Park your horse on your property

Some horse owners dream of having a horse in their backyard. It can be a pleasant dream, and it might be right for you, as long as you know what to expect for you and your horse. First, you need to know the answer to the question: “Is my rural environment zoned for horses?” If you live in a suburban or even rural neighborhood that prohibits raising livestock, you will have to embark elsewhere; do not try to hide your horses if it is against a local ordinance. To be a responsible horse guest, I will outline the lodging options and responsibilities you must take as a stable owner.

There are three basic types of horse shelters: pastures, paddocks, and boxes. You can find designs in books on building barns or buy these pre-made enclosures. You can even have a reliable architect or contractor design and build them for you.

Pasture: The best refuge option is the open sky. A pasture is a substantial portion of fenced land where high quality horse grass grows. If you have enough land, motivation, and ability to create and manage pasture for your horse, this is the best way to do it. Horses that live in grasslands are less likely to suffer from colic, leg problems, respiratory disorders, stable vices (bad habits derived from boredom) and other problems that can affect horses confined to stables. They also don’t need as much exercise on your part because they do it on their own, riding through the pastures. If you find that you only have time to ride once a week, your horse will not feel like a prisoner.

Paddock: A meadow is generally a smaller outdoor shelter that will probably have no grass. In the eastern United States, a paddock is typically a large corral with board fences. In more urban areas in the west, paddocks are smaller 12 ‘x 12’ or 12 ‘x 24’ enclosures made with substantial 15-gauge pipe. Wire fencing is sometimes incorporated into these pipe pens. Horses living in a paddock need daily exercise because they won’t get a lot of exercise in such a small space. If you are unable to ride every day, you should set your horses loose in a nearby arena or take them for a walk to provide a way to stretch their legs. A paddock, then, is the best alternative to pasture. It will give the horse some room to move. Because paddocks are outdoors, they also provide natural ventilation and more mental distraction opportunities for your horse than in a box.

Box stall: Some owners keep horses in indoor enclosures called boxes. A cash register is exactly what it sounds like; It is a box-shaped post. Cash stalls are compartments within a barn. Keeping a horse in a stable offers some advantages. Horses in a stable can be kept cleaner and tidier. Horses will not get muddy when it rains or dusty when dry. They also avoid bites and other injuries inflicted by other horses. The downside to having a horse in a stable is that living there is less healthy for the horse than living outdoors. A horse that stands in almost the same spot for hours on end is more prone to colic, leg problems, and boredom, often resulting in so-called stable vices. Also, because ventilation is not as good in a stable as it is outside, horses kept in a stable are more prone to respiratory problems. Like horses in paddocks, horses in pits require daily exercise; they don’t have much room to move. You will need to ride your horses every day, set them loose in an arena, or spend at least half an hour walking each through the stable.

Keeping horses on your property takes time, money, and a bit of hard work, no matter how you choose to house your horses. While having your horses in your backyard is a great experience, don’t overly romanticize the idea. You need to take on some responsibilities along the way, including:

A good picture: While horse ownership was common at one time, finding communities that accept horses is increasingly difficult. You can do your part to maintain the image of the barn in your home by being friendly and considerate of your neighbors.

Cleaning: You have an obligation to your horses and your neighbors to keep your property clean and in good repair. Part of that is cleaning your horse’s stable daily with a manure fork.

Continuous learning: Because you and your horses are practically alone, you will need to learn everything you can about horses and keep them happy and healthy. You can continue your education by subscribing to horse magazines and reading books about horses and their care. Check out how to join a local horse club. It is a wonderful continual source of companionship, learning, and support.