09/08/2026
Gotta love a controversy...
But here’s the point people miss-
Turn out isn't just dumping a horse in a paddock and saying off-you-go...
I've seen horses who have the 3 F's (food, freedom, friends) and still show stress behaviour.
The original post was discussing turn-out in the context of horses lacking "forward" and proposed the idea of fatigue being part of it.
There's a lot of chatter about that,
But it does raise the question- if a horse is showing signs of stress or low energy,
Do we look at their environment enough?
Most horses work on average 1 hr a day and spend the other 23hrs away from us and a lot can happen in that time.
A little mare that just came to live with us has taken some time to settle in and there are parts of the paddock she refuses to go near.
You can coax her away with food etc but she will go straight back to her "safe corner" afterwards.
She has 2 other paddock mates, she has access to food and room to trot and canter and play.
But she still hugs that fenceline.
What else is going on?
🔸️Noise & stimulation - Local truck traffic increased about the same time she arrived so there's a lot more noise & people moving around than she's used to.
🔸️its winter - cold weather, wind and rain mean she has to brace against the elements and is more sensitive to noise. Shelter is available but we've all seen them stand in the rain by choice.
🔸️Pain or body discomfort - i've noticed her resting a hind leg more than the other. Not lame, but there's an issue there.
Chronic tension causes fascial restrictions all through from jaw to hind hoof... --> bodywork will help this 👍
🔸️Her coping skills- this mare hasn't learnt to think before she reacts so her nervous system is primed for flight 24/7. Training will help her use her thinking brain.
🔸️ Feed quality- her diet changed when she arrived so her gut has gone through a period of adjustment as well as removing parasites.
🔸️terrain- does it get slippery in the rain?
I don't believe she has "too much" turn out, its not a thing IMO...
But what environment is your horse turned-out in?
And does it support their needs or add more st
