Back to blog

The ultimate guide to the transition from stable to pasture for horses

Fiebe De Win

5 min

De ultieme gids voor de overgang van stal naar weide voor paarden

Time to go to the pasture at open , and your horse towards the horizon to see galloping ? Whoa , wait a minute !  

The switch from stable Unpleasant outdoor living is not​ Ordinary An a matter of "hop, to outside " and see what happens . Among other things sudden energy boosts , herd dynamics and , and your horse that himself absolutely An wild mustang feels , can be quite a challenge to make .  

This is what you are getting into can think for An s smooth , safe and cheerful transition , for you , your horse and your pasture :  

Has mine horse An blanket necessary ?  

When your horse comes out of a warm stable, that fresh spring air can take some getting used to, especially if it's windy or drizzly. Whether your horse has just been clipped or is already a bit older , a thin blanket no harm. You can wearing a blanket gradual to phase out as your horse gets more resilience get it .  

Tip: Do you see yourself horse shiver , a curve attitude​​​ assume or tense muscles ? That's what they are to draw that your horse is cold has .  

Energy boost  

A horse in the meadow moves more and eat now too fresh grass... that takes care of for more natural energy . Fright not if you are quiet sleep out there suddenly a lot of more energy seems at have . And that can have an impact on your training sessions !  

It can also the other side going out : because your horse is now more from himself move it , they might be less interested in a intensive work out.  

Tip: Reduce the intensity of your training in the first weeks . Give your horse time to get used to a new rhythm at find , both physically as mentally .  

The mental switch of a quiet stable to the outside air is enormous . New sounds , friends , so much more space , the weather and insects can your horse easier distract . If you then also yet thinks to your horse 's digestion which now has to adjust ...It's a good time to lower the bar a bit to lay .  

Tip: Choose for shorter training sessions , but feel free to schedule some more .  

Herd management  

Get your horse off a quiet stable in a meadow full of new (or old ) friends , and the social dynamism is back in business. Sometimes it goes that quiet , sometimes with a little more drama.  

Horses must their ( re ) determine place in the hierarchy , and that go not always without dominant behavior such as a bite or kick.  

  • A new member of the herd make your best safe get acquainted with a fence in between . This way the horses can sniff each other without that it is already too physically is becoming .
  • Kicking , biting or challenging each other belongs there , horses must to sort who 's the boss . But be careful: on time intervene prevents that it is getting out of hand .
  • Also take care for enough room and multiple drinking places . This way there is no competition .  

Make a grass plan  

A quiet transition is important :  

  • Day 1-3: 10-15 minutes on the pasture
  • Day 4-7: up to 30 minutes
  • Week 2: 1-2 hours
  • Week 3: You can work up to 3-4 hours to go if it goes well
  • Week 4: Gradually increase Unpleasant sufficient pasture grazing  

Tip: Give first some hay for your horse go grazing , so they dive into the grass less greedily .  

Strip grazing  

Another one way to transition to the pasture float to let it expire is strip grazing . Instead of the entire meadow suddenly open​ to make and keeping an eye on the time at keep , give your piece bee bit access to fresh grass. This is how you prevent your horse from himself immediately overeat , and​ they get every time a tasty, fresh piece meadow presented . Ideal for horses that are sensitive are for laminitis or fast arrive . On this way retain more​ control over their grass intake .  

On this way do you also protect your pasture , and will she last longer come along !  

Tip: If your horse tends has to​ a lot of to eat or risk runs on laminitis , you can also An grass mask consider . This allows them to enjoy the sun in the meadow and​ socialize with the herd , while limiting the amount of grass they can eat is becoming .  

Finally  

The transition from stable Unpleasant whey is not simple , it's a complete lifestyle change . Give your horse some time to get used to , and keep the weather , the energy and keep an eye on the atmosphere in the herd .  

With a little patience and attention, you can help your horse find its place in the green grass , ready for a healthy and happy pasture season!  

Also read

Back to blog