Contemporary solutions Husbandry techniques to keep horses happy
The stabling solution? Combined system. – Stabled during periods of bad weather & at night in winter. – Possibly stabled during day in summer to avoid flies, but turned out at night. Can be adapted to suit individual requirements & conditions. Depends on work programme of both horse & handler.
Alternative methods of housing Group housing (barn / yard / shelter & yard housing). Corrals (outdoors / roofed). Stabling with free outdoor access (to individual pens). Pens (individual or in groups). Field shelters.
Group housing
Group yard housing
Corrals
Stabling with free outdoor access to pens
Individual pens
Group pens
Field shelters
Group housing Pros Cons
Group housing Pros Often more natural Less isolated More free movement Allows socialisation Often free choice feeding Protection from elements & mud Quicker, easier & cheaper to manage Cons Risk of injury Bullying Competition for food Strong pair bonding may develop
Feeding Maximise grazing. Maximise roughage portion of ration (ad lib?). Minimise concentrate portion of ration. Offer a selection of roughage types. Feed at a variety of points across the housing (simulate grazing). Feed at floor level.