Horses are highly social animals, often forming many strong bonds and friendships over the course of their lifetime. There are clear evolutionary reasons for this, as Dr Claire Ricci-Bonot, a postdoctoral researcher at INRAE (France's National Research Institute for Agriculture, Food and the Environment), explains.

“It’s important to remember that horses are generally gregarious animals who live within complex social systems,” she says. “For them, the group means safety and survival, so their brains are adapted to seek out partners.”

Social interaction is so important for horses, it’s recognised within the five freedoms of equine welfare.

“We know that developing and maintaining social relationships and hierarchical positions are second only to getting food in what horses do all day, given the opportunity,” says equine behaviour consultant Dr Debbie Marsden.

“This is not surprising as for herd animals like horses, ‘fitting in’ and ‘getting along’ is vital for survival, and a network of established relationships is essential to minimise aggression and conserve energy.”

Given horses are hardwired to rely on social bonds for survival, it’s no wonder they’re picky about their friends.

“Horses living in a group tend to have one to three preferred partners; they often spend a lot of time together and synchronise their activities,” says Claire.

But, as anyone who’s ever tried to integrate a new horse into an existing group knows, predicting where horse friendships will blossom isn’t easy. It’s an area of equine behaviour in which Debbie would like to see more research.

“We don’t know which horses will get along or become friends until we put them together,” she says. “It would be really useful to be able to ‘profile’ or predict this.”

Becky Moody on matchmaking equine neighbours and forming horse friendships

For international dressage rider Becky Moody, giving the horses on her yard the opportunity to socialise is important but requires careful matchmaking.

“It can be difficult to manage on a yard like this, as you have a lot of strong characters in your competition horses!” she says. “So I 100% choose carefully. Some horses, when turned out, are relatively solitary, not bothered about the one that’s next to them, and then others spend the entire time playing with each other.”

When Becky put in round pens for winter turnout, socialising was an important factor in their design.

“The pens are in pairs and we have a low bit between them, so the horses can interact and they do spend a lot of time playing with each other. That was really important to me, that they had that opportunity.”

Lizzie Wray is the yard owner at Shadowmere Equine Retirement Livery, Lincs. Whenever a new horse arrives, she uses their 14-day biosecurity procedure to get to know the horse and their personality, before choosing which she thinks is the most suitable group for them to join.

“We then bring the group we think will be good to the next paddock, and let them get to know each other safely, over the fence,” she says. “Once we’re happy, we’ll introduce the newbie into the herd.”

Even then, she doesn’t take any chances.

“Say we’re introducing a fourth horse to an existing group of three, we always have four members of staff on hand in case it doesn’t work and we need to remove the newbie and rethink.

“We have come across ones that hate each other,” she continues. “We’ve got one mare who just doesn’t like this one gelding – she can’t even look at him, the poor boy is doing nothing to her!”

Lizzie says it can take two or three weeks for a group to settle, but if it’s not working, they’ll try something else.

“If they don’t get on, or it’s not meeting their needs, then we’ll try another group.”

Some horses seem to struggle more socially than others.

“It does seem to be a particular characteristic of the bullied animal, not the bullies, but we don’t know how to assess for it,” says Debbie.

“They may just not be giving out the ‘expected’ social signals, or giving out the wrong ones. And there may be as yet unknown pheromonal signs or some other communication we’re not aware of.”

It’s thought poor social skills stem from the horse’s upbringing and a lack of opportunity to interact at an early age, and Debbie says it’s unclear if this can be corrected in later life.

“We don’t know how to teach or improve these social skills, other than by offering varied social experiences in later years.”

A healthy, well-established equine bond is characterised as much by what we don’t see as what we do, which presents a challenge when trying to study it.

“Simple ‘acceptance’ and ‘tolerance’ is a huge part of equine social behaviour. It’s hard for scientists to measure or investigate ‘nothing happening’,” explains Debbie.

“There is probably a lot more communication and subtle social behaviour going on than we are aware of. One thing we do know is that, once established, these relationships last for a great many years.”

For Lizzie, running a retirement livery means facing the inevitable – having to manage a horse whose close companion has died.

“Horses absolutely grieve,” she confirms. “We had two geldings who were particularly drawn to each other and very happy, but the younger one was sadly riddled with arthritis and had to be put to sleep.

“For two weeks afterwards, the surviving gelding was completely off his food and lethargic. We thought he was going to die of a broken heart, but eventually he quietly slipped into the other herd and they seemed to support him.”

Lizzie is a big advocate of allowing horses to see what’s happening when a horse is euthanised, “So they can process it, and they don’t think, where’s he gone?”

Apart from the unavoidable end of life, Lizzie and her team try not to separate any of the horses on their yard.

“These horses are not out competing,” she points out. “They come in through the gates and don’t leave until it’s time for them to be put to sleep. We don’t turn out or bring in alone, and if a horse is on box rest for some reason, they always have a buddy.”

On a busy competition yard, where horses are constantly coming and going, managing attachments requires careful consideration, as five-star event rider Millie Dumas explains.

“You have to find the right groups of horses to take to a show, for example, and sometimes you have to separate horses so that an attachment doesn’t become a performance issue,” she says. “If you want to get the best out of them, they also have to be happy and content in their home environment. We don’t want stressed horses.”

Separation anxiety in horses – what we know

Separation anxiety is something many owners are aware of, but surprisingly little is actually known about it. In her previous role at the University of Lincoln, Claire undertook a study into owners’ experiences of separation anxiety. The results, based on 88 responses, were published earlier this year.

“More than 90% of the respondents believed they had a horse that had suffered with separation anxiety or knew someone owning a horse who they believed had suffered from separation anxiety,” she says. “However, in the scientific literature, little is known about separation anxiety despite it being commonly discussed in the popular press and by owners.

“Our research demonstrated that it’s more complicated than we might think.”

The research found that how separation anxiety manifests differs from horse to horse. It was observed in different contexts, as it depended on whether the horse was being left behind or was actively leaving, and occurred at different points during the process.

“This was separated into ‘during preparation’ for departure, when ‘actively leaving or being left’, when there is an ‘initial barrier to contact’ and finally when there is a ‘loss of contact’,” Claire explains.

“Moreover, we identified several signs potentially associated with separation anxiety, ranging from increased arousal – for example hypervigilance – to apathy.”

The research concluded that care needs to be taken not to overgeneralise.

Claire also points out that more research is needed on how to prevent separation anxiety occurring.

“There’s no scientific literature on the benefits of training horses through graduated periods of controlled isolation to cope with separation from a companion or group,” she says. “Until we get more data, our recommendations remain ‘best guess’.

“However, gradually training young horses to cope with separation as a preventative measure is advisable.”

For Millie, this training is an important part of a horse’s education. She’s seen first-hand the problems that can occur without it.

“We’ve had liveries in the past, often older horses that have perhaps lived their life with one other horse and gone everywhere together. Because they’ve never been taught to be independent, they’ve become insecure without their companion by their side,” she says.

“We’ve managed these types of horses by making sure that they have the right sort of company next door to them, ones who give off a calm demeanour.

“It’s important to teach horses from a young age gradually to be independent as well as have company, to be able to leave it and come back,” she explains.

“We have a lot of young horses and I think it’s really important they learn that, as well as having that downtime where they can socialise with other horses.”

Becky agrees, and adds that hacking can play a big part in this early training.

“We hack all our young ones a lot, they do always hack in pairs and getting each one to walk in front and be confident makes a big difference to how they are at a competition.”

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A legal case involving a dog walker who was injured by cattle is a reminder to horse owners of their responsibilities when public footpaths lead through grazing fields.

A farmer was fined £5,260 having pleaded guilty to breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act in a prosecution by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), when a dog walker was trampled by cattle on a public footpath.

Litigation solicitor Bridget Sanger of Clark Willmott LLP told H&H that although there is no HSE guidance for horses, the sample principles will apply and the onus is on the horse owner to assess the risk of turning out equines in areas accessed by the public.

“Landowners, including farmers and horse owners, have a legal duty to ensure the safety of anyone on their land, including walkers using public rights of way,” said Ms Sanger.

Equine lawyer Hannah Bradley, partner at Aria Grace Law CIC, told H&H that if a walker is injured by a horse on a public footpath, a claim for damages could be pursued. The court will apply a three-stage test in which the claimant must prove that the horse was likely to cause damage or if the horse caused damage, it was likely to be severe; that the damage related to a characteristic not normally found in horses and that the owner knew about the characteristic that caused the injury.

H&H asked Ms Bradley whether having warning signs at fields with public footpaths could be admitting liability and she said generally speaking, it is not possible to disclaim liability for personal injury.

“A sign that says something like ‘horse may bite’ could arguably create evidence that the owner had knowledge of a certain characteristic, but also it could be used to argue that the claimant assumed the risk,” she said.

Bulls over 10 months old cannot be kept in fields with public footpaths, but there is no restriction on stallions or colts – Ms Bradley said owners should keep in mind the knowledge test the court will apply.

“It is likely that certain behaviours which might cause injury could be said to be more prevalent – and known about – in a stallion or colt,” she said.

Ms Bradley added that owners should give consideration to public liability insurance for horses, taking into account their personal circumstances.

“It is imperative to make sure that the policy has sufficient coverage for the full possible loss caused by an injury caused by a horse. Claims relating to life-changing injuries can run into millions of pounds,” she said.

British Horse Society director of access Mark Weston reminded owners that if they keep horses in fields crossed by public rights of way they have a responsibility to help ensure the route remains safe for everyone.

“It’s vitally important to understand what type of right of way runs through your land to begin with – whether this is a footpath for pedestrian access only, or a bridleway or byway, or restricted byway or bridleway, which can mean cyclists and fellow equestrians can use the route. This helps you understand who can pass through your land and what you need to do to ensure they can do so safely,” he said.

“Owners have a responsibility to make sure that horses grazing in these fields are suitable to be around members of the public and not known to behave dangerously. Extra care should be taken when deciding which horses are turned out in these fields, and we strongly advise against keeping stallions in fields where equestrians have rights of way.

“It’s also important that gates, fencing and stiles along the route are well maintained so people can pass through safely and horses cannot escape if a gate is accidentally left open.”

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Having 24/7 turnout is not necessarily the best or only way for horses to live, an expert believes, and owners should not feel under pressure to provide this.

British Horse Society Fellow Tim Downes, joint owner of Ingestre Stables in Staffordshire, posted on social media about the growing trend to focus on 24/7 as the only acceptable option for horses.

He told H&H his decision to post on the issue was caused by two things.

“One is the massive increase in two types of posts on social media,” he said. “They’re either from horse owners desperate to move livery yards to somewhere that offers 24/7 turnout, or from researchers and scientists telling us that is the only way horses should live.

“I’ve now spoken at two or three conventions and symposiums, and there’s been somebody there telling people you can’t keep horses in ‘cages’ and they must all live out in the field all the time. So when I’ve spoken, I’ve said ‘I accept the theory behind what you’re saying, and I understand where you’re coming from, but you also have to understand that is how horses lived years ago, but you’re not rushing off to live in a cave.”

Mr Downes stressed that he is not saying horses should live in all the time, but that there seems to be a strengthening opinion that anything other than 24/7 turnout is bad.

“There is a growing pressure to label good horse welfare as one thing only: 24/7 turnout. Stable free. Always out. Always in a herd,” his Facebook post read. “But horses and horsemanship have never been that simple.

