Part 4: A Horse’s Home: Shelter and Environment

Beyond feed and water, providing a safe, comfortable, and stimulating environment is essential for your horse’s well-being. In this fourth blog post, we’ll discuss the critical aspects of shelter and turnout in equine husbandry.

Shelter: Protection from the Elements. Horses need protection from harsh weather conditions – scorching sun, driving rain, strong winds, and extreme cold. While some hardy breeds can withstand more, most horses benefit from some form of shelter. This can range from:

• Run-in Sheds: These provide a simple, open-sided structure that allows horses to come and go as they please, offering protection from sun and wind. They are particularly popular in herd settings.
• Stalls: Individual stalls in a barn offer more controlled environments, providing protection from all elements and allowing for individual feeding and monitoring. Stalls should be adequately sized (e.g., 12×12 feet for an average horse), well-ventilated, and have safe, non-slip flooring (Equine Guelph, n.d.).

Regardless of the type, shelter should be clean, dry, and free of hazards like sharp edges or protruding nails. Proper ventilation is crucial to prevent respiratory issues.

Turnout: Space to Roam and Be a Horse. Horses are designed to move! Ample turnout in a safe, well-maintained paddock or pasture is vital for their physical and mental health. Benefits of turnout include:

• Exercise: Promotes muscle development, joint health, and a healthy metabolism.
• Mental Stimulation: Reduces boredom, stress, and stereotypic behaviours (e.g., cribbing, weaving).
• Social Interaction: Allows horses to engage in natural herd behaviours, if turned out with companions.

Paddocks and pastures should have secure fencing (e.g., wood, PVC, electric tape – avoiding barbed wire), be free of poisonous plants, and have a safe footing (avoiding excessively muddy or rocky areas). Regular manure removal is important to control parasites and maintain hygiene.

Creating an environment where your horse feels secure, can exercise freely, and interact naturally will significantly contribute to their overall health and happiness.

Next, we’ll look at keeping your horse healthy with Routine Healthcare.