In a perfect (equine) world horses would have access to thousands of acres on which to roam, munching on this and running under that for shelter against the weather but that is not how the typical domesticated horse spends his time. Since humans first decided to jump atop the long-legged beasties horses have been kept in anything but natural surroundings. From gold trimmed stables to pastures made from baling twine and twigs horses have been kept in all makes and models of enclosures. People need their horses close for ease of care-taking and convenient availability but we must strike a balance between what is best for us and what is best for them.

Many years ago I overheard a conversation between two dressage riders. They were discussing a new stallion in town and with great enthusiasm one exclaimed to the other that this horse was far too precious to be turned out into a pasture. I immediately felt very sad for this equine stud muffin and his apparent lifetime incarceration to a 12x12 wooden cell and all due to his anthropomorphized high standing in the world. If he had been consulted on this issue I can well guess that his preference would lean toward spending the time, between his many appointed trysts, in the sunshine and grass instead of the cobwebs and sawdust. No matter how diligently we attend to our barns and horses there is simply no denying that horses were meant to spend their lives outside. If this were not so our time and money would be spent on things other than ministering to the many neurosis and health issues related to boredom, dusty and ammonia tinged air and insufficient muscling and circulation.

Except for injuries that require stall rest and very extreme weather conditions the longer horses are out the better. They are, after all, designed to survive outside. Our intervention is only needed because we confine them in spaces that are far too small without access to shelter unless we can and do step in. Of course all conscientious horse people do what we can but most of our wallets are not near thick enough to allow for the acreage horses truly need.

None-the-less turnout is still necessary. If you are limited in space, and even if you are not, with only a few simple precautions in place you can provide a place for your horses to get outside. Your pasture or paddock should be free of ruts, deep mud, ice and debris. Removing rocks is an endless chore in some areas (and impossible in others) and doing so can prevent bruises and shoe loss but in general rocks will not create serious risks. Mud is part of life in some areas and as nasty as it is to clean your horse when muddy it, too, unless deep and thick, very rarely causes much of a concern for most horses. If you do have a big mud problem Geotextile fabrics can help minimize such problems at a reasonable cost especially in small areas.

That leaves the bugs. There are many products out there to eliminate and or protect your horse from the hordes of little nasties that are determined to drive both you and your horse – well – buggy. Flysheets, beneficial wasps that eat fly larvae and contraptions of all sizes to lure and trap mosquitoes, flies and stinging wasps are readily available. With good manure management and the above accoutrements your horse will be reasonably free of the pesky little buggers that bite, sting and make one itch.

The benefits of turnout are: clean air – clear lungs; exercise as nature intended – less stress related leg injuries; contented equine minds – less weaving, cribbing and stall walking; and, for us, all the richness of knowing that we are caring for our horses as close to nature as is practical.