“Good welfare is not a slogan. It is observation. Context. Knowledge. Experience. And responsibility.”

Mr Downes pointed out that horses evolved to be moving and grazing, not to “stand for months in deep mud, extreme wet or frozen ground with no choice”.

“The uncomfortable truth is that there is no universal answer,” he wrote. “There is only informed decision-making done well, done honestly and reviewed constantly.

“Good welfare lives in the grey. Good horsemanship accepts that. Bad welfare often hides behind absolutes.”

He told H&H that there are some 50 horses at Ingestre; some do live out all the time, as that’s what they prefer, others come in as they are more comfortable doing that.

“The key skill is that people have to be able to read the horse,” he said. “But so much research, on all the things we do with horses, comes up with an answer I keep referring to as ‘one size fits all’, and that’s not how horses are,” he said.

“I’m saying develop the horsemanship, read the horse, read the signs and deal with the horse appropriately, but be real and be practical. Yes, horses do predominantly live better out but on good ground with shelter. They don’t live happily out 24/7 up to their knees in mud.

“I just wanted to get people to stop and think a bit. I see so many posts from people desperate for 24/7 turnout, willing to travel hours every day, and that’s ridiculous. If your horse isn’t living out all the time, it’s not a criminal offence.”

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An equine rehabilitation charity is calling for owners to be aware of the “growing impact of modern management” on horse wellbeing, after a “weak, unhappy” horse was returned to full health.

Moorcroft, in West Sussex, is highlighting the risks of practices such as intermittent feeding, diets high in grain, minimal turnout and long-term medication, which can increase the chance of gastric ulcers developing.

The charity has been involved in the rehab of an eight-year-old Connemara, who arrived in June with severe ulcers.

“He has since undergone a marked transformation and is now back jumping, moving with a longer and easier stride on the flat, and feeling much more comfortable to ride,” a Moorcroft spokesperson said.

“The charity believes the ulcers and their associated pain and behavioural issues could have been avoided, or at least significantly reduced, with practices and care that work more closely with a horse’s natural digestive and grazing patterns. These can include increased turnout, more opportunities to forage and ensuring horses are fed before they exercise.”

Moorcroft CEO Mary Frances said some horses with ulcers show very few signs.

“But many, like this pony, make it clear they’re unhappy,” she said. “He arrived weak, lame and with a tight, sore back linked to low-grade pain in both hocks and stifles.

“This is an issue easily missed because it affects both sides equally. He was worryingly stiff and inactive for an eight-year-old, more like an older horse.”

Working with the charity’s vet, physiotherapist and specialist team, Moorcroft staff developed a rehab programme that included long-reining, physiotherapy and injecting platelet-rich plasma in to his hocks and stifles to address his minor joint pain.

“Ulcers are driven by stress and persistent pain, which disrupt normal gastric function,” Mary said. “They do not heal until the underlying pain is addressed.

“We’re delighted the pony’s latest test shows he is now ulcer-free; his journey highlights what compassion, dedication, and expertise can achieve. We’re thrilled he can now look forward to a healthier, happier and far more comfortable life. It truly feels like the perfect Christmas gift for the entire team and a wonderful way to end the year!”

Moorcroft is urging owners to help decrease horses’ risk of developing ulcers by prioritising a high-fibre diet and maximising turnout, with companions, to allow them to graze and relax.

“Ensure correct shoeing or trimming by qualified professionals,” the spokesperson added. “It’s crucial the correct angle of pastern to foot is maintained to establish and maintain soundness at all times.

“Keep work sessions short, calm and empathetic, avoiding force or pressure. Ride with empathy and respect. Take feedback from your horse and he or she will thrive.”

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A showjumper’s life is a busy one on the circuit, but when it comes to his horses’ home routine, Joe Stockdale is a stickler for turnout and plenty of downtime outside their boxes.

All Joe’s horses are turned out daily.

“We’ve got paddocks and stallion pens, so we can turn 11 out at once,” says Joe. “The paddocks are designed so they can enjoy the grass, but not get too much speed up.

“I love them going out – it’s natural, they really enjoy it, getting their heads down and having some time to themselves. They’re happier and easier for me to ride.”

He gives the example of 11-year-old stallion Its Confidential – with whom he broke the six-bar record at Spruce Meadows this year – who can be a firecracker.

“I like his sharpness because it gives him his power, but you need to keep his mind busy and whether at home or a show, he needs to be out of his box a lot,” Joe explains.

“I’ll often turn him out for an hour first thing while I ride the others – he’ll have a buck, a chill in the sunshine and then he’s much better to ride. In the summer, they’re out as much as possible but even if it’s drizzly we turn out, with waterproof rugs. But my top horse Cacharel will stand with her head out of the stable in the pouring rain, so no one can argue it’s cruel being out in the wet!”

The walker and water treadmill are in action in the afternoons.

“It’s another tool to get their blood and bodies moving, especially if there’s any lactic acid build-up,” Joe says.

“In winter, we also turn them out in the indoor school, so they can have a run-around, a squeal and a buck and not have us bothering them for a bit. They’ll roll in the sand and get themselves filthy – I’m not sure the grooms love it quite as much!”

‘My horses are so friendly, they’ll lick you to death!’

From Joe’s perspective, the more time he spends with his horses, the better he knows and understands them. He is very hands-on, in the stables, giving treats and ensuring his horses have plenty of variety during the day.

“It’s important to me they have their heads out of their stables and they’re friendly, I don’t like them standing at the back,” says Joe. “It’s a quiet yard and they’re all a bit spoilt, they’ll lick you to death.

“They have a lot of interaction with us – I might only be on them for 40 minutes to an hour, but they’re always doing something: turnout, being groomed, having massage rugs on, leg icing, going on the water treadmill – they’re not in their boxes a lot.

“Earning a horse’s trust comes down to how much time you spend with them. Not just riding them, but just being around them – some might need bribing with carrots to start with!”

Keeping the herd mentality without separation anxiety

On the yard, Joe is careful not to pair horses up directly. He rotates which horses are in paddocks next door to each other to avoid inseparable bonds, which can cause problems for them down the line.

“It feels like a nice idea, but we try not to pair them one on one as it can be problematic as they can get too attached to each other and then when one needs to leave for a show, it’s difficult for them,” he explains.

“We try to have variation so they’re not always turned out next to the same horse, so they don’t have a strong attachment. However, we do have a herd mentality in the stables as they look out on to each other and they all have mirrors.”

Mirrors are recommended as a boredom buster for horses and are a way to enrich their time spent in stables.

Mares and stallions co-exist on the same yard, with the likes of Cacharel and his upcoming star Do It Rollebeek – two mares – residing in the same three-sided stable courtyard-style stable block as the stallions and geldings.

“We’ll make sure they’re not next door to each other in direct contact, but we’re lucky all our stallions are quite level-headed,” he says.

Enjoy the full article following Joe Stockdale and his horses behind the scenes in this week’s magazine (on sale from Thursday 20 November).

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There are few nicer views than seeing relaxed horses grazing together or grooming each other in the field, but these fond friendships don’t always happen overnight, and introducing a new horse to a herd takes time and patience.

When you get a new horse you’ll likely be looking to keep them at a livery yard, or at home if you have appropriate grazing land. The three Fs model focuses on a horses’ three essential needs; friends, forage, and freedom – horses are highly social animals and providing companionship is vital for their welfare.

Veterinary behaviourist expert Dr Gemma Pearson, who is director of equine behaviour for The Horse Trust, says that it is important that horses can groom each other.

“There are scenarios where it’s not possible for horses to be in the same space, but in those cases having fencing that facilitates that they can still groom each other over the top, for me, would be the lowest acceptable standard for most horses,” she says.

“If horses get to live as a herd it means they get to choose who their friends are. Often we put them in pairs, which is fine, but we’re deciding who they’re going to be friends with.

“Whereas if we allow them to be in a slightly bigger group, they will often choose who they spend the most time with. Some will give the best back scratches, others might be the best at swatting flies off their face, or good to have a good gallop with, so having that ability to interact with several other horses is the gold standard.”

Introducing a horse to a new herd can have its challenges and should be done with the help of someone experienced. Gemma says that there is not a “one size fits all” herd, and it often comes down to individual yard set-ups. If you have moved to a new yard, it is likely they will already have established groups, which might include separate mares and geldings, mixed herds, or horses grouped by similar ages and heights.

“We know that as a preference horses will prefer those that are a similar age, because they want to do similar things; younger horses will have a higher play drive and older horses tend to want to relax a little bit more,” she explains Gemma.

“Sex can also be a component – we find that geldings enjoy playing with other geldings, whereas mares spend more time standing next to each other or grooming. But in mixed herds you can get mares and geldings that choose to be more friendly than with their own sex.”

How to introduce a horse to a new herd

When introducing a new horse to a herd equine welfare charity HorseWorld lets horses meet over a fence in adjacent paddocks.

“We give new arrivals time to bond and form a small group or pair, and then we move them into a larger herd,” says Sarah Hollister, HorseWorld’s head of equine welfare. “This means the new horse has already become acquainted and has a couple of friends, and it just seems to help them integrate into the herd a lot easier.

“With a new herd we would always do introductions earlier in the day to make sure they’ve had time to settle, but if we’re not too sure about how they are getting on, we’d separate them again overnight and start again the next day. It’s important to have people around that can monitor the situation and if it’s not going well you can remove them for a little while.”

Gemma says that most disagreements between new horses will occur in the first 48 hours.

“Sometimes people think if they run around for half an hour and they start to graze it’s fine, but actually it’s at least 48 hours before things have really settled down,” she says.

“Some chasing is OK – that is a normal part of an introduction of a new herd member. What usually happens is a member approaches the herd and there will be some sniffing and squealing, there may be some strikes and kick-outs, but they shouldn’t normally make contact.

“A lot of this is display behaviour. The new horse may retreat a bit, and it’s important that they are in a big enough area that they can get out of the way and have somewhere to go – we see most problems when the paddock is too small and a horse can’t get away.

“Then normally over a period of time, the new horse will get closer and closer. In my own experience with my three-year-old I got this spring, it took three to four weeks before he was really grazing and integrated into the established herd.”

Sarah reminds us that horses are individuals and the time it can take to settle into a new group can take vary greatly.

“It can take a couple of hours or days, or it can take a couple of weeks or months,” she says.

“Everything is going to depend on how those personalities match, their gender, and just their general history. For example you might have a horse who has not been well socialised growing up and who has spent a lot of time alone previously.

“So it can take a long time, and a lot longer than people expect, but generally you’ll see they’ll become more comfortable in each other’s spaces over time.

“The only time I’ve seen horses struggle to live with others is when a horse has been kept alone, especially if it’s been since they were a youngster. However, we’ve never had a case where a horse hasn’t adapted to living with others.”

Sarah advises during the settling in phase to give extra resources.

“If feeding hay rations make sure they are really well spaced out, and you might need to offer more than one water source,” she says.

“Giving hard feed can be a real trigger so rather than doing this in the field, we would recommend taking horses out of the field to feed them.”

A livery yard’s approach to introducing a horse to a new herd

BHSII and UKCC level 3 coach Danielle Quigley Cutter keeps single-sex herds of six at her livery and competition yard Holmside Hall Equestrian.

“To begin with we will put a new horse in with one other, and let them settle,” Danielle explains. “Then from there we introduce one more at a time. I would expect some squealing and playing, but we would then be looking for them to start grazing and we would usually give them around a week to settle.

