Scientists are just beginning to understand all the physiological (including developmental), and behavioral impacts of maximal turnout for domestic horses. We are fortunate here to be able to offer our horses 24 hour turnout on large areas in mixed age social groups. This allows them to use their bodies and interact socially in a closer approximation to what is biologically normal for horses. We believe that this leads to healthier more content horses. Feral horses typically travel at least a few miles per day between areas to access food, water, and other resources depending on the kind of range area, but recent studies have shown that adding together all the little steps they take while grazing add up to something around 20-30 km per day (12-18 miles). All that movement and the amount of time spent feeding has impacts on hoof health (shape, structural strength, etc.), digestive health, bone/tendon/ligament quality, and base fitness level. Not everyone can offer 24/7 turnout due to various factors, but in general the more turnout the better --particularly with social interaction and on spaces that allow for grazing and movement. When keeping horses stalled, if they can see adjacent horses studies have shown less stress behaviors develop . Free choice feeding of forage in slow-feeder hay nets can help reduce the risk of colic and ulcers. So even with limited turnout, some things can be done to mitigate the impacts of more limited turnout. (Attached article by Dr. Hilary Clayton)
Posted on: Sun, 19 Oct 2014 14:22:24 +0000
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