Keeping horses healthy does partly depend on how well we feed them and take care of them, but most of all on the surroundings we provide for them. Horses should be kept as much as possible in accord with the needs of their species. Horses are highly social herd animals and therefore should never be kept in isolation. They need the companionship of their fellow equines. Unfortunately, most horses are still confined in box stalls, although studies have long shown that keeping them in groups, turned out with run-in sheds, is far healthier for them, as this comes much closer to their life in the wild. However, a herd that is pasture boarded must be carefully selected. The animals should be exchanged as little as possible, in that any such changes to the group make-up create psychological strain, increasing the risk of injury when the dominance hierarchy (pecking order) must be established anew.
Horses used for shows or races, however, often cannot be turned out but instead need to be properly stabled. There are different types of box stalls: Stalls facing the barn walkway, those which have a door or window to the outside, and those with access to a paddock. From the latter, the horse can choose to walk out into the open. Foals, young horses or breeding mares are often kept in open barns in a group. Whichever type of stall is chosen, the horse must have adequate daylight and fresh air.
Horses are equipped to cope with cold and can adjust quite well to varying temperatures. They should also be given a place where they can roll. Daily exercise or pastoral romping about should be an essential part of their routine.