“We keep ponies in separate herds from horses, from a safety perspective of children going to take their pony out of the field – and we have a mandatory rule that everyone must wear a hard hat when bringing in or turning out.”

Danielle’s yard has a set routine which she believes helps horses settle in.

“All our horses come in at night during the winter, and in during the day during summer, and we find having that system really helps horses adapt to being in a new place,” says Danielle.

Troubleshooting

In cases of concern, for example where a horse hasn’t been in a herd previously, Gemma says it can be useful to speak to your vet about prescribing a psychopharmaceutical – a non-sedative drug that can help with anxiety.

“It doesn’t sedate them, but it can help take away a little bit of anxiety and adrenaline. I’ve used this for quite a few horses now and it can really help them to just not run round as much so things don’t escalate,” she says.

Gemma adds that she tends to see the most problems occur when horses have been isolated for 14 days for biosecurity reasons when arriving at a new yard.

“This approach does increase the risk of problems as you’re more likely to get ‘post-inhibitory rebound’, a process where a behaviour is performed to excess following a period of restriction,” she explains.

“I personally would avoid isolating horses prior to introducing them to a new herd. We still need to consider all the biosecurity aspects so owners should speak to their vets and yard owner about what’s going to work best for that premises. Some yards may accept a guttural pouch lavage (a diagnostic procedure to detect the presence of strangles) before moving to a new yard, and I believe the strangles vaccine could be really promising in reducing the prevalence of strangles in the future.

“In terms of diseases, a lot is going to depend on where a horse has come from on what the risk is. A horse from a dealer’s yard that’s spent a lot of time travelling and hasn’t been on that yard very long is going to be higher risk than a horse that’s been at a private yard for maybe 10 years and hasn’t been anywhere, so it’s important to take individual circumstances into consideration and discuss these with your vet and yard owner.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Access to good quality turnout is a must where equines are concerned. However, if you keep your horses in a field with a public footpath or bridleway, you may have a few apprehensions.

“These range from inappropriate feeding and even harm from the public, to concern regarding the risk to walkers should the horse be aggressive,” remarks Naomi Newell, Senior Associate in the Property Disputes Team at Birketts LLP.

So, what risks are horses in a field with a public footpath exposed to? H&H spoke to Naomi and to Mark Weston, Director of Access at the British Horse Society (BHS). We asked what owners need to consider and got practical advice for safeguarding yourself, your horse and the wider public.

Horses in a field with a public footpath: what to bear in mind

Security

Owners with horses in a field with a public footpath must ensure that gates are secure enough to contain their livestock while giving easy access to the public. Naomi says to install any gates with the local highway authority’s consent, and to ensure nothing obstructs the route.

If you wish to fence either side of the route, Naomi has more pointers.

“Electric fencing next to a public right of way is only acceptable if insulated, and there are regular warning signs for the public,” she says. “The width of a public path may or may not be recorded on the Council’s legal records. Therefore, you should discuss the width of a fenced route with the local rights of way officer.”

“The BHS recommends putting up polite notices to remind people to leave gates as they find them or follow instructions on signs,” adds Mark. “This aligns with the Countryside Code.”

Appropriate fieldmates

Horse owners must consider their own duty to the public.

“Owners have the important responsibility not to keep a horse known to be potentially dangerous in a field crossed by a right of way,” warns Naomi. “This could result in a prosecution and is a serious responsibility.”

Mark of the BHS adds: “We strongly recommend against keeping stallions in a field through which rights of way pass, especially if unfamiliar horses access your land.”

Public feeding

Horse & Hound has reported widely on public feeding, which remains an issue even for horses who don’t share turnout with a public right of way.

“While many people act with no malicious intent, they’re often unaware of the risks,” explains Mark. “As we know, certain foods, such as grass cuttings, can cause illness for horses and feeding can lead to fighting within a herd.”

Owners and carers can erect polite signs requesting people not to feed the horses, with an explanation as to why.

“If you’re concerned the public is feeding your horses, you can contact the BHS Horse Care and Welfare Helpline on 02476 840517,” adds Mark. The charity can offer guidance and advice, as well as a range of English and Welsh signs at bhs.org.uk/behorseaware.

Dogs

Naturally, walkers who neglect to control their dogs can pose a threat to all livestock.

“Unfortunately, negative incidents involving horses and dogs can happen far too often,” says Mark. “The BHS continues to advise and educate dog walkers. We urge them to keep their dog under control, ideally on a lead, around horses.

“If your horse has been involved in an incident with a dog, report it to the police and record it through the BHS Horse i app. This helps give us a greater understanding of the scale of this issue, and lobby for greater change.”

Trespassing

Even if you keep horses in a field with a public footpath, individuals can still trespass.

“A user who is not on the line of the public right of way is trespassing over private land,” says Naomi. “Similarly, if the person is entering onto your private land or leaning over a boundary feature (like a fence, hedge or gate) into your private land, that person is likely to be trespassing.”

Some instances of trespass can be a criminal offence, and you should contact the police. However, it may also carry civil liability that you should take legal advice on.

“Bringing trespass proceedings in the civil courts is often an expensive exercise,” remarks Naomi. “So, it will be very important to keep that in mind depending upon the persistence and severity of the trespass,” advises Naomi. “Ultimately, you would end up with an order that you could look to enforce against the third party if necessary.

What if you’re not the landowner and someone trespasses on your horse’s field?

“You may have a contractual claim against your landlord if they are subject to obligations within your agreement to protect the land or horses from interference,” says Naomi. “You should ask a solicitor to check the terms of your agreement to see whether this avenue could be pursued.

Above all, it is best for all concerned if the landowner clearly signposts rights of way. The signs must adhere to the path’s true alignment and observe the legal width of the route.

“Define the route on the land if necessary to avoid confusion over where the public can pass,” advises Naomi. “Seek help from the local rights of way officer with this.”

What happens if my horse injures someone?

According to Naomi, if your horse causes a person harm or damage, you may be found liable in negligence.

“This means you owed a duty of care and failed in that duty.”

Naomi adds that you may also be held liable under the Animals Act 1971. This states that animal owners carry strict liability if a third party is injured by the animal.

“The Act is widely considered to be poorly drafted and there are some defences available under the Act. It’s very important to take prompt legal advice if a claim is brought against you,” she adds.

Additionally, if you feel your horse has caused damage to a third party as a result of their disturbance of him, it would be difficult to prove that they should, in fact, have primary liability.

“These sorts of proceedings are often complicated, and you should take legal advice.”

The BHS urges anyone who owns or looks after a horse to carry public liability insurance cover.

“BHS Gold members receive public liability insurance cover, up to £30 million,” explains Mark. “This helps to give financial peace of mind should your horse injure a member of the public on a public right of way.”

What happens if someone’s actions cause injury to my horse?

Firstly, you should enquire with your insurer.

“Can the policy pay out for vet bills? Do you have legal expenses cover? Additionally, what’s the impact on your insurance premium going forward? The latter point may well be the extent of the responsible person’s liability to repay you,” says Naomi.

Secondly, while the law may offer some recourse, there may be other difficulties. These include:

• Identifying the person responsible for causing the injury to your horse.
• Finding an address for that person to serve legal proceedings.
• Proving causation.

“Assuming for a moment that you identify and track the person responsible, they will put you firmly to proof on why it was their actions that caused the horse’s injury,” adds Naomi.

“Undoubtedly, you will need expert evidence to help you prove at court that your horse was injured directly as a result of the person’s actions.”

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

If you’re feeling confused about how to find the ideal livery yard for your horse, you’re not alone. Whether you’re choosing a livery yard for your first horse or relocating, it’s a huge decision hinging on several factors. These factors won’t just be specific to your horse’s needs, but your own, too.

Before we delve into the criteria that will help to rule livery yards in or out, having made initial enquiries via phone, email or messaging, make sure you visit your potential yard at least once. Ensure your tour is thorough and the manager is at ease with you viewing the tack room, stables, facilities and turnout up close. You shouldn’t feel hurried in any way. If you get the chance to speak to existing liveries, make the most of the opportunity.

Furthermore, ask your new livery yard manager for an example copy of their livery contract detailing the terms of the livery and the extent of services included and provided. This will clearly define your responsibilities as a horse owner, as well as the yard’s, and protect both parties in the event of a dispute. Also ask if there are any yard rules beyond that which is outlined in the contract. Yards must provide a contract to livery clients in order to be accepted on the BHS Approved Centre list – in fact, there’s a whole list of criteria that make the BHS Approved Centre accolade worth looking for in your search.

How to find an ideal livery yard: what to consider

While we aim to cover all things you need to think about when looking for a new livery yard, it’s also advisable to discuss your options with a qualified person you trust, who understands your horse and your situation – such as your coach.

1. Type of livery package

There’s a huge variety of livery services and packages available to suit different lifestyles and care requirements. We’ve written a comprehensive guide to the types of horse livery, but briefly:

• Grass livery is usually a no-services livery type. It can be anything from a field and nothing more (i.e., you supply fencing, security, water, shelter etc) or a paddock on a yard with a water supply, hay in winter and use of facilities
• DIY livery doesn’t include services, but you may be able to add them for a fee. Most DIY packages offer use of a dedicated stable, daily turnout and use of facilities. They may also include bedding and hay
• Assisted DIY is as above but includes some services, for example a daily morning turn out or fetch in and delivery of morning/afternoon feed
• Part/full livery usually includes all basic aspects of horse care. It can be on a five- or seven-day basis, meaning some yards will require owners to fulfill care tasks on weekends or perhaps a nominated two days per week. Services can vary from package to package – for example, some yards include grooming in full livery packages, others don’t – so it’s essential to clarify what’s included and how flexible it is
• Competition/schooling livery is a seven-day service and includes basic care as well as grooming and riding. Sometimes weekly tuition is included in schooling livery and competition livery will include the fee for riding at shows, but not the entry fees.
• Sales livery allows you to hand over the reins to a professional who will conduct every aspect of your horse’s sale for you, from producing the advert to negotiating a deal. Most yards will take a commission from the sale as well as a weekly livery fee.

The package you choose will depend on your lifestyle and budget. For example, if you work a regular 9–5 and the yard is a 30-minute drive from your office, it might be in your horse’s best interests to ensure he is tended to at one or both ends of the day during the week. This will also take the pressure off you.

Alternatively, if you work flexibly, the yard is down the road and your horse lives out, a no-frills grass livery package might be the perfect fit.

2. Turnout

Now that the importance of turnout to a horse’s mental and physical state is far more widely appreciated, the amount and quality of turnout available is likely to be a key consideration when choosing your ideal livery yard.

The BHS recommends at least 1–1.5 acres of permanent turnout per horse, which allows for rotation of paddocks for maintenance purposes. A yard manager should be able to tell you the acreage and the yard capacity. If the number of acres doesn’t at least line up with the number of horses, then ask how they make this work.

Additionally, ascertain the turnout arrangements. Are horses turned out individually, in pairs or in groups? Are horses segregated by sex? What protocol is in place to ensure new horses are introduced to others and monitored properly? Let the yard manager know what your horse’s requirements are. Can arrangements be made to suit him, or must he adapt to the yard rules?

It’s handy to know the yard’s policy on paddock maintenance. This includes clearing droppings, weeds and poisonous plants, resting paddocks, rolling and reseeding.

Finally, be clear on daily turnout hours – this will vary yard-to-yard. Some will have regular daily hours that are unchanging all year, while others restrict turnout hours during the winter months. Some may not turn out in winter at all. Find out whether this is the case, or if the yard provides alternative turnout such as all-weather pens.

