Researchers at the University of Rennes in France recently conducted a study that involved 184 horses at 22 French riding schools. Horses in the study encompassed a variety of breeds, and all were stabled in stalls. Some spent no time in turnout, while others had as much as 12 hours or more of daily turnout.
The study found that riding horses with more turnout time display better behavior and are easier to handle than those confined to a stall. Horses that spent more time outside were “less reactive” and displayed “less emotive,” calmer attitudes during a series of four tests than those horses that spent all or most of their time in a stall. Researchers concluded that while it’s important to assess an individual horse’s temperament and characteristics, housing also has a direct effect on horse behavior.
Back to Reduce Stable Stress
This article originally appeared in the September 2011 issue of Horse Illustrated. Click here to subscribe.
Cynthia McFarland is an Ocala, Fla.-based freelance writer, horse owner and avid trail rider. The author of nine books, her latest is The Horseman’s Guide to Tack and Equipment.
When you think of the term “companion horse,” one that is versatile with the ability…
Making difficult care decisions for a horse that has been closer to us than many…
As horse owners, most of us have dreamed of our horse living in your own…
Saddle fit doesn’t have to be stressful. To make sure that a western saddle fits…
It's often what you can’t see that leads to trouble, and that’s definitely the case with white line disease. Understanding…
Welcome to Horse Illustrated’s weekly installment of the Right Horse Adoptable Horse of the Week, offered in partnership with the…
Two hours’ drive from Budapest in the picturesque Bükk National Park lies Szilvásvárad, a beautiful little village that is home…
During the height of the pandemic and racial tension around the U.S., two boys struggling with ADHD found healing through…
When you think of the term “companion horse,” one that is versatile with the ability to fill a variety of…
Each year, hurricanes, wildfires, and severe storms force thousands across the country to evacuate their homes. When preparing for a…