Management 101: good company

Having a horse who’s not in work doesn’t mean an end to time spent together. Whether he’s out in the field all day every day or stabled some of the time, he still requires your care and attention to ensure he remains happy and healthy.

Did you know?

Research has found that interacting with horses generates feelings of companionship, reduces loneliness and lessens symptoms associated with anxiety, depression and trauma.

Keeping in touch

There’s much to be said for spending time with your horse, even when he’s no longer in work. Sure, riding and competing are fun, but horses also bring a calmness to us. So, whether your horse has ceased work through injury or has reached an age when he’s ready to retire, there are still many tasks to be done, including vital aspects of his care to keep him in good overall health.

Tailored routine

Although having your horse out in the field as much as possible is the most natural way to keep him, there are several benefits to bringing him in, particularly if he likes to feel involved in life on the yard, or if managing his weight is an issue.

Many horses love living in the field with a friend or as part of a herd, but equally you may find he likes to have a bit of time in the stable over and above the minimum of coming in to see the farrier or vet. Figuring out what best suits your horse is fundamental to his mental and physical wellbeing. At the end of the day, a stressed horse is not a happy horse.

If your horse does have some time in the stable, it may be you have a slightly different schedule compared with what would have been the norm when he was being ridden. Getting him into a routine in terms of when you bring him in and turn him out is a good start, as is looking at where he’s stabled to ensure it’s where he is happiest.

Some horses love to be right in the middle of things, watching what’s going on, while others prefer a quieter situation with, perhaps, just one other horse for company. Have a word with your yard owner if you think that your horse would benefit from a change of location.

Top tip

If your horse is stabled some of the time, using spaces other than his stable can give him a change of scenery and something different to look at while you’re grooming or attending to him.

Discover more ways to spend time with your non-ridden horse in December Horse&Rider – out now!