Assessing property suitability for horses

“Buying the horse is the cheapest part”- is an ancient adage passed onto aspiring horse owners from those who’ve gone before them.  There is little doubt that the financial outlay of a horse is quite significant, while tack, health care, feed and transport costs are all following closely behind.  These are necessary factors to evaluate when budgeting for an equine companion to join your family, however, one element of horse care that can be easily overlooked is the suitability of property for horses – assessing this correctly can put preventative measures in place that could save thousands in feed and vet bills. 

Size 

The general rule of thumb is one and a half to two acres of well managed land per horse.  However, this provision is often less favoured for smaller yards due to a lack of space or to attempt to keep paddock injuries to a minimum.  Horses managed in a herd setting will endure kicks and bites as hierarchy is established and ongoingly questioned by the bigger personalities in the group. This means that often, wounds and soreness will render them unrideable and will require time, medical attention and cost to rectify.  There is a lot to be said for grouping horses in suitably aged and sexed categories to encourage natural companionship dynamics, and when done well, can yield very emotionally content horses. However, depending on the property size or agistment arrangements, this may not always be possible.  Add to the formula, the need for adequate pasture to forage on, and the puzzle begins to look even more complex.  Another consideration is that horses in yards may develop idleness, as they miss out on the natural conditioning that movement through a larger area can bring – making the intermittent demands of their work potentially difficult.  Compare an office worker who sits all day and spends one hour at the gym with someone who works outdoors all day in a physical capacity, while both can achieve significant levels of fitness there is contrast in endurance, stamina and mental health. 

Slopes 

Gentle slopes in horse paddocks can greatly favour natural fitness, balance and agility.  In any space occupied by a horse, there must be flat areas for them to stand and rest in alignment, as it’s all too easy for horses to develop musculoskeletal soundness issues when forced to stand and walk while constantly lopsided.  The potential for joint, tendon and ligament injuries, greatly increases when steeply sloped paddocks become damp with rain – as slipping and sliding can do just as much damage as falls.  Managing severe injuries such as these are not only costly when they occur but may contribute to ongoing arthritic complications down the track – particularly if the horse remains on unsuitable ground. 

Fencing 

There are many fencing products available to suit many budgets and standards, and while requirements may differ between horses, fencing should be approached as a long-term investment.  Permanent and sturdy structures that are well maintained will give the best chance of preventing fence injuries, bearing in mind that horses with adequate space and forage have very little reason to question or damage fences.  Electrifying fences can certainly add longevity to the structural integrity, however, they can increase stress to horses and minimise their social contact – so weigh up the pros and cons and seek expert advice to find out what will best suit.