Consider the appropriate living environment for the horse – a social, roaming flight animal. Give him as much room as is possible and practicable; give him at least one friend, preferably in the same paddock (if not another horse , then at least a sheep or goat…); if stabled, ensure he can easily see and preferably touch other horses next door.
If he lives out doors, ensure he has adequate shelter from the elements – rain & wind, snow, sun. This doesn’t mean he HAS to have a shelter built, but if he has some trees, can get down in a gully or can move and obtain protection from a bank or cliff, this is useful. To be able to be buffered from the winds by a shed is a big help.
If your horse needs rugging, make sure it is appropriate to the conditions – it is cruel for horses to sweat under rugs… they have a great thermo-regulatory system, and hair that raises to trap air, to keep them warm. Humans tend to feel the cold and therefore think that what is appropriate for us is appropriate for the horse. Don’t you hate to see horses standing tied up at trucks and trailers at an event, sweating under rugs?
The horse’s optimal temperature is 38 degrees C.
Call back soon, for more on helping your horse…
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{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
The happiest, most well-adjusted horses I’ve known have always been the ones on 24/7 turn-out in a herd environment. I think this is the ideal, although I know for most horses this is not the reality.
I have been involved with several barns that had happily stabled horses. Most of these horses had almost daily turn-out and additionally were exercised nearly daily.
I have also met (and ridden) too many horses that were underexercised and overly stressed from spending there lives in a box stall.
I am not against stabling horses per say, however, I think we must closely consider the horse’s environment and needs. There’s a careful balance between the horse’s welfare and the convenience and benefit we get from having the horse stabled.
Agreed!