How much field room is actually needed?

MizzRibbon · 07-14-08, 03:55 PM

Ok, I know this is probably a silly question, but exactly how much field room would be needed to keep a horse in a healthy manner? I grew up with horses, but don't remember exactly how much room was allowed for each. We have an average size field that we had goats in last year and I'm just curious if it might be enough room for a horse.

heidi · 07-14-08, 05:37 PM

I don't think I would try to confine a horse to anything smaller than a dozen acres but that might just be me. I am on the claustrophobic side so if I can give more room I will. Many say about 5 acres is good, and even more will go as low as 1/2 acre but I think thats just insane. My first home sat on 3/4 acre of land and it was TINY.

clip-clop · 07-17-08, 02:20 AM

How much space will depend on several factors including the size and temperament of horse, how often you exercise them, what you will be feeding, etc. Just like how a Great Dane can be kept in an apartment so long as its walked several times a day you can potentially keep a horse on a smaller plot with regular exercise where it has a chance to really stretch. If you plan on using grain and hay instead of grass you can also get away with less space. Some people find this cruel, but proper care in a smaller area than someone might hope is better than tons of room with little care in my book.

MizzRibbon · 07-22-08, 10:49 PM

Well, thanks for the replies. I can tell that I definitely don't have enough room. I will just have to wait until we can buy a bigger farm, because I would never want to make a horse miserable by keeping it in an area that wasn't big enough. It's really great that we have so much horse knowledge here that we can turn to when we have questions. Thanks Again!

RidingWild · 07-23-08, 01:38 AM

I would definitely advise you to wait until you are able to provide a bigger area. Horses love to be able to wonder so a nice big field is ideal.

**alexis** · 07-25-08, 12:53 PM

So this brings the next question for me at least, what is an area that is "too small" for a horse. Even one that you can properly tend to with regular exercise. Besides the size of the horse that would factor in, what's too small?

Winnie · 07-25-08, 08:33 PM

Again it really depends on how much interaction you intend to have with them. If you are going to be out riding them every single day, for long periods, then confined otherwise wouldn't be so bad.

katie · 07-28-08, 05:40 PM

My house sits on elven acres so I have enough room for a horse or more than one if I could ever afford more than one, lol.

07-14-08, 03:55 PM	#1 (permalink)
MizzRibbon Member Join Date: 07-07-08 Location: US Posts: 51	How much field room is actually needed? Ok, I know this is probably a silly question, but exactly how much field room would be needed to keep a horse in a healthy manner? I grew up with horses, but don't remember exactly how much room was allowed for each. We have an average size field that we had goats in last year and I'm just curious if it might be enough room for a horse. __________________ ~MizzRibbon~

07-22-08, 10:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
MizzRibbon Member Join Date: 07-07-08 Location: US Posts: 51	Well, thanks for the replies. I can tell that I definitely don't have enough room. I will just have to wait until we can buy a bigger farm, because I would never want to make a horse miserable by keeping it in an area that wasn't big enough. It's really great that we have so much horse knowledge here that we can turn to when we have questions. Thanks Again! __________________ ~MizzRibbon~

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07-14-08, 05:37 PM	#2 (permalink)
heidi Member Join Date: 07-11-08 Posts: 25	I don't think I would try to confine a horse to anything smaller than a dozen acres but that might just be me. I am on the claustrophobic side so if I can give more room I will. Many say about 5 acres is good, and even more will go as low as 1/2 acre but I think thats just insane. My first home sat on 3/4 acre of land and it was TINY.

07-17-08, 02:20 AM	#3 (permalink)
clip-clop Member Join Date: 07-11-08 Posts: 25	How much space will depend on several factors including the size and temperament of horse, how often you exercise them, what you will be feeding, etc. Just like how a Great Dane can be kept in an apartment so long as its walked several times a day you can potentially keep a horse on a smaller plot with regular exercise where it has a chance to really stretch. If you plan on using grain and hay instead of grass you can also get away with less space. Some people find this cruel, but proper care in a smaller area than someone might hope is better than tons of room with little care in my book.

07-23-08, 01:38 AM	#5 (permalink)
RidingWild Member Join Date: 07-02-08 Posts: 25	I would definitely advise you to wait until you are able to provide a bigger area. Horses love to be able to wonder so a nice big field is ideal.

07-25-08, 12:53 PM	#6 (permalink)
alexis Super-Moderator Join Date: 08-10-07 Posts: 329	So this brings the next question for me at least, what is an area that is "too small" for a horse. Even one that you can properly tend to with regular exercise. Besides the size of the horse that would factor in, what's too small?

07-25-08, 08:33 PM	#7 (permalink)
Winnie Member Join Date: 07-01-08 Posts: 25	Again it really depends on how much interaction you intend to have with them. If you are going to be out riding them every single day, for long periods, then confined otherwise wouldn't be so bad.

07-28-08, 05:40 PM	#8 (permalink)
katie Member Join Date: 06-10-08 Posts: 50	My house sits on elven acres so I have enough room for a horse or more than one if I could ever afford more than one, lol.