The Horse-Pasture or TurnoutKeeping the mind of the horse healthyTurn-out of horses.... into a well managed horse-pasture or paddock is essential for their mental health. We might think that a pretty barn with little cubicles and horses all tucked away in a row is the ideal setting. But for a horse this is... b o r i n g. Imagine standing there for 22 to 24 hours a day !When horses are kept in horse-pastures (at grass) they move around slowly for most of the time. They have different things to look at and if they have a companion they can socialize and groom each other. Even at grass the horse does not get enough exercise. Exercise and variety is key to the physical and mental health of a horse. The physical health is something we can learn from a book and our vet. Physical health is directly linked to nutrition and exercise. But what about mental health? 
Exercise and variety... are essential for the well being of horses. Even top level horses can be turned out safely with proper management of horse-pastures and the use of good horse-fencing. 
I am always careful ...to turn out horses that like each other next to each other. Horses that like to spook and run around are turned out next to the old timers who could not be bothered with it. Knowing your horses personality, likes and dislikes are key factor for safety.Variety in their work or exercise... is also important to keep horses happy. Jumping the dressage horse, trail riding ,ANY horse, cavaletti work, are all ways to vary their work, give them exercise and keep them happy. Take care of the mental ...health of your horse. Think about the characteristics of their species and the way they would live in nature. Be cautious and safe but ……let them be horses. I had to be reminded of this once...the hard way....and by one of my own horses: Hassa and Stress Return to ----Horse Chat ----from Horse-pasture Return ----Home ----
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