Horse husbandry: species-appropriate husbandry and legal regulations for horses

Keeping horses is a complex task that not only affects the well-being of animals, but must also comply with legal requirements. In this article, various forms of husbandry are considered and the focus is on the appropriate husbandry of horses.

Different husbandry methods and their advantages and disadvantages of horses

Stall keeping

Stall keeping is still a common practice in which horses are kept in individual stalls. The boxes offer protection against weather conditions and enable targeted feeding and care. In addition, the risk of injury is minimized. The statutory stall size in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act is crucial to meet the horses needs. It is important to ensure regular exercise and social contacts in order to compensate for restrictions on this system of keeping horses.

Benefits of stall keeping:

• Protection against extreme weather conditions
• Controlled feeding and care
• Isolation of sick or older horses is possible

Disadvantages of stall keeping:

• Limited freedom of movement
• Social isolation when horses are alone in the box
• Increased risk of behavioral problems and health issues

Open stable management

Open stable management are becoming increasingly popular, as they supports horses' natural behavior. Here the horses live in a herd and have free access to a covered sleeping area. In open stables,lying areas must comply with regulations to ensure enough space for all horses. This form of husbandry promotes natural movement and social interaction.

Benefits of keeping an open stable:

• Natural movement and social interaction
• Supports species-appropriate group housing
• Lower risk of respiratory diseases

Disadvantages of keeping an open stable:

• Weather conditions can impair well-being
• Controlled feeding can be more difficult
• Group conflicts can occur

Paddock systems

Paddock systems provide horses with plenty of freedom of movement. In contrast to the open stable, paddocks are often covered and allow horses to move freely. Planning a playpen requires special considerations, such as the arrangement of feeding areas and resting areas, in order to provide animals with a species-appropriate environment.‍

Benefits of paddock keeping:

• Free movement though the area
• Opportunity for social interaction
• More nature living conditions

Disadvantages of paddock keeping:

• Difficulties in controlling feeding
• Not always adequate protection against extreme weather conditions
• Potential herd conflicts

Paddock boxes

The paddock boxes combine elements of stall keeping with outlet options. Here, horses have more space than in traditional stalls, but they can also move outdoors. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of husbandry should be carefully considered in order to meet the needs of the horses.

Benefits of paddock boxes:

• More freedom of movement than in conventional stalls
• Controlled feeding is easier
• Protection against extreme weather conditions

Disadvantages of paddock boxes:

• Limited space compared to open stalls
• Social interaction may be limited
• Higher maintenance requirements

Paddock trail

The paddock trail is a modern housing system, which is a combination of playpen and open stable. Here, horses can run free along a given path and have access to various shelters and berths. This form of husbandry promotes the natural movement of horses and at the same time enables a structured process in daily life.

Benefits of Paddock Trail:

• Natural movement along the trail
• Access to various shelters and berths
• Combination of playpen and open stable

Disadvantages of Paddock Trail:

• Requires enough space
• Potentially higher set-up costs
• Requires careful planning

Robust horse management

Robust keeping means to keeping horses as close to nature as possible. Factors such as grazing and mobile pasture huts play a decisive role here. The horses live outdoors and are exposed to natural weather conditions, which can promote their robustness.

Benefits of robust keeping:

• Strengthens the horses resilience and adaptability
• Natural movement in an open environment
• Lower risk of behavioral problems

Disadvantages of robust keeping:

• Weather conditions can impair well-being
• Difficulties in controlling feeding
• Increased risk of parasites

Focus on the appropriate husbandry of horses

Statutory requirements for species-appropriate horse husbandry

In order to ensure that horses are kept in a species-appropriate manner, various legal requirements must be observed. These range from minimum accommodation requirements to feeding regulations and ensuring social interactions. The exact regulations vary from region to region, so continuous examination of current laws is essential.

Sleeping area, box size and their meaning

The calculation of the lying area in open stables and the correct sizing of boxes are essential aspects for species-appropriate horse husbandry. A sufficient lying area not only ensures animal comfort, but also prevents health problems. The box size should comply with legal requirements to give horses sufficient freedom of movement and thus to ensure their well-being.

Special requirements for pensioner places and individual housing

Older horses have specific needs that should be considered when keeping horses. This applies in particular to age-appropriate feeding and care. Keeping horses in complete isolation without any contact with conspecifics, is not permitted for legal reasons.

Animal Welfare Act and its relevance

The Animal Welfare Act sets out basic principles for the appropriate husbandry of horses. It includes aspects such as appropriate nutrition, accommodation and protection from unnecessary burdens. Detailed knowledge of this law is essential to ensure that the keeping of all horses meets the legal requirements and thus ensures the highest possible level of animal welfare.

Certificate of expertise and permits

Importance of a certificate of expertise in horse husbandry

Horse husbandry requires not only practical knowledge, but also a theoretical understanding. The certificate of expertise is mandatory in some regions and includes topics such as animal welfare, feeding, care and health of horses. Successful completion of this certificate is crucial to ensure that owners have the necessary knowledge for species-appropriate horse care.

Permits and requirements for private horse husbandry

Private horse keeping outdoors or in residential areas is often subject to permits and requirements. The current guidelines and laws of the respective region must be taken into account here. These include issues of land use, potential environmental impacts and compliance with neighbourhood rights. Thorough knowledge of these aspects is necessary to avoid unnecessary legal disputes.

Conclusion of species-appropriate husbandry methods

The species-appropriate horse husbandry requires not only loving care for our horses, but also a detailed knowledge of and compliance with legal regulations. Regardless of the chosen form of husbandry — be it open stable, stall keeping, paddock systems, paddock boxes or innovative paddock trails — careful planning and implementation are decisive for the well-being of horses and compliance with all relevant legal requirements. Regular examination of current guidelines and continuous training are essential to ensure optimal horse husbandry.