horsey fittness

[mole]

can a horse ever be properly fit if it lives out on grass 24/7?

trying to get my mare fitter but think that to be able to do this i might have to bring her in for 1/2 the day.

what do you think?

 

[teddyt]

Yes a horse can be properly fit and live out. It just means appropriate management, grass management, etc. Horses that live out can stretch off any stiffness and the constant movement is much more natural and hence better for the musculoskeletal system. The lack of dust is also better for the respiratory system. So living out can actually help get/keep a horse fit. You just need to control grass intake. But then you should do that anyway!

One of my horses 2 day evented (novice BE) and BSJAd to foxhunter level off grass.