Help! Our Turnout Is Limited

Winter can be a difficult time for horses and their owners.

- Jennifer Taylor & Justine Harrison

Q My yard owner has decided to rest the majority of their paddocks until spring and my horse now only has a few hours of turnout on alternate days. Can you suggest anything that I can do to keep him fit and occupied for the next few months?

JUSTINE SAYS Winter can be a difficult time for horses and their owners. Many yards restrict turnout to rest their land. If this happens you need to ensure your horse has plenty of things to keep him occupied and prevent boredom when he’s stabled for hours on end. Here’s a few ideas...

1. Feed a variety of ad-lib forage

Restricting forage can affect a horse both mentally and physically. Providing plenty of good quality forage will keep him occupied and his digestive system working effectively. Ideally, offer him a choice of different forages at ground level as this will simulate natural grazing behaviour.

2. Give him equine company

Horses rely on other equines for friendship, shared vigilance and security, so make sure yours can socialise as often as possible. Ideally, put him in a stable where he can touch, interact and mutually groom with an equine friend over the wall.

3. Let him play

Horses love to play and stable toys can help to entertain them and alleviate boredom if they’re indoors for long periods. There’s a huge range of toys available, including balls that trickle-feed grass nuts when nudged, giant balls with handles to throw around and edible toys on ropes. You can also get creative and make your own – towels and staple-free cardboard boxes with treats hidden inside them can make great toys. You could also see if your horse enjoys apple bobbing in his water bucket!

4. Spend quality time with your horse