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Horses are one of the most enriching and enjoyable animals to own, especially if you have space on your property for them. Horses can compete, be trained, and provide loyal companionship. However, if you’re considering bringing a horse home, there are a few considerations to consider before making that leap. Will the horse have enough room to sleep, exercise, and roam? Will the horse have enrichment and access to daily food? Can you keep your horse from accessing unsafe or unauthorized areas? Will it have a safe space from weather or predators?
This guide will provide a brief insight into the types of space and structures needed to keep your horse safe, happy, and healthy.
Shelter considerations for horses
Horses need proper shelter from the elements and predators, especially in particularly hot or cold climates. Shelter doesn’t have to be extravagant, but it should be a sturdy structure that can provide shade and shelter from wind, snow, and rain.
Fences
Fences can keep your horses from wandering out of their designated zones. It is essential to enclose your horse’s shelter and exercise areas. A fence can be made of any material, but ensure it isn’t too short; a horse can jump over fences easily when this is the case. When applicable, you typically want several gates to access and transport your horses easily.
Barns
A barn is a more elaborate horse structure that allows them to rest and eat safely under shelter. Barns can be any size, but most can host more than one horse or animal. Barns are helpful for more extreme climates, as they typically have four walls and a roof to provide added security and safety. Barns can store a lot of feed, hay, and items related to horse care. Many owners can find good deals on horse barns for sale that won’t break the bank.
Stables
Stables typically offer less storage space when housing horses but take up less room on the property. Some horse owners use stables inside a larger barn for convenience. Stables can be made of wood, aluminum, or a combination of many materials; therefore, they can come in many different shapes and sizes for more versatility.
Food options for horses
Horses eat a lot of food—around 20 pounds a day, not including the water they drink, which can reach over eight gallons daily! Your property will become a horse haven when your horse has adequate access to their daily allotted food and storage for any excess. Feeding is arguably the most critical aspect of bringing any animal home.
Grass and Pastures
Horses often feed on grass and various pasture greens, so allowing your horse to pasture in an adequate, grassy space is ideal. Horse pastures provide an easy and hands-free way to feed your horses. Pastures can also be good opportunities for a horse to roam, earning exercise and enrichment for your equine friend.
Grains
Horses often feed on grains, which require adequate supply and storage. Horse food, like grains, should be stored in a dry environment. Sheds or barns can provide sufficient storage conditions for these types of horse feed.
Hay
Horses sometimes need access to hay as grass only grows in certain seasons. Hay can be stored in the horse’s barn or stable for easier access, or bales can be provided in pastures or near stables to feed. If your property doesn’t have adequate space to provide and store hay for your horses, you may want to consider a space upgrade before bringing one home.
Exercise types for horses
Horses are prone to weight gain and need adequate exercise. Exercise can include horseback riding, such as reining or dressage, horse competition events, walking, running, jumping, lunging, and training. It’s safe to say that your horse should have ample space to do these activities!
Paddocks, Corrals, or Pastures
A pasture, paddock, or corral is often used interchangeably to describe a fenced-in area where a horse can freely roam. Roaming zones like pastures allow horses to feed and provide a space for them to run, walk, and jump freely as a source of exercise.
Exercisers
Exercisers are unnecessary if you provide hands-on exercise with your horse. However, if you want a costly but convenient way to exercise horses, exercisers can automatically encourage movement so you don’t have to. There are even horse treadmills if you’re short on space, but be confident you can exercise and enrich your horse correctly.
Horse Jumps
Equipment like poles helps provide horses with jumping exercise and enrichment. Jumping equipment allows your horse to use important muscles, learn training techniques, and practice for competitions. Horse jumps are typically removable training features, but you’ll need proper space to contain multiple heights and courses.
Conclusion
Horses are magnificent creatures but need proper space to roam, feed, exercise, and sleep. Barns and stables are essential for providing shelter and safety for a horse. Barns and sheds can also provide storage space for food, riding equipment, and horse care items. It’s also important to ensure your horse has proper equipment and space to exercise, whatever form it takes.
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