Why Turnout Is Important for Your Horse

Respiratory Health

Ammonia fumes that develop as manure, bedding, and urine decompose (a process that takes a surprisingly short time), can damage your horse’s airway. Ammonia is caustic and is not only offensive to smell, but can also increase your horse’s risk of pneumonia or recurrent airway obstruction (RAO). Dust also can increase your horse’s susceptibility to chronic inflammatory airway disease.

Even in a well-ventilated barn, stale air can cause problems. Horses breathe easier outdoors.5

Behavior

Bored, energetic horses that are kept in stalls may not only develop troublesome vices, but they may also misbehave as they find creative ways to burn off excess energy.6 Horses may act out by kicking at stall walls, snapping at by-passers, or chewing or biting anything within reach. 

When being handled, an energetic, bored horse may try to bite its handler, paw and kick out when tied or have a hard time standing still to be groomed or saddled.

When it comes time to ride, you will find your horse may act out by pulling, bucking, or being inattentive to your commands. Horses that can move naturally outdoors are more relaxed and have less pent-up energy, which may make them easier to handle and ride.

Weather and health issues can make the stable the best place for your horse sometimes. But allow your horse as much turnout time as possible.