3. Stabling

If you plan to stable your horse, check that the dimensions are appropriate. The BHS minimum recommended stable size for a horse under 17hh is 3.65×3.65m (12x12ft), which will allow him sufficient space to lie down and rest.

Furthermore, inspect the yard for signs of good ventilation and cleanliness. A coating of dust or lots of cobwebs not only looks unsightly but could affect a horse with respiratory problems, and there should be no evidence of spilled feed that might encourage vermin. In the interests of biosecurity, ask the yard manager if the stable your horse will be moving into is in use currently, and if it will be disinfected thoroughly before your horse arrives. Do they have an isolation box and paddock for new arrivals, or do they move straight into their regular places?

If bedding is included in the livery package, check what types are available and their quality. Straw should be kept clean and dry, should smell fresh and not be excessively dusty. If shavings are provided, check they are dust-extracted. If the product you prefer isn’t in use, ensure your yard manager will take delivery of the best horse bedding for your equine friend.

4. Health, safety and security measures

Health and safety is a broad topic. We’ve touched on quarantining new arrivals and making safe introductions, but there are numerous other areas to consider including:

• Disease and parasite control Ask the yard manager if the yard has entry requirements, such as a strangles test. You should also be clear on the yard’s deworming and vaccination procedure, as there should be a deworming regime in place
• Dealing with icy conditions Is the yard set up to keep walkways safe and pipes insulated to guarantee the water supply?
• Injury and illness Do they have a procedure for dealing with an injured or sick horse in your absence? Do they keep clear records of your horse’s vet and medical information for staff to find?
• Fire safety Is the yard risk assessed for fire and have a plan in place? Are staff and liveries well versed in the fire plan and are there drills?
• Security Are entry points to the yard secured with codes? Is there CCTV in operation? Is the tack room sufficiently secure in line with your equine insurance policy?

5. Extras and services

Once you’ve established what’s included in your livery package, ensure that the level of service is appropriate. For example, if your horse requires soaked hay, is this included or will there be an additional fee? If your horse is brought in for you, does this include a rug change and picking out hooves?

With this in mind, ensure all your horse’s individual needs are acknowledged and can be accommodated. This entails anything from the supplements in his feed and prescription medications to health conditions and calorie requirements. BHS best practice is a written care plan for each livery resident – ask if this is in place at the yard.

6. Facilities, hacking and training

Your horse’s work intensity and your ambitions will inform your facility requirements. If you spend most of your time in the saddle on a hack, check out the local hacking situation. You can do this on OS Maps online or purchase a paper map of the area you’re looking to base your horse. Is there any on-site hacking at the yard? How much road work would there be?

If you enjoy schooling, inspect the arena for evidence of regular harrowing and ask if this takes place regularly. Ascertain whether there is an option to book the arena for sole use, whether you need to book for every session or just for lessons, and that they allow external instructors on site.

Finally, if you’re wondering how to find an ideal livery yard as a keen competitor, there are more factors at play. As well as the above schooling concerns, you might want access to a larger-than-standard arena to train in, and you might benefit from an on-site gallop track or cross-country course, or a walker for days you don’t ride. Do they have sufficient horsebox parking, or if you don’t have a box make sure you can hire one locally. Perhaps check that what training venues in the area if the full scope of your facility needs aren’t satisfied at the yard.

How to find an ideal livery yard: do your homework

There’s nothing like a testimonial to help you make a decision, and speaking to current liveries’ about their experience can help you to decide if this is the ideal livery yard to suit your needs. The yard manager should be open to you chatting to liveries over the course of your tour. To really make the most of it, you could schedule your visit to cover a peak time. Try a weekday evening or Saturday morning.

While you should make sure to ask the yard manager why the vacancy has come up, it can also be really insightful to speak to an outgoing or former livery. This can be tricky to orchestrate, but there might be a mutual contact who can pass on your details. Or, if the yard manager is happy to approach them, that’s a green flag when looking to find an ideal livery yard.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news from major shows throughout 2025, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

Types of livery to consider when looking for somewhere to keep your horse

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For some, turnout boots are an essential part of keeping their horse protected while in the field. Others, however, believe bare is best when it comes to legs. H&H weighs up the pros and cons

If you have a horse who treats his paddock like a playpen, a pair of the best turnout boots are likely to be high on your list of must-have kit. There are a wide range of turnout boots on the market, offering protection from cuts, abrasion, mud fever – and even the effects of the sun.

Shropshire-based Anna Wainwright has dressage horses and says while she is a firm believer in time at grass for all of hers, nothing goes out without brushing boots all round.

“Some of mine just get their heads down and get on with eating when they go out, but I’ve got one in particular who does the wall of death round the field! I just feel happier that they are protected against striking into themselves when they have boots on,” says Anna.

For others, the main concern is warding off mud fever in winter and the effects of the sun in summer. Jill Thorp breeds and shows Welsh ponies from her West Yorkshire base and uses breathable chaps for both situations.

“In wet winters, our land gets very muddy and lots of our ponies have white socks, with pink skin beneath which is vulnerable to mud fever. We also had a mare who developed photo dermatitis one year and the chaps were very useful in shielding her white socks from the sun,” says Jill.

The pros and cons

Clean, protected legs are the major benefit of turnout boots; there’s no doubt avoiding having to deal with legs caked in mud at bringing in time is a big plus for many people. Fitted correctly, chaps designed to sit well down over the heel and up the leg can also stop mud fever or sunburn/photo dermatitis taking hold.

But there are concerns about the effect of heating the lower leg for long periods by encasing it in boots. East Yorkshire showing rider and trainer Dean Shaw says he only uses boots for turnout where needed.

“I don’t like the idea of horses wearing boots in the field for hours. There’s always the risk that they will slip and rub the leg, or get something trapped between the boot and skin which can cause damage.

“It comes down to weighing up the added protection if you have a horse which tends to be unsettled in the field, or perhaps has been on box rest, against the risk of overheating,” says Dean.

This was a subject covered in a 2009 seminar organised by Equilibrium Products, which manufactures turnout boots, looking at the risks and benefits of boots for competition and turnout. Speakers, including the Animal Health Trust’s Dr Rachel Murray, an expert in orthopaedic veterinary medicine, and scientist and equine exercise physiology Dr David Marlin, warned that some boots could restrict movement and blood supply, as well as overheating the tendons and the surrounding structures.

Despite this, turnout boots remain a popular choice for many horse owners.

“I’m aware of the risk of overheating, but modern boot design and technology means most offer a good balance of protection and breathability. It’s just not worth the risk to go without,” adds Anna Wainwright.

Top tips for making best use of turnout boots

• Most manufacturers recommend boots/chaps should not be kept on for longer than 12 hours at a stretch.

• Ensure the boots or chaps fit correctly; sizing guides are available relating to both the length and circumference of the cannon bone.

• Make sure boots and chaps are washed and dried between uses in muddy, wet conditions to prevent chafing.

• Check the straps and attachments regularly (some horses will chew them) to ensure the boots stay in place.

• To stay up to date with all the breaking news throughout major shows such as London International and more, subscribe to the Horse & Hound website

You may also be interested in:

5 of the best turnout boots to tackle the mud

12 of the best brushing boots for all budgets

11 pairs of overreach boots that will help to protect your horse

Struggling with mud fever? Here’s what you need to know to tackle it…

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

Rachel Fraser discovers the benefits of keeping horses on tracks and how to make changes to your set-up without breaking the bank

On a mission to help my horses reach — and stay at — a healthy weight, I came across the ‘Paddock Paradise’ or track system of keeping horses.

The (very) basic principle is to have a track — usually running around the perimeter of a field — with water, hay and supplements distributed at different points along it to ensure horses are motivated to keep moving.

Tracks can include a variety of surfaces, such as hardcore or woodchip, as well as obstacles, small logs for example, for horses to negotiate. Some tracks are entirely grass-free, but hay is usually provided ad-lib so the horse can learn to self-regulate its intake.

A wider area should also be provided along the track for the horses to gather, socialise and lie down.

How tracks can help equine weight loss

Track living has helped Charmaine Walker’s pony (pictured below) lose weight.

She explains: “It had been something I’d been experimenting with for a long time and a few months ago I was lucky enough to be offered my own yard to rent. The landowner is fantastic and was happy for me to have the track.

“I think attitudes towards tracks are changing and the system is gaining traction. It does take some time for those with more traditional set-ups to adjust, but honestly I have seen such a change with my two, I would be sad to go back to full paddock turnout.”

A livery yard using a track system

Lauren, who runs Graveney Equine as a track livery, explains how she came across this alternative horsey set-up: “I originally looked to a track system to help rehabilitate my horse’s hooves. She was only a youngster and had hoof cracks and seedy toe on all four feet when I took her on.

“I stumbled across the concept of barefoot trimming and the trimmer mentioned Paddock Paradise systems, we trialled it with my own horse. It took three months for her feet to be fully recovered and I had seen so many benefits to her temperament that I was so excited to see what else this set-up could achieve.

“We opened Graveney Equine in 2014 when we bought a house with its own land and setting up a track system as opposed to a generic paddock arrangement was a no brainer to me by this point.

“We now have a track of 1km that, after some extension work this summer, will be even longer. We currently have 15 horses but with demand being so high, our improvements will see us creating space for more.

“We have seen some incredible rehabilitation through this system. People often concentrate their focus on hoof health and weight loss but we have dealt with a couple of very challenging behavioural cases and a severe neglect case too.

“Our track system has thrived because it allows horses to be horses. Every time a horse is asked to live outside of its comfort zone of having ‘friends, forage and freedom’, we are putting stress on their system.

“To provide a much more species-appropriate way of living means that our horses can have their physiological and psychological needs met and stand much more chance of being fit mentally and physically.

“The other thing I love about these systems is that the sky is the limit. They develop, morph, adapt and grow as you experiment with what works and what needs improving. To be able to observe behaviour and use those observations to inform your future developments really ignites the perfectionist in me!”

How to set-up a track system without breaking the bank

Grass tracks are a good place to start — surfacing can be expensive or require planning and landowner permission, but a grass track can be set up relatively easily with temporary electric fencing.

Use what you have — if you have hedgerows with horse-friendly plants, incorporate these into your track to offer natural variety to your horse’s diet. Similarly, if your field has a shelter – natural or man-made – make sure your horse can access these on the track.

Obstacles — these can be a fun addition that needn’t cost the earth. If you have branches to cut-down, these can make log poles for your horse to walk or trot over — just make sure there’s a way around the edge if any members of the herd would struggle with polework.

Start small — as Lauren said, the possibilities for tracks to grow and develop over time are endless, so don’t worry about having the ‘perfect’ track from the word go — you can always add to it when you see what works well for your horses.

Do your research — for anyone interested in this alternative style of horse-keeping, ‘Paddock Paradise: A Guide to Natural Horse Boarding’ by Jaime Jackson is a must-read. There are also some very helpful track system groups on Facebook to swap suggestions and share advice with fellow ‘trackies’.

Further reading

You might also like:

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Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

While turnout is a really important part of a horse’s management, it can be a worrying time for some horse owners – and the best turnout boots for horses could alleviate some of the concerns. Turnout boots can provide a protective barrier against mud fever, overreaching and knocks. They also keep legs cleaner and drier, which not only saves time but helps to maintain healthy skin.

