Movement - over varied terrain

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This is very important to the horse's well-being. In the wild, they live in areas where feed and water is often scarce. So to survive they need to continually travel to seek out food and water. They also move around whilst playing and establishing rank order. The horse has led this lifestyle for millions of years and their physiological makeup has evolved to support this. It's heart is relatively small compared to its body so it needs help from the muscles and joints to keep blood flowing through the body.

When a horse is stabled the circulatory system is not fully functioning and the heart can be over-stressed. This is often made worse when short but intense exercise is given.

Movement also helps stimulate gain in bone density. This is particularly important for foals and young horses.

Varied terrain stimulates the hooves and conditions them at the same time. Gravel is good for this. If your horse is getting enough movement then the hooves will start to maintain themselves. This is call self-trimming. Hills and rocks will help develop tendons and muscles and aid the horse in becoming more surefooted.

Return from Movement to Natural Boarding

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