Stabling or turnout both are ideal for horses, but it solely depends upon weather conditions. Stabling during the winter condition is always the right choice. This will help the horse stay away from the harsh winter winds that can eventually cause respiratory issues. Turnout is never strictly prohibited during winter, but it must be done only four to five hours a day.
Turnout rugs are provided to horses to keep themselves safe from harsh winds during the winter days. These rugs are waterproof and help keep the horses’ body warm, but horses are also like humans.
Let’s talk about stabling
If a horse is kept at home, a stable or a shed is provided to stay. A practice of custody of the reserved horses is known as stabling. A roomy and safe shelter is necessary for a horse. If there is no shelter, stabling must be done with box stalls or standing stalls.
Benefits
Benefits of stabling are
- Easy accommodation of horses that require stall rest
- Training, grooming, stabling is easier
- Protection from weather and wind
- If threatened horses by other members, they are being moved
- Horses inside more cleaner
- Manure and food consumption is monitored regularly
Stabling during winter is the best option. During the cold nights, horses stay much happier inside the stable with foods available for them. The horses should be outside the stable for about four to five hours, even during the winters.
Turnout
Turnout means allowing horses to stay outside as much as possible. Most of them will try to come inside the stable in bad weather, but they must stay outdoors as much as they can. Horses can remain indoors if the veterinarian prescribes such, or else staying outdoor is the best option.
Benefits of turnout
- Horses are more health
- Can quickly identify if swelling in the legs is due to standing in the stalls for hours or because of any injury
- Boredom is the last option
- Trot and run with companions is a good option
- Digestive health of the horse is improved
Turnout rugs are provided during winters to give them a bit of warm feeling on wet winter days, and rugs are also waterproof.
Turnout rugs make the horse feel a little warmer during winter days. In the wintery days, these rugs help maintain the general conditions as its fabrics are ripstop, and they are also shaped differently, allowing the horses to roam comfortably wearing the waterproof rugs.
