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Turn out time
extends your
horse’s life

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By Tina Bjerre Nielsen.
Source: Veterinarian Heidi Nielsen.

When the rain is pouring down, and the wind blows strongly, it is hard to resist the temptation of rushing to the field. You just need to check on your horse. When you spot your four-legged friend standing there against the wind shielding himself from the rain, it is even harder. Should you perhaps take him inside? Your heart says yes – your head says no.

Listen to your head

In this case, you should listen to your head. Of course, once in a while, it can be necessary to give in to the temptation, and bring the poor thing inside the stable during continuous rain and stormy weather. But most often, your horse actually needs that wet and windy time outside. As long as it is not in lack of water or something to chew on – and of course not standing wearing a completely wet-soaked rug when it is colder than 10 degrees – you will really do your horse a favour by leaving it out there.

The point is: The more time a horse spends inside a stable, unable to move for more than a few square metres, the less resistant his legs – and the rest of his body - will be to injuries. He will have difficulties withstanding the muddy and cloddy surface and the everchanging temperatures, once turned out. 

Furthermore, when a horse spends too much time in the stable, it will be more excited when finally being turned out. His stiff legs will be more susceptible to sprains and distortions of the joints. Horses with a long turn out time strengthens their bones, tendons and muscles, and this reduces the risk of injury. Therefore; Ignore the worries when the weather is bad. Let the horse walk around outside as much as possible and know in your mind that you are doing the right thing. In short, time in the field extends the life of your horse.

Important training

Time spend in the field is serious training. Well... Your horse will not suddenly get fit or achieve a stronger back after one day in the field. Not at all. But, by leaving her on the field for several hours a day, she will eventually be continuously activated, strengthened and stimulated in her mind and body. Just like wild horses living in nature.

 When a horse is outside, it walks, stands, and occasionally takes a proper run. It does what every horse is born to do: eat, run, play, roll, stag and buck. Due to the fact that the horse's body is accustomed to these activities, the risks of injuries are minimal. But, when the body of a horse is not activated and left standing for many hours a day, the body is not used to these unrestrained escapades. Then the joints and muscles will easily be overloaded. A long day in the field is an essential and free way to build up a strong, resilient and healthy horse. Field time is important training.

It increases the muscle mass

It strengthens connective tissues, ligaments and tendons

It encourages the blood circulation

It maintains a good condition

It strengthens the nervous system

It improves coordination and body awareness

Let the horse be a horse

A horse is designed by Mother Nature to be active 16-20 hours a day. Imagine how many of these important hours we take away by putting them in a stall all night or more. Therefore, horses need to be able to walk and run around outside at least eight hours a day.

Without the many hours outside – in both sunny and rainy weather - without grass, mud or sand under his hooves, the horse would not be able to live the life he was designed to live. The hours in the field simply makes the horse become a horse.

However, there are also many other benefits of letting your horse turn out many hours a day. For example, the exercise contributes to the horse's blood circulation, which gives the organs more oxygen to function optimally, just like moving around outdoors helps the horse to maintain a good coordination and strengthens his awareness of his body parts. Time in the field can benefit any horse regardless of its type, gender and age - from the pony at the comfort level to the hard-working top horse.

Avoid injuries by..
  • Letting the horse stay outside at least eight hours a day.
  • Bring out the horse as many days as possible
  • Make sure that the field is large enough to allow the horse to get away from other horses easily.
  • Feed him with plenty of hay or so that the digestion will not fail.
  • If possible, turn your horse out after your training to increase his muscle regeneration and avoid any stiffness.

Why time in the field is prolonging 
the life spand of your horse:

By Tina Bjerre Nielsen.
Source: Veterinarian Heidi Nielsen.

Why time in the field is prolonging 
the life spand of your horse:

When the rain is pouring down, and the wind blows strongly, it is hard to resist the temptation of rushing to the field. You just need to check on your horse. When you spot your four-legged friend standing there against the wind shielding himself from the rain, it is even harder. Should you perhaps take him inside? Your heart says yes – your head says no.

Listen to your head

In this case, you should listen to your head. Of course, once in a while, it can be necessary to give in to the temptation, and bring the poor thing inside the stable during continuous rain and stormy weather. But most often, your horse actually needs that wet and windy time outside. As long as it is not in lack of water or something to chew on – and of course not standing wearing a completely wet-soaked rug when it is colder than 10 degrees – you will really do your horse a favour by leaving it out there.

The point is: The more time a horse spends inside a stable, unable to move for more than a few square metres, the less resistant his legs – and the rest of his body - will be to injuries. He will have difficulties withstanding the muddy and cloddy surface and the everchanging temperatures, once turned out. 

Furthermore, when a horse spends too much time in the stable, it will be more excited when finally being turned out. His stiff legs will be more susceptible to sprains and distortions of the joints. Horses with a long turn out time strengthens their bones, tendons and muscles, and this reduces the risk of injury. Therefore; Ignore the worries when the weather is bad. Let the horse walk around outside as much as possible and know in your mind that you are doing the right thing. In short, time in the field extends the life of your horse.

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Important training

Time spend in the field is serious training. Well... Your horse will not suddenly get fit or achieve a stronger back after one day in the field. Not at all. But, by leaving her on the field for several hours a day, she will eventually be continuously activated, strengthened and stimulated in her mind and body. Just like wild horses living in nature.

 When a horse is outside, it walks, stands, and occasionally takes a proper run. It does what every horse is born to do: eat, run, play, roll, stag and buck. Due to the fact that the horse's body is accustomed to these activities, the risks of injuries are minimal. But, when the body of a horse is not activated and left standing for many hours a day, the body is not used to these unrestrained escapades. Then the joints and muscles will easily be overloaded. A long day in the field is an essential and free way to build up a strong, resilient and healthy horse. Field time is important training.

It improves coordination and body awareness

It strengthens the nervous system

It increases the muscle mass

It encourages the blood circulation

It strengthens connective tissues, ligaments and tendons

It maintains a good condition

Let the horse be a horse

A horse is designed by Mother Nature to be active 16-20 hours a day. Imagine how many of these important hours we take away by putting them in a stall all night or more. Therefore, horses need to be able to walk and run around outside at least eight hours a day.

Without the many hours outside – in both sunny and rainy weather - without grass, mud or sand under his hooves, the horse would not be able to live the life he was designed to live. The hours in the field simply makes the horse become a horse.

However, there are also many other benefits of letting your horse turn out many hours a day. For example, the exercise contributes to the horse's blood circulation, which gives the organs more oxygen to function optimally, just like moving around outdoors helps the horse to maintain a good coordination and strengthens his awareness of his body parts. Time in the field can benefit any horse regardless of its type, gender and age - from the pony at the comfort level to the hard-working top horse.

Avoid injuries by..
  • Letting the horse stay outside at least eight hours a day.
  • Make sure that the field is large enough to allow the horse to get away from other horses easily.
  • If possible, turn your horse out after your training to increase his muscle regeneration and avoid any stiffness.
  • Feed him with plenty of hay or so that the digestion will not fail.
  • Bring out the horse as many days as possible

Receive our newsletter about the daily life with horses in your inbox

Check the latest news on our platforms

Turn out time
extends your
horse’s life

Advertisment

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