Stall living is better for horses? Not really.

 

In the great Stalls VS. Pasture debate, there’s much commentary on what’s natural for horses. BUT, I’ll take the opposite stance and explain why keeping horses in stalls can be better. And by “explain” I really mean “try to explain” and by “better” I mean “better for some horses or in some situations”.

 

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  • Stalls are a wonderful way to keep horses. Barns allow for many horses on a smaller property, and also make feeding and cleaning easy and efficient. Horses can still enjoy each other’s company, without the risk of kicks, bites, and other tangles with fences or shelters.

 

  • It’s easier to regulate input and output when horses are kept in stalls. And by that, I mean what they eat and what they poop. Horses with dietary restrictions, allergies, or perhaps are at the wee bottom of the pecking order can benefit from stall living and eating.

 

gray horse in a stall with head poking out

Windows create ventilation and allow for horses to watch some “TV” and see their friends.

 

  • Horses in barn stalls also stay a bit cleaner in terms of dust and dirt on their coats. They are protected from the elements, which helps keep dark coats dark and white noses and legs free from sunburn.

 

  • If you have a horse sensitive to bugs, or even a horse with sweet itch, housing them in a stall will help. You can use fans to dissuade bugs, and I have seen some stalls that are actually screened in for severe cases of sweet itch. A horse that has photosensitivity can’t be in the sun without risking major skin damage. Stalls are a must!

 

Turnout is necessary. PERIOD. The more the better.

 

  • That being said, I firmly believe that ALL HORSES need to learn to live in stalls anyway. At some point, they are going to need to be stalled, and they better do it without hassle or stress.

 

  • Sicknesses, lamenesses, travel, showing, horrible and dangerous weather, evacuations, you get the idea, are all very real reasons for keeping your horse in a stall.

 

black horse with his head out of the stall

 

  • If your horse resists being in a stall, it’s your job to train the behavior so that when you need him in a stall, he will be okay with it. If it takes five minutes a day of being in a stall, gradually working up to five hours a day, then that’s what you need to do. Make the stall training part of your daily routine, like picking feet.

 

  • An injury is not the time to acclimatize your horse to stall living. This is very similar to how I feel about horses that don’t load. You must make it a part of his life so that in an emergency, it’s a non-issue.

 

long barn with many stalls and dutch doors

 

Barns and stall living are the norm for many, many horses.

 

  • Many many horses do just fine with it, and some actually prefer it. We all do the best for our horses with the resources that we have. If you are lucky enough to have 24/7 pasture or turnout for your guy, do everyone a favor and be sure he can also knows how to chill in a stall. Just in case!

 

How does your horse do in a stall?

 

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Farnam Chew Stop Aerosol
$32.90 $30.73

Helps to stop your horse from eating the barn and fencing

12/12/2024 05:58 am GMT
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FORTEX INDUSTRIES Feed Saver Ring
$13.59

Great to use with buckets to discourage cribbing

12/12/2024 06:07 am GMT
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Horsemen's Pride Jolly Tug Horse Toy
$55.29 $44.78

Fun for all ages

12/12/2024 04:54 am GMT
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Hydrophane Cribox 8 oz. tub - 8Oz
$16.95

This thick paste discourages chewing

12/12/2024 04:54 am GMT
Bee Blanket Honey Heater, 5 gal Pail Heater with Cutout for Gate Valve
$155.00 $127.41

Keep your horse's water and noms warm this winter.

12/12/2024 01:38 am GMT
Artificial Grass Turf Broom - Curved Bristle Broom
$28.99

This is the best broom for getting every last bit of shavings out of the barn aisle.

12/12/2024 03:22 am GMT
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Dura-Tech Schneiders Deluxe Dura-Mesh Stall Guard
$94.99 $80.99

Let your horse have the best view with this spiffy stall guard!

12/12/2024 07:19 am GMT
HayPlay Slow Feed Bag XL GG Equine

One side of this innovative slow feeder is solid - perfect for pastures! It will hold a small bale of hay.


Use code 15PROEQUINE for sitewide savings on slow feeders and more.

HayPlay Slow Feed Bag GG Equine - 2 sizes available

2 sizes of this slow-feeding hanging hay toy - snack size holds a few flakes, and the half size holds 1/2 bale. There's also an XL that ground feeds.


Use code 15PROEQUINE for sitewide savings on slow feeders and more.

Little Giant PDFE Dura Fork, Red
$56.66

Now picking stalls can be more ergonomic.

12/11/2024 10:57 am GMT
Dura-Tech Big Basket Manure Fork - Holds More Than Standard Forks

Nothing says posh like a manure fork that holds more.

Gallagher one-handed gate latch
$15.49

This is the only latch that no horse can figure out. Unless your horse is a wizard.

12/11/2024 07:58 pm GMT
Toolwiz Magnetic Sweeper with Wheels, 50 Lbs Capacity
$72.97

You will be amazed at what the ground will throw at ya.

12/12/2024 06:42 am GMT

 

Thank you!

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