RPM
Active Member
My horses have lived out for about 4 or 5 years now and I have noticed several, postive things:
They are a healthier weight (all good doers and weight control was always a struggle when they were in overnight).
They are much calmer and my nappy one no longer naps!
The one that had a mystery skin condition when stabled no longer has it.
All rub less than they used to, so manes and tails are better.
No incidences of colic.
Fewer injuries.
One has less than perfect conformation and he has had fewer minor lamenesses.
Great barefeet.
Healthy shining coats.
They are much less time consuming to look after.
Just to name a few.
They do receive supplementary feeding all year round as they are on poor grazing (low sugar/low starch).
The only real negative is that they can look very scruffy when muddy!
It got me thinking - are there any studies that have compared health and longevity in stabled and grass kept horses? I know that in this crowded island it is not always possible to keep horses out, but my instincts tell me it is much better for them. What evidence is there to back this up?
They are a healthier weight (all good doers and weight control was always a struggle when they were in overnight).
They are much calmer and my nappy one no longer naps!
The one that had a mystery skin condition when stabled no longer has it.
All rub less than they used to, so manes and tails are better.
No incidences of colic.
Fewer injuries.
One has less than perfect conformation and he has had fewer minor lamenesses.
Great barefeet.
Healthy shining coats.
They are much less time consuming to look after.
Just to name a few.
They do receive supplementary feeding all year round as they are on poor grazing (low sugar/low starch).
The only real negative is that they can look very scruffy when muddy!
It got me thinking - are there any studies that have compared health and longevity in stabled and grass kept horses? I know that in this crowded island it is not always possible to keep horses out, but my instincts tell me it is much better for them. What evidence is there to back this up?