Some styles offer more protection from knocks than others, so if your main concern is injury, then a tougher boot would be preferable to a pair of chaps. It’s also important to choose a water-resistant and breathable boot, as if they hold water they’ll end up doing more harm than good. It’s also advisable to wash and change the turnout boots regularly to prevent rubbing, so a pair that is easy to hose or machine washable and quick to dry is certainly beneficial.

Best turnout boots for horses

Woof Wear Mud Fever Turnout Boots

Sizes: S–XL

These breathable boots create a barrier to mud from below the knee to the base of the heel. They are made of a waterproof and breathable fabric around the cannon bone to prevent overheating and feature a close-fitting hoof capsule with Kevlar reinforced heel protection. They also have a shaped PU strike pad that offers protection against brushing. Suitable for front and hind legs, they are machine washable at 30°C.

Premier Equine Turnout/Mud Fever Boots

Sizes: S–XL

These high-cut boots, which cover the whole lower leg and pastern, are made with Air-Tech ventilated neoprene for maximum breathability. They are anatomically shaped to be comfortable and supportive, and have excellent stretch and recovery properties that allow the boot to mould and retain shape without impeding the natural action. They can be used on both front and hind legs and are suitable for use year round, but should be swapped every 12 hours to prevent rubbing.

Equilibrium Equi-Chaps Close Contact Chaps

Sizes: XS–XL

These chaps are said to fit like a second skin with four-way stretch, the close contact chaps mould to your horse’s legs from below the knee or hock, all the way down to the coronet band. There are nine different sizes, including some slim and wide fits. While the main function of these is to keep legs clean, they also offer protection against both brushing and overreaching. They can be machine washed at 30°C and are quick to dry.

LeMieux Turnout Boots

Sizes: S–XL

Made of antibacterial ventilated neoprene to avoid rubbing and sweat build-up, these boots have elasticated and angled straps to allow for movement and optimum fit. They feature a durable skid cap that positions the boot correctly on back of the joint. They can be hosed off or machine washed, and can be used on front or hind legs.

Shires Arma Deluxe Mud Socks

Sizes: Small pony – extra-full

These mud socks are ergonomically shaped to ensure a close, comfortable fit. They are made of dense neoprene that offers protection against bumps and scrapes, while the airflow perforations help prevent legs from overheating. They are suitable for front or hind legs.

You might also be interested in:

Best barrier creams for protection against wet and mud

Turnout boots: what are the pros and cons?

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

The depths of winter are nearly upon us. Your hardy horse lives out all year round without a care in the world, saving you a fortune on livery bills and mucking out… But what do they really think about it?

1. Look at those thoroughbreds all shuffling around at the gate waiting to go inside. Wimps! All the more grass for us. This is so much better than being stuck in a box all night long.

2. Buuuurgh. It’s a bit chillier now… Mum I need more layers. I’m coooold. Please take me in? Someone? Anyone? It’s dark…

3. Oh this is a nice new rug I’ve got on today. ‘Look at me everyone!’ I think I’ll roll right in this muddy puddle beside the fence. Oops I think I heard a tear. Errrr. That was not meant to happen…

4. It’s raining… *Charge to the field shelter* Budge over. Let me in. LET ME IN. Please?

5. I see a light! Who is coming to see me? I smell food… I think I see a bucket… My human loves me. (And right now I love my human).

6. What is that white stuff falling from the sky? Wowwwwweeeee. Errr. Wait. Hold on. It’s taking over now. Where has the lovely tasty green grass gone? Help! Are we all going to starve?

7. We’re OK. I see hay. It’s being guarded by a group of Welsh ponies… I think we can get in there guys. Let’s just tip toe round them and they won’t see us at the other side. Nooo they’ve spotted us. Run. For. It.

8. It’s morning. Whoopee! Our friends are coming back. Look at them — they look as excited as us. Why is that human shouting at them? Why does one still have that rope attached to it while he’s cantering round? Never mind… It’s play time. *Bucks*

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With Britain’s first team gold medal in the bag since the London Olympics 11 years ago, at the European Dressage Championships, Carl Hester explains why many of his top horses live out.

At the Gloucestershire yard he runs with his team-mate Charlotte Dujardin, elite stars such as En Vogue and Charlotte’s current championship ride Imhotep, spend most of their time out in the field.

“My horse lives outside all night long, with another horse, pretty much all year round – until we are flooded,” says Charlotte.

Why Carl Hester likes his horses to live out

Carl outlines the reasoning behind this system.

“Not everybody is in the situation that we are in to be able to do this with horses,” he says. “I come from an island [Sark] where there are no stables, let alone bridles and saddles, so to me it was totally normal when I came to live [on the mainland] that horses lived normal lives.

“I know it doesn’t suit every horse. Valegro couldn’t live out 24 hours a day because he is too fat, and likes food – he couldn’t be one of those horses. But for some horses like Vogue and Imhotep, the more highly strung horses, it’s a brilliant way of keeping them.

“Grass is natural. People are horrified and I know they don’t believe me sometimes when they come to the yard and see horses in a field, together. I don’t do that with all horses, but I try to take care of that side of things.”

Carl takes responsibility for the risks of turnout, and considers the benefits far outweigh these.

“I’m the one who lives at the property so I hear them doing the Grand National at night, and no-one else has to worry about them galloping round,” he says. “I spend my life hanging out the window wondering if they’re all going to be in one piece in the morning!

“But I’m happy, for us, that they live like that. I know it’s not for everyone. We don’t impose our wishes on everyone else, saying you have to do this, but look what it does for our horses. That’s all I need to say. For me it’s natural and we have results from it and that’s why we do it. It doesn’t suit every horse but for those it does, it’s wonderful.

“And it’s a wonderfully cheap way in the cost-of-living crisis, this is how you keep the costs down!” he jokes.

Imhotep is quite content with his temporary enforced restriction, however, at the European Dressage Championships in Riesenbeck. Groom Francesca Gorni ensures he has plenty of leg stretches and grazing in the cooler mornings and evenings. And he repays that with second place and a team gold medal in the team test.

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With warmer weather finally here, many horse owners will have been debating whether or not to turn out their horses, while some have no choice in the matter.

When winter months approach, the same question is pertinent — should you turn out your horse 24/7 or should they come in? We ask the experts plus get the opinion of H&H readers…

What the vet says on turning horses out…

Karen Coumbe MRCVS says: “Keeping a horse in during the winter has some obvious benefits such as the fact they will be clean and tidy, but more importantly safer as they will not have the chance to suffer from paddock injuries impacted by the lack of grass and slippery mud, pulled shoes, plus less mud fever, rain scald and other skin rashes.

“However, there are drawbacks to this routine too. Horses that are stabled are more prone to coughs and small airway inflammation, especially if the stables are not very well ventilated or the bedding and hay is dusty. At the end of the day, they are confined in a small area, which is both their bedroom and their bathroom. You might also experience an increase in behavioural issues as some horses can get bored when confined to a small stable.

“Colic is more of an issue in stabled horses, particularly impactions, especially if they eat their bedding. Research has shown that large intestinal motility assessed by ultrasound was significantly reduced in stabled horses compared to those at pasture. They are thought to be most at risk if or when there is a sudden change in management, such as being brought in as the weather is bad.

“Regular exercise is vital to help well-being with stabled horses. If they are on high levels of feed and stabled for lengthy periods of time, some horses can also be more susceptible to tying up and muscle disorders. Similarly, horses with ongoing osteoarthritis will stiffen up if confined to their boxes.

“Conversely, horses that are out at pasture are far more likely to injure themselves. This is not just from kicks from field companions or tangles with fencing or gates, but also at this time of year we see a rise in the number of eye injuries in horses that are turned out frequently, or 24/7 as they start looking for food in hedgerows due to a lack of grass in their fields.

“During the warmer months, horses that are turned out can become bothered by flies, with some being sensitive to insect bites and developing problems such as sweet itch. Horses will suffer if they aren’t sprayed with fly repellent and wearing good fly rugs. Horses that are turned out in windier locations away from woods are likely to suffer less as fewer flies are likely to be present to bother them. Conversely the leg mites that particularly plague heavier horses are often worse in a stabled environment.

“Owners also need to be very aware of their horses’ diet with full-time turnout during the spring and summer. Although less grass is not the only factor as general overfeeding and lack of exercise will not help, but ponies in particular when turned out may gain excessive weight and could be prone to laminitis.

“If horses are stabled, their diets are more easily controlled and their general health monitored. It is hard to know what a horse’s food and water intake is when they are turned out all of the time. Parasitic worms are also more prevalent in horses kept at grass, plus there is always the chance of horses suffering from diseases linked to the ingestion of poisonous plants — for example Atypical Myopathy, due to ingestion of sycamore seeds. The other key worry in the spring months has to be grass sickness, which is almost always seen in grazing horses.

“Overall, I would recommend keeping a horse in the most natural way as possible, but you must treat each horse as an individual, catering to its own needs and balancing with its job in life.”

What the British Horse Society says on turning horses out…

A welfare education manager from the British Horse Society says: “Horses are herd animals and therefore prefer to live together in a social group which provides many advantages for them such as company, feeling of protection and mutual grooming.

“For young horses, having companions provides the opportunity for play and learning the etiquette of living in a herd. It is important to remember that horses should be treated as individuals and any signs of bullying, particularly during the winter when additional feed is given, is monitored to ensure it does not have a detrimental effect on the welfare of that horse. Donkeys have a strong need for socialisation and will often create strong bonds with their companions; they can subsequently become ill if separated.

“There are occasions when horses may need to be turned out individually. Horses recovering from an injury or being re-introduced to turnout following a period of box-rest will need a safe area until they have fully recovered. When introducing horses to a new group, it is strongly advised, where possible, to turn out the new arrival in an adjacent paddock for a few days so the horses can safely meet their new herd member.

“Many livery yards provide same-sex turnout such as geldings and mares only. This is often implemented to help prevent any problems when mares come into season. Stallions and older colts will often be kept on individual turnout to help prevent indiscriminate breeding or aggressive behaviour.

“Some yards opt for individual turnout for all horses regardless of their circumstances. It is important to be aware that a principle element of companionship has been removed for these horses and additional care may need to be provided. For example, in the summer months horses naturally work together in their herd groups to keep themselves comfortable by standing head to tail and swishing the flies off each other’s faces. Horses kept on individual turnout will not have the luxury of a field companion to help keep them comfortable and therefore may benefit from a fly mask and rug”.

What the H&H readers say…

Kate Rickards: “I have a small herd of natives who all live out 24/7. We are lucky that we have a seven acre field with plenty of natural shelter.

“I think there are many pros to being turned out 24/7. I feel very strongly about the benefits of being turned out in a herd, where they can act naturally and freely. Surely this has to be the key to a content and happy equine, and closest to their natural environment. As my herd get older too I think it’s good for their joints to be moving around, and helps them maintain a low level of fitness. I don’t feel there are many cons to 24/7 turnout when it comes to pony welfare. I can rug them as required, according to weather conditions if required, and I can put them in a stable in cases of extreme weather or illness.”

Jessica Dunford: “My horses live out on a ‘track system’. I find this gives them all of the room they need to move around and graze, but without access to a huge field of lush grazing.

“The track system encourages them to do more miles per day, meaning they are ‘worked’ all the time and are less of a handful when it comes to being ridden. I specifically place their feed, water, and salt/mineral licks at opposite ends of the field, to encourage them to ‘browse’ more. I worry much less about things such as gastric ulcers, laminitis and arthritis because my horses are able to move and eat naturally. We have nine stables, which are always bedded down, but are only ever used for emergencies and all the horses are very happy with this arrangement.”

