also has a large field shelter. I know that 'Mr F' very much appreciates being able to go in and out of some form of shelter to get away from rain / heat / cold / flies / wind. 

We took the boys up to their new field in the early morning. The youngsters hadn't been up there before but 'Mr F' spent all of summer and beginning of autumn up there with 'Polly'. 

As usual, I was a fair bit apprehensive, hoping that they wouldn't charge about too much as I was still concerned about 'Mr F' injuring himself again. The youngsters did run around a little and 'Mr F' joined for a while but then the call off the grass is stronger than their urge to rid of energy. They have had access to grass every day during turnout so it won't be all that much of a shock to the system. 

The shelter of course has to be explored and is immediately accepted by all three ...

All three accepting the field shelter straight away, 'Mr F' already making use of the shadow ...

... which goes to proof that I was right when I said that it was 'Polly' that stopped 'Mr F' from accessing the field shelter in the other field last year. (see this post) She wouldn't go near it most days, especially when it was windy.   'Mr F' however went straight inside but as soon as she spooked and dashed off, he followed her in frustration because  he didn't want to be alone and he also was running short on patience for her being so flighty. 'Mr F' likes calm, peaceful field mates and doesn't settle well with the dizzyhead-types such as 'Rose' (the other TB ex-racer that arrived with him all those years back).  

Much of the calmness in the shelter is thanks to 'Zac', who takes most things in his stride. 'Rookie' is a little less sure but seeing that the other 'big' guys are in there, he deems it reasonably safe.

Having a field shelter and knowing that they will make use of it makes thinking about rugs simple. He does have a summer rug which I put on if temperatures are below 10 degrees at night IF there is also strong winds and rain. Dry nights are fine. .

'Zac' and in the background 'Mr F' with his summer rug as described above

Later in the afternoon I return from work and take 'Mr F' out for some body work. He is NOT happy about coming out. 'Zac' isn't happy either and does a lot of neighing and running around as he sees 'Mr F' leave the field. Meanwhile 'Jake' who had been used to the boys' company when they had come in at about 3-4pm  was neighing too as he sees me walk past with 'Mr F'.  The air was filled with their calls. I recognise them all by the sound of their neigh and it's a bit like a telegraph message starting with 'Zac', going to the girls and finally reaching 'Jake' in the stable all of which are replied to by 'Mr F'.

We do some work in the indoors school and despite not being pleased at all, 'Mr F' does what I ask him to do. 

I however notice that he seems rather sore and I can see in his eyes and facial expression that he is not comfortable at all. 

My guess is that 

a) They have been running around quite a bit in that new field after I had left for work. 'Mr F' most likely joined it for parts of it. It'll settle.
b) I have overdone the exercises prescribed by the physio. Not listening to the horse again, being too keen ... one day I will learn ... 

Well, the new 24//7 turnout will give his body plenty to do over the next week or two. The gentle slope will make him move up and downhill which will all be good exercise. Carrot and limb stretches will suffice for a bit until his is a little more comfortable.