If I had it my way, my horses would always have access to rolling green fields.
Although, for various reasons, this is not always the most realistic option for many horse owners.
Nonetheless, it is important that we give our equines some time out of their stable.
Here are some benefits of turnout and why your horse will appreciate it.
Leg Health.
Horses are designed to be roaming around freely. Keeping your horse in a place where they are free to move about will help to prevent stiff joints and agitation caused by arthritis. Specifically, I’ve found that horses which have hock and stifle arthritis will move like a dream when they've been allowed unlimited turnout time.
Hoof Health.
If your horse is confined to a damp environment like a dirty stable, they will become more prone to hoof abscesses, white line disease, and even thrush.
Hoof growth and strength may be compromised if horses are left standing in a stable for extended periods of time, especially if their bedding is left damp. Exercise encourages increased circulation to their hooves, and also promotes a healthy hoof growth.
Mental Health.
Horses which are kept in stables for an extended period of time often become very bored, and can develop bad habits such as, weaving, pawing, pacing, wood chewing, and cribbing are some examples of the behaviours that can be caused by prolonged confinement.
To prevent these behaviours or even correct them, consider allowing your horse as many hours of turnout as possible.
Social Time.
Horses are herd animals and thrive in social environments. Keeping horses separated in their stable, where they can't see or interact with each other can be very stressful. Outdoors, even if the horses are kept in separate paddocks but can still able to see each other, is better for the mental health of your horses. Being allowed to run or trot with other horses is even better as most horses will appreciate turnout time with their buddies.
However, your horse might not be able to be turned out 24/7, depending on the lifestyle that they require and the resources available at your yard. Many horse owners prefer to stable their horses at night or during bad weather, both of which is perfectly acceptable. But all-day confinement can take a toll on our equines, physically and mentally, so consider exploring options for at least a few hours of daily turnout.
Behaviour.
If your horse is highly strung, you’ll find that turnout time is your best friend!
Bored, energetic horses that are kept in their stable may not only develop troublesome vices, but they can also misbehave as they start to find creative ways to burn off excess energy. Horses may act out by kicking at stall walls, snapping at by-passers, or chewing or biting anything within reach. Even when being handled, an energetic, bored horse may try to bite its handler, paw/kick out when tied or have a hard time standing still to be groomed or tacked up.
When it comes time to riding, you may find your horse acting out by pulling, bucking, or being inattentive to commands asked. Allowing your horse the freedom to move and to exercise freely outside will ensure that minimal energy is retrained when it comes time to ride.
When my horse lived in their pasture 24/7, I never felt the need to lunge her before any rides. She always came out of the field calm, cool, and collected.
Weather and health issues can make the stable the best place for your horse sometimes. But it is best to allow your horse as much turnout time as possible.
Digestive Health
Horses that are outside roaming around tend to develop colic less often than stabled horses. The same slowed mobility that can lead to impaction colic in a stabled horse may also contribute to equine gastric ulcer syndrome, a very painful gut condition. The mental stress of being stabled for extended periods of time can also play a role.
Respiratory Health
Ammonia fumes which develop as manure, bedding, and urine decompose (a process that takes a surprisingly short amount of time), can damage your horse’s airway. Ammonia is caustic and is not only offensive to smell, it can increase your horse’s risk of pneumonia or even recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). Dust might also increase your horse’s susceptibility to chronic inflammatory airway disease.
Even in a well-ventilated stable, stale air can cause problems. Horses do breathe easier outdoors in the natural fresh air.
Horses are healthiest & happiest outdoors in their paddock.
Although many horses will clamour to come into a stable during the nasty weather, it’s important that they live outdoors as much as possible.
Very detailed.