Things to Consider When Stabling your Horse
How to stable your horse is an important topic to consider, as well as where to stable your horse.
You could consider keeping your horse at home provided you have enough land. You could stable your horse at a friends place or in a livery yard.
Any horse that is stabled for long periods is bound to develop a vice unless preventative measures are taken. A stable vice is developed from boredom. Since a horse is naturally born to roam free, it is understandable that when cooped up for long periods of time they look for something better to do.
The main aspect that requires thought is how long your horse will be standing in his stable. If your horse is going to be stabled in a livery yard, you will have more options to reduce the boredom. It should be mentioned that most of them do not come free of charge.
At a livery yard your horse may well have a stable to sleep in at night, but have access to a field or paddock during the day. This is a preferable stabling method, especially if you are not able to exercise your horse on a regular basis.
If your budget cannot not stretch that far, or if the livery yard you have chosen does not have fields for every horse, there is no need to panic. Your horse can adjust to being stabled all day and night, but it is critical that you help him.
There are many "distraction toys" you can supply your horse with. You can make sure his stable is very comfortable and cozy with neighboring horse friends for him to see. Most importantly you really need to exercise your horse on a regular basis.
Take your horse out of the stable during the day, whether you ride him or lead him around the yard to nip at grass. Give him something else to do besides stare at his stable walls.
Another way to help your stabled horse is to ensure that his ration or food is suited to his needs. If your horse is stabled for long periods with little exercise or field access, make sure he is eating a low energy diet. Discuss this with your yard manager or veterinarian.
When your horse lives on your property and is stabled for long periods of time there is no excuse not to give him time out of the stable.
You are extremely fortunate to be able to have your horse at home. Just allow him to stretch his legs, look at some new scenery and he will be better for it.
Whether your horse is stabled in a yard or on your property care should be taken when considering stabling. A bored horse is a very unhappy horse. When you own a horse you undertake the responsibility of looking after him. Make sure he is happy in his stable!
You could consider keeping your horse at home provided you have enough land. You could stable your horse at a friends place or in a livery yard.
Any horse that is stabled for long periods is bound to develop a vice unless preventative measures are taken. A stable vice is developed from boredom. Since a horse is naturally born to roam free, it is understandable that when cooped up for long periods of time they look for something better to do.
The main aspect that requires thought is how long your horse will be standing in his stable. If your horse is going to be stabled in a livery yard, you will have more options to reduce the boredom. It should be mentioned that most of them do not come free of charge.
At a livery yard your horse may well have a stable to sleep in at night, but have access to a field or paddock during the day. This is a preferable stabling method, especially if you are not able to exercise your horse on a regular basis.
If your budget cannot not stretch that far, or if the livery yard you have chosen does not have fields for every horse, there is no need to panic. Your horse can adjust to being stabled all day and night, but it is critical that you help him.
There are many "distraction toys" you can supply your horse with. You can make sure his stable is very comfortable and cozy with neighboring horse friends for him to see. Most importantly you really need to exercise your horse on a regular basis.
Take your horse out of the stable during the day, whether you ride him or lead him around the yard to nip at grass. Give him something else to do besides stare at his stable walls.
Another way to help your stabled horse is to ensure that his ration or food is suited to his needs. If your horse is stabled for long periods with little exercise or field access, make sure he is eating a low energy diet. Discuss this with your yard manager or veterinarian.
When your horse lives on your property and is stabled for long periods of time there is no excuse not to give him time out of the stable.
You are extremely fortunate to be able to have your horse at home. Just allow him to stretch his legs, look at some new scenery and he will be better for it.
Whether your horse is stabled in a yard or on your property care should be taken when considering stabling. A bored horse is a very unhappy horse. When you own a horse you undertake the responsibility of looking after him. Make sure he is happy in his stable!
Source...