Movement and terrain are one of the most important factors to the horse’s health.
The environment should be as varied as possible: terrain that includes hills, trees and rocks are beneficial for muscle development and co-ordination, so leave those logs, stones, ditches and uneven footing in your paddock… you’re actually doing your horse a favour! Furthermore, the inclusion of some hard and abrasive surfaces within the paddock area encourages the hoof to function, develop and grow properly.

The horse’s entire circulatory system, lymphatic system and digestive system depends on continual movement and proper hoof mechanism, which is severely compromised by metal shoes - so remove them and allow the horse to go barefoot and help it grow a healthy hoof. Good circulation helps maintain good health and heals the body, so let your horses adjust to a life without stalls. More and more studies prove that with proper access to food, water and shelter, horses that spend their time outside in a herd 24/7, are much healthier and happier.

Blankets affect the horse's own ability to thermal regulate and can actually compromise the horse’s health and make them less thrifty. Their ability to loft or lower their hairs in response to the environment is severely compromised through the weight of a blanket. And since a blanket only covers part of the horse, the horse’s bio-mechanical system is unable to properly read its environment: the sensory nervous system becomes confused and/or overworked, usually causing the horse to sweat at in appropriate times, and unable to dry under the blanket .

Horses allowed to grow a winter coat have an amazing ability to adapt; allow your horse to adapt naturally to its environment and use blankets only when absolutely needed. Yes, you can ride a horse with a heavy winter coat – it just takes a bit more time and commitment to ensure the horse dries out naturally after your ride.

The horse’s lifestyle should reflect its herd-based evolution and allow for the comfort in numbers, and the freedom to move through open spaces. Sufficient space on the right terrain however, may still not provide the domesticated horse with a reason to move. I recommend reading Jaime Jackson’s Paddock Paradise, for many environmental enrichment ideas (“tracking” system) can also go a long way to increasing your horse’s emotional well-being. And best of all, you don’t need unlimited acreage of rich pastureland!