Should Horses be Left Inside or Outside the Field Shelters?

Unsure if your horse needs a field shelters? Explore the pros and cons of leaving horses in or out of shelters, ensuring their comfort and well-being in all weather conditions.

A combination of both could be the ideal formula for bothfree running and overweight, and protection from cold, rain or snow during thewinter season.

With the arrival of low temperatures, many people wonder if it is better to keep the horses inside or outside the field shelters. To answer this question, we will try to summarize the advantages and disadvantages of each option. In addition, we give you some tips to prepare the environment in which you will shelter your horses.

In the boxes or outdoors? Comparison of advantages and disadvantages

On the one hand, raising horses outdoors means respectingtheir natural way of life and giving them more freedom. We must not forget thatequines are independent beings, ready to survive in nature. Training andtraining them does not change their nature or the needs and desires inherent init.

Keeping your horses outdoors also helps to maintain ahealthy weight and maintain daily physical activity. Non-athletic horses rearedin field shelters (stables) grow more easily, and are more vulnerable todiseases associated with obesity.

But living outdoors can also pose a risk to the health of our equines. In many countries, winter creates unfavorable conditions for the development and survival of horses. In addition, in the wildest areas, loose horses are more vulnerable to potential predator attacks.

Although some equines manage to adapt to the extreme cold,this should not be understood as a rule that concerns all species. The horsesare from temperate climates. This is why very low temperatures and climatichazards can affect their health.

If we want to raise horses in dedicated environments, wemust offer them the optimal conditions for their development. In places wherewinters are very cold, this means building field shelters (stables) where theycan be sheltered and protected.

So, is it better to keep the horses in the field shelters (stables) or outside?

In their natural habitat, horses live outdoors and have thefreedom to move when they want or want. However, they could also choose to staywarm in the face of climatic hazards, such as rain, wind, snow or extreme cold.In other words, as soon as they need it, horses seek shelter to avoid beingexposed to the weather.

Therefore, it is best to leave the horses outside whenweather conditions are favorable. In this way, we manage to give our horses thefreedom they need, without endangering their health and well-being.

Tips for preparing your horses boxing

As we can see, the field shelters (stables) are our alliesto protect our horses and keep them healthy. However, they must be providedwith care and dedication, so that they are in optimal conditions for thedevelopment of horses.

Checking the stability of the structure

Before winter, it is essential to check the structure of thefield shelters (stables) and make sure they are ready for the animals. Whenchecking the roof, we must make sure that there are no cracks or holes thatallow water to leak or cold to enter.

Each stable must have a space where the horse can sleep andrest. C and place should be warm, clean and well ventilated to prevent moisturebuild-up. It is also advisable to leave a blanket at the horses disposal, orto cover it directly at night.

Good hygiene is crucial to your horses health

In addition to being well isolated, horse field shelters(stables) must always be kept clean. Daily housekeeping will be essential toprevent the accumulation of impurities and food debris, and to prevent theproliferation of micro-organisms.

The stable should also have good ventilation and goodlighting to fight against the concentration of mold or bacteria. In winter, orduring very rainy seasons, the humidity of the air is more intense. Therefore,we must be vigilant and check daily cleaning field shelters (stables).

Nourish and hydrate during the winter

Another essential care at the onset of cold is to ensurethat horses receive balanced nutrition and proper hydration. In winter, equineswill need more food. Their bodies must have a reserve of energy to maintaintheir active metabolism and protect it from the cold.

We will also have to pay attention to their hydration during the coldest season of the year. L are horses in the field shelters (stables) or outside must have the fresh, clean water on hand throughout the day. In addition, water must be protected from the weather to prevent contamination.