Alice Page: “We are lucky enough to have enough grazing to cater for all year round turnout and grazing. We feel that it is beneficial to all our horses of all ages to live out as a herd.

“We have found that it stops stiffness issues in older horses and in horses who have hunted during the day in the winter months. During the winter months we are lucky enough to have their grazing close to the yard, where we have a large barn and lean-to for the horses to shelter should they wish.

“They use it but more often than not, they choose to stay out in the elements — driving cold rain is really the only time that they shelter. In the summer months we have a field shelter available to them in their summer paddocks, which they use to shelter from flies.”

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Horses should be given the opportunity to choose, is the message from a British rider working in Sweden, where the law states that daily turnout is a must.

Melanie Swales lived in England and Scotland but is now in Sweden, where she works at a riding school, owns a horse and is studying equine welfare and management at university.

She contacted H&H having read an article looking at the pros and cons of different turnout and stabling regimes.

“Here in Sweden we have welfare regulations covering the management of equine care and needs,” she said. “One of these states that horses need to be turned out, outside, at least once every 24-hour period.”

Although the rules do not state how long horses must be out, or give dimensions for the turnout area, they do say the horses must be allowed to move freely in their gait of choice.

“So it has to be a big enough space for the horse to canter around in, and for a long enough time for it to choose,” Melanie said. “The regulations on horses’ needs are clear – they need to move around, should not be confined to a box for the whole day, and perhaps most important is that it is not simply about horses needing to be move, otherwise it would be enough to require them to be ridden or exercised by a human. The choice is the element that needs to be appreciated and should be considered in welfare, horse management and best practice.”

Melanie said there are times horses will not move far from the field gate, and if they are not content in bad weather, they may come in earlier.

“But at least they’ve got that choice,” she said.

There is an exception for premises built before a certain date that do not have suitable turnout; horses kept in such places can be turned out in an indoor space such as an arena. There are also exceptions relating to horses on box rest or if weather conditions mean it is unsafe to turn out outside. But Melanie said this is rare.

“At the riding school where I work, we turn our horses out in almost all weather conditions,” she said. “If needed they are rugged, or have studs, fly spray and fly masks. If the weather does not allow for reasons of safety or sense, we turn them out in the arena in groups, but this is an exception generated every now and again by winter storms and ice.

“We sometimes have muddy, usually wildly satisfied with themselves, horses; occasional cuts and scrapes; we manage them, swapping groups if necessary, to ensure everyone is as content as possible. They play and they nibble on each other, they stand still, they sleep, and they get to do it every day even if repeat offenders need showering every day when they come in.”

The turnout regulations are only to ensure horses have that choice to move; other rules cover the need to forage for themselves, and social contact with other horses.

“The rules say we have to allow them opportunities for their natural behaviour,” she said. “They don’t have to be turned out on grass all the time; some people have areas with a special grit surface, but the needs to ‘search for food’, which is the direct translation, and for social contact, are covered.”

Melanie said she is not aware of anyone being sanctioned for breaking the rules but that yards offering livery tend to sell themselves on the amount of turnout they offer, adding: “People get really outraged if someone only offers six hours’ turnout a day in winter”. The yard at which she keeps her horse has also built stables that allow horses physical contact with each other even when they are in.

“You can even make an inside environment better for them, instead of thinking they have to be contained in their own little boxes,” she said.

“It feels like there’s movement now, that people are thinking and questioning more, and it’s being discussed. We do have some horses that have to go out on their own as they play too wildly and injure themselves and others, so it’s not all black and white – but some things you need to fight for.

“The important thing is the idea that it is important to provide the opportunity, after that it’s up to the horse what he chooses to do.”

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Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

LONGER periods of turnout may mean a reduced risk of equine soft-tissue injuries, a study has shown.

The six-year research, into non-elite performance horses, found that those turned out for 12 or more hours a day had a 25% lower instance of soft-tissue injuries.

Fitness level is known to correlate with injury risk, and spikes in acute workload have been shown to increase the occurrence of injury. Chronic workloads can help condition the tissues to cope with stress.

Previous studies have focused on the impact of these different types of workload – such as the acute to chronic workload ratio in elite horse – but this new research is thought to be the first to consider the effect of general activity levels.

Lead researcher Jesslyn Bryk-Lucy, resident vet at Centenary University Equestrian Center in New Jersey, told H&H she had been inspired to undertake the work by her observations in practice.

“Looking at both the horses we have at Centenary and horses belonging to my own clients, I noticed that the horses that were out more and had a more natural lifestyle, I didn’t see as much,” she said.

Data suggests that soft-tissue injuries to any tendon or ligament account for 13 to 18% of horses who need rest and time off, and are also responsible for 33% of career-ending injuries in sport horses of all disciplines.

The retrospective study looked at 146 horses aged between four and 30, with a median age of 17, based at the university. A comparison was made between the incidence of soft-tissue injury in two groups of horses, one that consistently received more than 12 consecutive hours of turnout in a 24-hour period, and the other turned out for less than 12 hours in the same time period.

The 12-hour window was chosen based on findings from a previous study on the impact of turnout on fitness, which identified it as the point at which physiological changes occur, and because it fitted into the equestrian centre’s management routine.

Of the 89 horses turned out for less than 12 hours, 45 (50.6%) experienced a soft tissue injury as compared with 14 (24.6%) of the 57 horses turned out for 12 hours or more.

The study’s findings, which have not yet been peer-reviewed, were presented at the 2021 Equine Science Society Virtual Symposium in July.

Dr Bryk-Lucy said that she hoped to be able to conduct further research to yield more specific data.

“We’re thinking about using GPS tracking or a pedometer to establish how much movement takes place, and also look at the difference between horse movement in a large versus a small paddock,” she said.

“We’re also considering case studies of horses that haven’t recovered from soft tissue injuries after box rest but have after a period of turnout.”

British Equine Veterinary Association (BEVA) president elect Huw Griffiths told H&H the study provides very interesting new evidence that extended turnout reduced the risk of soft tissue injury, but it does not yet show why this might be the case.

“It may well be due to increased conditioning of tendons and ligaments via natural movement, or a change in behaviour, or other unidentified variables associated with turnout,” he said.

“It is also worth noting that the median age of the horses in this study was 17 which is skewed towards the older population; the results cannot therefore be assumed to be the same for different age groups.

“Personally, I am a huge fan of horses being out as much as possible and always feel that short turnout leads to more excitement compared to static turnout groups.”

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Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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A top rider whose opinion on turnout sparked a social media storm says her horses have hours out of their stables every day — and she was shocked by many of the comments made.

Dani G Waldman, who has represented Israel at World and European championships, came under fire on Instagram at the weekend.

In a comment under a video of Dani explaining how she cares for her horses’ legs after exercise, a fan asked whether Dani turns her competition horses out, and if she would wrap their legs afterwards.

Dani replied to say she does not turn her horses out, as she does not trust them not to injure themselves — and a social media storm broke.

“It started with one woman who was particularly upset,” Dani told H&H. “She started attacking my care and saying I should be ashamed of myself. Then it got really mean. They were attacking my character, and had nothing to do with the subject in hand.

“It turned into just spreading hate, and if there’s anything I stand for, it’s not spreading hate, but trying to be accepting, and understand why people do different things.

“If someone had said ‘That’s interesting, why do you do it that way?’ and been willing to listen to the answer, that would have been different but I think people often want to prove ‘I know more about horses than you do’.”

Dani turned off commenting on the post, to bring a stop to the discussion, but she stands by her management.

She said her horses spend hours out of their stables every day.

“They probably get out more than an average horse who spends a couple of hours in a paddock,” she said.

“They go on the walker or the treadmill, back in the box for a bit, then I’ll ride — and I’m not just riding in tiny circles all the time; they go in the arena, in the fields, the woods, the racetrack, along the canal; their exercise varies tremendously, and they do tons of different things. Then they go back and have lunch, then maybe the treadmill, then get hand-grazed for an hour at a time.

“They have so much time out of their stables. Of course horses shouldn’t be locked up 23 hours a day; everyone agrees they should get out of their boxes as much as possible but there’s always a grey area in how the world functions. I’ve got the resources and facilities to give my horses as much outside time as possible.”

Dani said her horses’ wellbeing is her top priority, and she ensures they have as much stimulation as possible.

“What about someone who turns a horse out in a mud pit and it stands there 24/7 with no grass?” she asked. “That’s questionable; I don’t think that horse would be stimulated enough, just because it’s out.

“Literally, all I do all day is try to tend to my horses; for me it’s all about care and as an owner and rider, that’s what I focus on, all the time.”

Dani said she was shocked by the way one comment from a fan sparked such an uproar.

“It morphed into something venomous; I never expected it to be so polarising,” she said.

“I’m tough but I understand why kids these days are so afraid of putting themselves out there, it’s a horrible feeling. People were calling me trash and disgraceful, and really bullying words, nothing about trying to understand or learn.

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“It’s like a pack of wolves; maybe one person starts it, then someone else thinks that’s a licence, and people get angrier and angrier; it’s so easy, behind a screen, to type away and forget there’s a person behind it.”

Dani plans to release a “day in the life” video on her social media, to show how much time her horses spend out of their stables, and what their days involve.

“I want to show there’s more than one way of doing things,” she said. “People operate in their little bubbles of realness but there’s no one right way of doing things.

“I’m excited about this video, and curious as to what the response will be.”

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers has previously said challenging the status quo of how horses are kept “goes right to the heart” of equestrianism’s social licence to operate.

“The stabling – or rather over-stabling – of our horses is a highly relevant aspect,” he told H&H. “Just because we have looked after our horses in a certain way, even if it’s for decades, does not make this right, not least because our understanding of the needs of horses is constantly evolving.

“A key consideration for overall welfare is horses’ mental wellbeing, which is as important as physical welfare. In considering this we should keep the concept of the 3Fs – freedom, forage and friends – very close. Changes are being made in the sport world, with plenty of examples of racehorses and grand prix dressage horses being allowed time in fields with equine company. But there are still far too many sport horses that only come out of their stables for exercise.

“There is plenty of room for improvement and everyone, in competition or leisure riding, should challenge themselves on whether they are truly giving their horses what they need to have good quality of life.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

How can we maximise the benefits of field time, while minimising risk? Kieran O’Brien MRCVS offers advice for trouble-free turnout

Horses in their natural state are free-ranging, social animals. While separate confinement in a stable is necessary if they are to be individually fed and managed, maximum turnout, where possible, should be provided.

Turnout reduces the risk of colic, respiratory diseases and the development of stereotypical behaviour, while supporting muscle and joint health. Grazing in groups allows coordinated patterns of movement, social experience and mutual grooming, all of which are vitally important for the welfare of animals ill-adapted to a solitary life.

There are negative aspects, however, the most significant being increased risk of injury. In a survey of 652 UK owners, 40% reported that their horses had suffered a traumatic injury in the previous year – 62% of which occurred while at grass. Results showed that horses grazed in a large group or recently introduced to the herd were most vulnerable. Kicks or incidents with field fencing were the most common causes of injury.

Other hazards at grass include exposure to biting flies and intestinal parasites, and obesity and laminitis due to excessive grass intake – all of which can be avoided with careful planning.

Taking sides

Interaction across a fence – often with a mare on one side and a gelding on the other – is probably the most common cause of fence-related injuries.

