Horses on little to no turnout?

If someone put a dog, say a terrier, for comparison, in a 4ft by 4ft pen 24/7 there would be uproar..!!!! People would be wanting the RSPCA to investigate etc, so why should it be any different for a horse..?? I dont believe that it does their physical or mental wellbeing any good at all. Obviously there are circumstances that are going to dictate stable rest etc but just for our convenience..?? No.
 
Every horse is different. Even in turnout it's not 'natural' because they are still restricted in a field. I do believe horses should be turned out though.
 
Mine go out at about 5.30 everyday until 5.30 ish whatever the weather. They would be very unhappy if I left them in. However there are horses on the yard that don't like going out all day. When it snows mine are the few that do go out and the rest of the yard keep them in for weeks at a time. When it thaws they all go mad in the field. My biggest fear is box rest!! They just do not take to it!!
 
I don't really agree with it but having had enforced stabling because of a leg skin condition for past 6 weeks she actually seems happy in. She is an ex racer though so used to it. The only thing she does when on short turnouts which have now been introduced back in to routine is have a little trot and a roll so she doesn't seem overly bothered!
 
They can adapt. Long as they are healthy and unstressed, do go out, have access to forage ad-lib and can interact socially...then if circumstances come to that, then it's the 'best' solution. One bug bear I if they are not on much grazing, I insist on adlib hay/haylage to keep feeding as healthy and 'natural' as possible.
 
I have two horses that get mud rash, one very badly, on very boggy fields. Over the years we have tried all kinds of ways of limiting their turnout to prevent it. For the last two years we have had a hardcore turnout area around the yard, the horses go out on it with haylage for the whole day. The area is quite big, they can play, groom, move around, see what is going on in the valley, what goes past on the lane etc. The difference in their mental state to when they were mainly in with one or two hours of turnout a day is amazing. They seem so much more relaxed and happy, and you rarely get the crazy hoon around when they do go out in the proper fields (once or twice a week).
 
Honey08 said:
I have two horses that get mud rash, one very badly, on very boggy fields. Over the years we have tried all kinds of ways of limiting their turnout to prevent it. For the last two years we have had a hardcore turnout area around the yard, the horses go out on it with haylage for the whole day. The area is quite big, they can play, groom, move around, see what is going on in the valley, what goes past on the lane etc. The difference in their mental state to when they were mainly in with one or two hours of turnout a day is amazing. They seem so much more relaxed and happy, and you rarely get the crazy hoon around when they do go out in the proper fields (once or twice a week).
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That says it all to me. I don't find a big grassy field is essential to improving their quality of life. A big grassy field can have it's draw backs as many are finding... laminitis, obesity, mud etc. it's such a shame that for many the only alternative is a stable.
This blog did a recent post about this subject. http://rockleyfarm.blogspot.ie/2013/02/horses-eye-view.html
 
amandap said:
Horses are naturally herd animals that live in open spaces. They travel distances, moving and nibbling low sugar high roughage fibre forage much of the time. They live in herds for safety and their response to danger is to run. The need to hear, see and be able to escape as well as have herd mates to help alert for danger. They interact with each other and form relationships that bind the herd.

How does being in a stable 24/7 or for long periods address their evolved social, physical and behavioural needs? We stable horses because it is convenient to us.
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Apologies if this is not the way to quote another poster's comment - I'm still very much a foal!:eek: This quote is so perfect I'm finding it hard to add onto!

However, I am lucky enough to be at a truly "horse friendly" DIY livery where we have HUGE fields, lots of trees & hedges for shelter plus lovely stables if wanted. This means our "boy's herd & girl's herd" have enough room to roam, play non-stop which is great for the youngsters as they are taught manners, respect & their place in the herd, eat, sleep & generally behave in the way nature intended. OK, most are tough natives with a few "big people" added but they are truly the happiest bunch of horses I have ever seen.

As you can imagine there is a static waiting list (especially as we can hack straight out onto the New Forest) I have been here since 1991 and when we do get an addition to either herd the new owner invariably says "can't believe how chilled out my horse is" There is such a happy atmosphere that comes with the freedom of 24/7 living that I couldn't bear to move my little herd to the mental & physical torment that I believe comes with restricted turnout. And no, I'm not a "treehugging, Pat P convert" :D
 
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