Winter is a wonderful time for horses to exercise naturally in a paddock or pasture. Most horses enjoy the freedom of turnout time, galloping, rolling, and the social interaction with other horses. There are a few things that owners and riders should keep in mind when turning horses out and catching them.

Horses should always be lead with a halter and lead when turning out a horse, especially when the paddock is far away. When catching a horse, make sure the horse knows you are coming by calling its name and staying within eyesight of the horse. Always use an appropriate sized halter and strong lead.

Horses should be turned out without a halter for safety reasons. The horse may get its halter caught on a fence, round bale holder or another horse. The horse can panic and become injured. Horse wearing blanket should be checked on a few times a day because the blanket can shift as the horse exercises. The turnout blanket should have 1 or 2 belly bands and back leg straps to help prevent shifting. The weather plays a large part in what type of blanket used, many horses sweat and feel uncomfortable in a blanket that is too warm for the weather and risk ripping the blanket with excessive rolling.

Shoeing is a factor during turnout, especially winter turnout. The shod horse will gather a lot of snow in its feet when turned out, making it hard to walk. Snow pads can help make the horse more comfortable. It the shod horse kicks other horses, it may be wise to separate the horse as it could cause injury to another horse.

Lastly, when turning a horse out into a paddock, make sure the horse is turned towards the gate before taking the halter off. This way, the horse has to move away from the handler before taking off. The handler is not in risk of being kicked.

Turnout is a great way to keep every kind of horse happy and healthy year round!

Kaleigh Arbuckle
Glenwood Stables and Arbuckle Horse Services