One horse typically strikes out through the fence. It is safer to separate such groups by placing a strand of electric wire along the top of the fence or, better still, a strand near the top on each side. Horses will then come close to the fence but will not lean over.

Alternatively, a separate, single-strand electric fence can be erected on one side, parallel to the main fence. This also stops hungry horses leaning through the fence to access grass on the other side.

Sheep fencing is especially dangerous and should only be used with an additional safeguard.

A gate between fields is another contact point. Although useful for “pre-exposure” of a new horse to others, a gate should be “sheeted” to prevent limb injury if a horse kicks through it. Attach plastic stockboard sheets with strong cable ties, ensuring they overlap by at least 15cm.

Shock tactics

Electric fences allow paddocks to be divided cheaply and safely. They can be used to separate horses and thus prevent kicking, to limit the grazing area for weight and laminitis control, and to restrict space for horses being rehabilitated from injury.

With a little thought, electric fencing can be made as safe as possible. Otherwise, injuries can occur – and may be very severe. Apart from stake wounds from the plastic posts, most injuries happen when the horse becomes entangled in the fencing.

An electric fence should have two properties: it should hurt when touched, and should break easily if a horse runs or kicks through it or rolls into it.

Horses will only respect an electric fence if it gives them a suffifficiently severe shock when they touch it. Manufacturers of the energisers, which power the fence, say that a weak or absent shock is in 90% of cases due to failure to earth (ground) the fence properly. The earth stake should be as long as possible and pushed its whole length into the ground.

A good tip is to pour a bucket of water over the stake when it is in the ground to ensure good contact, and to keep it wet. The fence must be regularly checked for contact with vegetation, which reduces the strength of the pulse.

Choose an energiser with the highest output you can afford. Two rechargeable batteries (one in use, and one charged and ready when required) are the minimum needed.

There is no need for the fence to be strong; the risk of an electric shock is what deters the horse, and it is not intended that the fence restrains the horse physically. If he runs through it, the fence should break rather than be dragged and eventually become wrapped around the horse’s legs.

It is generally agreed that plain metal electrified wire should not be used with horses,

as it is virtually unbreakable. It follows that, except in very windy sites where there may be no alternative, electric fence rope – which is extremely strong – may also be inappropriate. The thin plastic string breaks most easily; concerns about its visibility are overstated.

One has to question why, except in the case of small ponies, more than one strand of fencing is required. Using two or three strands presents more opportunities for the fence to fail to break, or to wrap around the horse’s legs if he goes through it.

Breakpoints are easy to make using two cable ties. This method works well for the narrow tape and rope, but experiment to see how tight the cable ties must be for your fence to slide through the breakpoint when force is applied.

Safety first

In any group of horses, there is a social hierarchy enforced mostly by threat – using often quite subtle body language, rather than violence. Kick injuries are common when new arrivals join the group, or when lower-ranking horses fail to respond to threats.

Sometimes, a horse simply cannot get out of the way quickly enough.

Lower leg wounds and overreaches from a forelimb being struck by a hindleg can be prevented by putting boots on the horse before turnout.

Tendon boots do not prevent tendon overstrain injuries but, if they contain a rigid band at the back, will protect the tendons from being struck into. Soft neoprene boots provide some protection against brushing but little else.

Loss of shoes can be prevented by shoeing the horse “tighter”, so the shoe does not protrude beyond the heels at the back, and by shortening the usual shoeing interval by a minimum of a week.

Another option is to turn the horse out in overreach boots (choose one size larger than normal, so they reach the ground), or to wrap the forefeet with duct tape to cover any part of the shoes extending beyond the heels.

Turnout tips

Take the following steps to help to keep horses out of trouble:

● Keep the group size as small as possible (pairs of horses are a ideal) and the composition stable. Avoid moving horses between groups.

● Aim for a large age spread within the group. There is more aggression when horses of a similar age, such as yearlings, are kept together.

● Turn out a newcomer on his own fifirst, so that he can familiarise himself with the paddock layout. Then slowly add the others, one at a time, starting with the less dominant.

● If possible, remove the hind shoes when first introducing horses to each other. Turnout rugs may offer protection from kicks and blows.

● Identify the aggressive repeat offffenders and graze them separately, preferably with a much lower ranking horse who knows to keep out of the way.

● Check there are no places where lower-ranking horses can become trapped and bullied. Rounding offff paddock corners will help.

● Keep the sexes apart. There is far less kicking when geldings are kept separate from mares.

Also published in H&H 4 March 2021

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While horses are obviously herd animals and living out with other horses satisfies a number of their emotional needs, many owners are now bucking this ideal and opting to turn their horses out alone.

For some owners, including a number of top riders, the risks and complexities associated with turning multiple horses out in the same paddock are proving just too great.

Less risk of injury

“At the moment all of my competition horses have individual turnout,” says Paralympic gold medallist dressage rider Sophie Wells.

“I had a bad accident in the past with one horse kicking another and felt it wasn’t worth the risk. They are all next to each other, even the stallion, so they can still socialise and are given the opportunity to groom each other in controlled safe situations as I still feel social interaction is important.”

Event rider Georgie Spence agrees: “I know horses are designed to go in herds, but sadly they are too valuable now and also the cost of vets fees or time off work or out of competition is too high.”

Less risk of injury is not the only reason people are preferring solo grazing, particularly at livery yards. It makes pasture management, feeding times and taking your horse in and out of the field much more straightforward. Arguments over whose turn it is to poo-pick the field or pull-up the ragwort are eliminated and there’s more chance that your horse’s rug will come back free from rips and tears.

The BHS’s view

However, the British Horse Society’s (BHS) official advice remains for horses to be turned out together where possible, although they recognise that there are a number of factors that can influence your decision.

“Horses are herd animals and therefore prefer to live together in a social group, which provides many advantages for them such as company, feeling of protection and mutual grooming,” says BHS welfare education officer Emmeline Hannelly.

“If choosing individual turnout be aware that a principle element of companionship has been removed for these horses and additional care may need to be provided.”

Continued below…

8 thoughts of a hardy turned out horse

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Eventer and showjumper Emily Llewellyn makes the decision on whether her horses go out alone or in company on their individual temperaments.

“If they are boisterous and bolshy then we will put them out on their own, but if they are kind and gentle we will put them out in pairs,” explains Emily. “Some like interacting and playing and that’s great because then I can put them out together and they can switch off and be horses. My top horse Emirati Nightsky went out all last year with shoes on with another horse and it really helped him to chill out.”

Temperament is one way to separate horses in a group environment, while other methods include by sex, age or workload.

“It’s especially important for the younger ones to be out in groups so they have the social interaction,” says international showjumper Yazmin Pinchen. “We turn our broodmares and youngstock out together in groups of three, that way if we have to take one away then there are always two left together. For competition horses we prefer individual small turnout paddocks to protect against injury.”

Whatever your preference or circumstances regarding turnout, it is important to look at your horse as an individual and make the decision based on what is right — and works — for them.

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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Turnout for the performance horse is often met with conflicting opinions, particularly in winter. Dee So’oialo of Dynamic Sports Performance explains the anatomical benefits behind field time...

For owners of performance horses, finding the balance between their equine “doing a job” and “being a horse” can be difficult, with the job often taking priority. Plus in winter, practicality or yard rules often dictate whether it is possible to turn out our competition horses.

However, even with sufficient turnout options, many professionals in the northern hemisphere have long favoured keeping their horses stabled in winter, believing the potential dangers of the paddock outweigh the benefits. A combination of this risk and the desire to keep competition horses immaculately presented has created a norm of performance horses often not being turned out at all in winter and insufficiently in summer.

But times appear to be changing, with top riders beginning to recognise the benefits of regular turnout. Living out or allowing turnout for short periods to offer breaks in a competition schedule is growing in popularity, with riders reporting positive effects on their horses’ mental wellbeing, reduced stiffness and a lower rate of stable vices.

There are a growing number of solutions to the impracticality of winter turnout. Many yards use field matting or hardcore around muddy gates and walkways. Paddocks are the ideal, but all-weather turnout pens or time out in the arena with a haynet are alternatives, providing the horse with a change of scene from the four walls of their stable, allowing them to wander and unwind.

Working with horses and riders in all disciplines, I can see that getting the best out of a horse comes down to knowing them and treating them as an individual. The vast majority of performance horses enjoy their job and are treated like royalty, but if 2020 taught us anything it is that no matter how nice the palace, we all need to escape those four walls and have some freedom sometimes.

Regular turnout for performance horses also offers benefits anatomically. A horse is designed to move – like us, if we’re stuck in an office chair, barely moving for 23 hours a day, we’re unlikely to perform at our best athletically.

Muscles and fascia (connective tissue) create movement and determine skeletal support by the strength, length and tone of these tissues. Muscle fibres alternate between one another for rest and work, allowing them to recover efficiently, and not overwork one specific area. The vast web of fascia links every muscle, bone, organ, ligament, tendon and blood vessel together, and the pivotal role of this system is being increasingly recognised, but there is still little research in horses. Understanding it is changing the way we train human athletes, and so we should be identifying this within our equine counterparts, who are arguably more at risk of injury due to the inability to communicate verbally.

The fascia not only responds to damage, but also emotional stress. Healthy fascia should glide smoothly to aid range of movement (ROM), but when stressed it becomes inflexible and hard. This constriction leads to limited movement, pain and muscular tension which affects ROM in other areas, causing secondary issues that can be harder to treat. Stable vices, which often have stress as their root cause, and a lack of movement can impede the horse’s ability to work at his optimum, increasing the risk of soft tissue damage, thus further promoting the value of turnout.

International dressage rider Lara Butler believes in the benefits of turnout whatever the horse’s level or value.

“Time out in the field or even just hand-grazing is so good; it allows them to get their head down and be a horse,” she says. “The older horses have some time in the field every day, when the ground is good, for mental stimulation – and it is definitely reflected in their work.

“In winter, we hand-graze when the fields are too wet. They always leave the stable for a second time to use the water treadmill, go hacking, or for further grazing. The younger horses spend most of the day in the field.”

One of Lara’s top horses, Amiek C (Ampy), has a paddock to use year-round.

“Ampy must go out daily regardless of the weather to keep him sane,” she says.

Many performance horses are imported from Europe, where winter conditions also compromise turnout facilities. Netherlands-based Team GBR rider Lottie Fry allocates turnout to her horses on an individual basis.

“It is dependent on the horse’s needs, there is no set routine,” says Lottie. “You have to know the horse.”

With over 60 ridden horses at Lottie’s base, the Van Olst stables, it is vital the team have options to suit the needs of each horse.

“All the horses go on the walker every day and the water treadmill once a week to break up their routine,” Lottie says. “[My European ride] Dark Legend has a small field, which he is out in all winter as it helps his mind.”

In the southern hemisphere, turnout is encouraged – as described by New Zealand dressage rider Sarah Wilkinson.

“In New Zealand, my family are involved in racing and no matter the value of the racehorse, they are all turned out,” she says. “I’ve never had a horse colic there, but when I was in Germany there were more horses injured in the stable and more displayed signs of colic than at home.”

Back in the UK, Yorkshire-based racehorse trainer Ruth Carr is an avid believer in turnout. She turns all her racehorses out together in herds of up to 18 geldings for six hours daily.

“Mentally it is something for them to look forward to and keeps them interested and racing for longer,” Ruth explains. “They do get kicks and bites, but it’s manageable and the benefits of loosening off and snot naturally draining outweigh this.”

