Why Do My Horses Sleep Outside the Barn?

Q:

We moved six months ago. My 22 year old would sleep in her stall, my 12 year old not at all. Now they have larger stalls, but both sleep outside. This is not good. they need to not sleep in the mud, dust and cold. How can I change this habit? I cannot lock them in all night.

Sincerely,

Fran

A:

Dear Fran,

I know how frustrating it can be to watch horses stand in the wind-driven rain all hunkered down just yards away from a nice dry stall or lean-to. For us, it seems totally illogical; however, for the horse, the place they prefer to be is where they feel most comfortable and safe. You are so right not to lock them up in a place they do not feel safe.

I can relate to your feelings as I watch my mare doing the same thing. A couple months ago my gelding had to be put down. Now my mare will not go anywhere near the shelter that before, she lived in day after day during rain and wind. When it rains or the wind blows she cannot hear well. When there were two horses one of them could keep a watch on the woods if a deer, bear, etc. was wandering around. She felt safer with my gelding to share the watch. I bought her a good rain sheet and now she can stand or lie where ever she feels most safe and be warm.

It is hard to remember that our dear horse friends are really still wild horses at heart. They are only comfortable when they feel SAFE. For whatever reason, your horses do not feel as safe in their new location as they did in the old one. It is good to remember that horses were not built by nature to wear clothes and be in buildings. This might work fine for them if they feel safe but if not, they will do what they need to do to protect themselves from what they perceive as dangers such as predators, sounds, smells, falling limbs or trees in the wind, etc.

As far as their sleeping in mud, dust, or cold:

o They do not usually care about sleeping in dust as they take dust baths to get rid of insects or just scratch their body. It can even be a herd social event.

o The cold does not usually bother them if it is dry, but in wet and windy climates a good quality, breathable rain sheet will usually be enough.

o As far as the mud, it is up to us to provide a place where they can get out of it. I bring in a large load of sand and do not level it so my horses have a hill of sand to lie on. They really seem to like it and it brushes off easily.

o Mud management is important and there are many different ways to control it. Alayne Blickle, from Horses for Clean Water, has many excellent suggestions (www.horsesforcleanwater.com)

o If they are comfortable to go in the stalls, I would recommend feeding them there if you are not already. It may help them to adjust in time.

o Last of all, if we force horses to be in stalls when they would prefer to be out, we are creating unnecessary stress for them that can lead to all kinds of problems: behavior issues, nervousness, and certainly conditions that expose them to becoming susceptible ulcers. Horses were not designed to be in a 12x12 area with no way to release tension, energy and have room to express themselves. Good for you, Fran, for not locking them in.

You may find that after a few more months of adjusting they might just decide to sleep in their stalls after all. But in the meantime, honor their feelings and provide the best—mud free—environment you can. They will appreciate it.

Remember “Horse Play” is FUN!

~Barb Apple

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