(Why don't we stall our horses?)

Understanding what is best for horses means learning about what motivates horses. What are their instincts and desires? How do horses behave in different situations? What should horses eat, and how can you best keep horses healthy?

The obvious natural horse model are wild horses which are found in several areas of the world. 

Studies of wild mustangs in the United States show they have  excellent feet, and don't suffer from diseases such as laminitis. Wild mustangs travel and move most of the day, getting plenty of exercise, movement and foraging nearly constantly. Studying the herds of these horses they are typically in excellent body condition. 

Stalls are not natural. 

Stalls restrict exercise, movement, feet health, foraging habits and mental health. Horses are herd animals meant to interact with a social group constantly. Locking a horse in a stall is the equine equivalent of "solitary confinement". 

Stalled horses can and do develop any number of behavior and health problems. 

Any book on horses will list a series of "stable vices". Stable vices are abnormal repetitive behaviors such as cribbing, weaving, rearing, pawing and kicking.  Not stabling horses to begin with - is the most obvious and easiest solution to these problems! 

So  - we don't stall our horses. 

And they love it.

What about the sun??

No worries!!

100% of our pastures are wooded. Your horses will have unlimited access to shade at all times.

Send mail to lauras@hiwaay.net with questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified: December 27, 2009