From a veterinary perspective, Team GBR’s showjumping vet Robrecht Cnockaert is an advocate of turnout.

“Turnout is an extremely important part of the physical and emotional wellbeing of most sport horses,” he says. “Are there risks? Yes, but many people don’t factor the increased risks that are inherent when a horse is not allowed to have access to the fresh air, sunlight and unrestricted freedom for which they have evolved. Issues such as increased risk of colic, higher incidence of vices, respiratory and circulatory conditions as well as general stiffness can be attributed to lack of turnout.”

Owners must calculate the pros and cons based on individual horses and their facilities – every option will pose some degree of risk. From my point of view as a soft-tissue therapist, it is fantastic to see attitudes towards turnout changing among professional riders. Turnout throughout winter offers many benefits for performance horses and is now highly advocated by industry professionals across the country and abroad. Hopefully, attitudes of owners and riders will continue to shift, with even more performance horses being offered access to these benefits.

It is not just the views within equestrian sport people must consider, but those of the public watching our elite equine athletes on the world stage. It is vital the world sees that enabling a horse to “be a horse” is just as important to us as their “job”.

Ref: 7 January 2021

Soft tissue therapist to some of the best horse and rider combinations, and working alongside top experts in their field, Dee So’oialo (née Holdsworth) is making her mark on equestrian athletic performance. Dee is one of only 20 therapists in the UK to be qualified in rider and equine fascial manipulation and combining performance analysis with rider strength and conditioning. Dee heads up Dynamic Sports Performance, which supports optimal rider and equine athletic performance and aims to change the way we think about the horse and rider relationship.

dynamicsportsperformance.co.uk

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The social behaviour of horses living in herds can influence their body condition, a study has indicated.

It is hoped the research, conducted by the University of Bristol and the Royal Veterinary College, in collaboration with Spillers through the Waltham equine studies group, could help address problems associated with equine obesity.

Previous studies have found that social status of animals in social groups may influence their foraging success but there has been no research into the significance of other social factors on either foraging efficiency or body condition score (BCS).

This research, published in PeerJ, investigated 20 separate domestic equine herds.

The team measured each equid’s social dominance and, during 120 hours of observation, recorded the duration and frequency of interruptions to grazing, as well as the cause of the interruptions; classing them as vigilance, movement, social displacements given or received, scratching and startling.

They found the frequency of vigilance was the interruption behaviour most strongly associated with body condition; higher vigilance was linked to a lower BCS.

“Most owners and keepers know that individual horses and ponies experience different positives and negatives when living in groups,” said Spillers’ marketing, research and development director Clare Barfoot.

Continues below…

Vets’ top tips for vital winter weight loss

Top vets have shared advice on how to get horses and ponies in suitable condition before the spring

‘Think before you rug’: winter welfare plea to horse owners

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“This is why we tend to choose field companions carefully so that a balanced and harmonious relationship can be maintained within the herd.”

“These results are novel and exciting in that they present the first behavioural evidence to confirm previous theoretical work. Neither the more vigilant nor the more frequently disturbed individuals compensated for their reduction in feed (energy) intake by spending more time foraging, which probably explains the link with lower body condition.

“We hope what we have learnt about the behaviour of individual horses when kept in groups could be included as a relevant factor when addressing health problems associated with equine obesity.”

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade to access our H&H Plus online service which brings you breaking news as it happens as well as other benefits.

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More individuals and organisations are adding their voices to calls for horses to be turned out daily with companions to comply with the 3Fs – freedom, forage and friends. H&H finds out more...

An Olympic gold medallist and a leading welfare charity have backed calls for owners to challenge how they keep their horses, especially in relation to turnout.

H&H reported last week on the top welfare concerns as ranked by experts (news, 30 July), including whether horses are managed to suit owners, or themselves.

May Robinson, a rider, instructor and former yard manager, has contacted UK equestrian associations to raise concerns over the number of horses still stabled 24 hours a day.

“This is quite an apt time to talk about it,” she told H&H. “When the country was on lockdown, people were complaining about having to stay in – how do horses feel when they’re in a 12ft by 12ft box all the time?

“There’s so much talk now, rightly, about mental health; I want to raise awareness of horses’ mental wellbeing, but sometimes I feel no one wants to listen.”

Ms Robinson acknowledged that for some people, grazing is not available all winter, but urged owners and yard managers to consider sand pens or other turnout areas as an alternative.

“Every horse, regardless of value or its job, should have three to four hours out a day, as a minimum,” she said. “They need to be able to roll and move about, and horse walkers are no substitute. People might say they haven’t got turnout but why keep your horse somewhere without the right facilities? There’s never an argument for keeping a horse in 24/7.”

Ms Robinson said she hoped the message would have more clout coming from leading figures in the equestrian world.

Dressage superstar Carl Hester has long been an advocate of turnout.

“I have always ensured that my horses are turned out every day,” he told H&H. “It is so important for their mental wellbeing, and helps keep many challenges with health and training at bay and makes for a better, well-rounded athlete.

“Horses need to be horses, regardless of what their job is, and it will always be an essential part of our management because we owe it to them.”

World Horse Welfare chief executive Roly Owers said challenging the status quo of how horses are kept “goes right to the heart” of equestrianism’s social licence to operate (news, 5 September 2019).

“The stabling – or rather over-stabling – of our horses is a highly relevant aspect,” he told H&H. “Just because we have looked after our horses in a certain way, even if it’s for decades, does not make this right, not least because our understanding of the needs of horses is constantly evolving.

“A key consideration for overall welfare is horses’ mental wellbeing, which is as important as physical welfare. In considering this we should keep the concept of the 3Fs – freedom, forage and friends – very close. Changes are being made in the sport world, with plenty of examples of racehorses and grand prix dressage horses being allowed time in fields with equine company. But there are still far too many sport horses that only come out of their stables for exercise. This can equally be levelled at the leisure world, where limited turnout or individual paddocks are often the norm. Of course horses are individuals and we need to better understand their mental wellbeing in any regime, as one size certainly does not fit all, but we have to allow our horses to be horses.

“There is plenty of room for improvement and everyone, in competition or leisure riding, should challenge themselves on whether they are truly giving their horses what they need to have good quality of life. It is after all about enabling our horses to thrive and not simply survive.”

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Horses roll for many reasons – an itchy back, the need to stretch or to aid the shedding of a winter coat. But in small paddocks, too much rolling can spoil large areas and reduce the available forage.

Scientists in Japan wondered whether the surface available for rolling would affect the frequency and duration of the behaviour. Knowing this might allow us to be able to protect our pasture more effectively.

They took four adult horses and observed them for three weeks in a flat grass paddock. Careful records were kept of their rolling preferences. The group were turned out together by day, but kept in individual stables at night.

They were then put in another flat paddock in which three special rolling areas had been prepared – one of flat soil, one of flat sand and one of straw spread out as a bed.

Scientists discovered that the horses preferred to roll in the soil rather than the sand or straw, and that they rolled more in the morning than during the rest of the day.

This is not surprising, as communal rolling areas in a natural or feral situation expose the soil beneath and become social venues, so the artificial soil areas appeared to be more natural than straw or sand.

What the research does show is that, where grass is precious and needs to be conserved or protected, providing an artificial rolling area where the soil is deliberately exposed may help.

• Read the full research paper

New research suggests that horses get injured far more frequently than thought.

And the surprising findings reveal that most injuries occur during turnout – rather than in ridden exercise.

Vet Rosie Owen of Liverpool University studied 652 randomly selected competition and leisure horses.

She found that 40% of horses suffered a “traumatic injury” – anything from a graze to a fracture – in the course of a year. Of those, 47% required veterinary treatment.

But what will come as a surprise to many horse owners is that 62% of injuries occurred while the horse was turned out in the field.

Only 13% of injuries happened during ridden exercise, while 11% occurred in the stable.

Ms Owen told H&H: “The most common injuries [ridden and non-ridden] were lower leg wounds. Ten per cent of these were severe, such as fractures.”

Her research – sponsored by the Horse Trust and published in the Equine Veterinary Journal – shows that competition horses are at double the risk of injury compared with leisure horses during turnout.

“It could be because these horses are stabled for long periods, to avoid injury.

When they go out in the field, there is the ‘rebound effect’ and they charge around bucking and kicking,” said Ms Owen.

Insurance industry figures have told H&H they work on the basis that one in five policy-holders will make a claim in any one year.

David Buckton, head of livestock at South Essex Insurance Brokers (SEIB): “This is a very difficult market for insurers to make a profit in. One of our underwriters pulled out last year because they couldn’t make it pay.”

But Mr Buckton is firmly against the notion of “wrapping horses in cotton wool”.

“We love our horses dearly, but they are a working animal,” he said. “They should be exercised and used – and turned out.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of H&H (1 December 2011)

• For all your insurance needs, contact KBIS

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A new study suggests that reducing turnout to restrict a pony’s grass intake may be pointless.

Researchers at Aberystwyth University’s Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences, in collaboration with the Waltham Equine Studies Group, found ponies on restricted grazing increase their grass intake during the time they are in the field, particularly as they become accustomed to their routine.

Two groups of four pony mares were observed over a six-week period.

Group A had 24-hour access to pasture, while group B had three hours’ access and were stabled with ad lib hay and water for the remaining 21 hours.

The group B ponies had higher estimated herbage intakes than those in group A over those three hours.

And, by the final week, they had learned to consume 40% of their total daily dry matter intake as grass during their time at pasture.

Fructan and other rapidly fermentable carbohydrates found in grass have been linked to laminitis and it is common practice to restrict susceptible ponies’ access to pasture to reduce the risk.

But this study implies that horse owners may have to find alternative solutions.

“The ponies appeared progressively to increase their intake over the weeks, suggesting that they can learn and change their grazing behaviour — which may have implications on laminitis and obesity,” said vet Pat Harris, who helped supervise the research.

“One study won’t solve laminitis, but it could make people aware that ponies can eat a relatively large amount in a short period of time.”

Robert Eustace, director of the Laminitis Clinic, Wilts, was surprised by the findings.

“That has not been my experience,” he said. “Restricting grass intake is the only known way to prevent laminitis.”

But Spillers research and development manager Clare Barfoot said: “The implication is that reducing ponies’ time out on normally managed pastures, with the view to limiting the intake of rapidly fermentable carbohydrates, may not be as effective as first thought.”

This news story was first published in the current issue of Horse & Hound (24 March, 2011)

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A satellite tracker that lets you know if your horse has strayed from its field could be on the market by the spring.

The TRAAKit device, attached to a rug or headcollar, allows you to programme boundaries in which your horse should stay and alerts you by phone or computer if it leaves.

Inventor David Clayton released a similar product for other valuable possessions, such as iPods or TVs, last month.

He said the idea for horses was inspired by reading of a horse being killed on the road after a field gate was stolen.

“We aim to develop a tracker that can be worn by a horse by spring,” said Mr Clayton. “It needs to be robust to cope with mud and being rolled on.”

Although there are similar products, the £247.50 TRAAKit has a battery life of up to a month.

Garry Porter, from Thames Valley Horsewatch, said although trackers are useful, the cons are cost and battery life.

“The TRAAKit seems to have significant battery life, which is great,” he said. “But I am still waiting for someone to produce one for £100.”

• Visit www.traakit.co.uk

This article was first published in Horse & Hound (18 December, ’08)

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