Horse husbandry: Species-appropriate forms of husbandry and legal regulations for horses

Keeping horses is a complex task that not only concerns the well-being of the animals, but also has to comply with legal regulations. This article looks at different forms of horse keeping and focuses on the species-appropriate keeping of horses.

Different types of housing and the advantages and disadvantages for horses

Stabling horse

Box stabling is still a common practice in which horses are housed in individual boxes. The boxes offer protection from the weather and enable targeted feeding and care. In addition, the risk of injury should be minimized. The legally prescribed box size in accordance with the Animal Welfare Act is crucial in order to meet the horses' needs. It is important to ensure regular exercise and social contact in order to compensate for the limitations of this form of husbandry.

Advantages of box housing:

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

Disadvantages of keeping horses in boxes:

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

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Open stable horse

Open stabling is becoming increasingly popular as it supports the natural behavior of horses. Here the horses live in a herd and have free access to a covered sleeping area. Lying areas in open stables must be calculated in accordance with regulations to ensure sufficient space for all horses. This form of husbandry encourages movement and social interaction between the animals.

Advantages of open stable housing:

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

Disadvantages of keeping horses in open stables:

• Weather influences can affect well-being
• Controlled feeding can be more difficult
• Conflicts can arise within the group

Horse loose housing

Playpens offer horses plenty of freedom of movement. In contrast to open stables, playpens are often covered and offer the horses the opportunity to move freely. The planning of a playpen requires special considerations such as the arrangement of feeding areas and lying areas in order to provide the animals with a species-appropriate environment.

Advantages of loose housing:

• Free movement in the stable
• Opportunity for social interaction
• Natural surroundings

Disadvantages of loose housing:

• Difficulties in controlling feeding
• Not always sufficient protection against extreme weather conditions
• Possible conflicts of place in the group

Paddock boxes

Paddock stalls combine elements of stall housing with opportunities for exercise. The horses have more space here than in traditional stalls, but can also move around outside. The advantages and disadvantages of this type of housing should be carefully weighed up in order to meet the horses' needs.

Advantages of paddock boxes:

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

Disadvantages of paddock boxes:

• Limited space compared to open stables
• Social interaction may be limited
• High need for care and attention

‍Paddock trail

The paddock trail is a modern form of housing that is a combination of a loose stable and an open stable. Here, the horses can run freely along a predetermined path and have access to various shelters and lying areas. This form of husbandry promotes the natural movement of the horses and at the same time enables a structured daily routine.

Advantages of Paddocktrail:

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

Disadvantages of Paddocktrail:

• Requires sufficient space
• Potentially higher costs for the facility
• Requires careful planning

‍Robust posture

Robust husbandry means 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.

Advantages of robust husbandry:

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

Disadvantages of robustness:

• Weather influences can affect well-being
• Difficulties in controlling feeding
• Increased risk of parasites

‍Focus on the appropriatekeeping of horses

Legal requirements for species-appropriate horse keeping

In order to ensure that horses are kept in a species-appropriate manner, various legal requirements must be observed. These range from minimum housing requirements and feeding regulations to ensuring social interaction. The exact regulations vary from region to region, so it is essential to keep up to date with the latest legislation.

Lying area, box size and their significance

The calculation of the lying area in open stables and the correct dimensioning of boxes are essential aspects of species-appropriate horse keeping. Sufficient lying space not only ensures the comfort of the animals, but also prevents health problems. The stalls should be sized in accordance with legal requirements in order to give the horses sufficient freedom of movement and thus ensure their well-being.

Special requirements for retired animals and individual housing

Older horses have special needs that should be taken into account when keeping horses. This applies above all to age-appropriate feeding and care. Keeping horses on their own without any contact with other horses is not permitted due to legal aspects and statutory requirements.

Animal Welfare Act and its relevance

The Animal Welfare Act lays down basic principles for the species-appropriate keeping of horses. It covers aspects such as appropriate nutrition, accommodation and protection from unnecessary stress. Detailed knowledge of this law is essential to ensure that all horses are kept in accordance with the legal requirements and thus the highest possible level of animal welfare is guaranteed.

Proof of expertise and permits

Importance of the certificate of competence in horse keeping

Keeping horses requires not only practical knowledge, but also a theoretical understanding. The certificate of competence is mandatory in some regions and covers topics such as species-appropriate keeping, 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 keeping

Private horse keeping in outdoor areas or residential areas is often subject to permits and conditions. The current guidelines and laws of the respective region must be taken into account here. These include questions of land use, possible environmental impact and compliance with neighboring rights. A thorough knowledge of these aspects is necessary to avoid unnecessary legal disputes.

Conclusion on species-appropriate forms of husbandry

Species-appropriate horse keeping requires not only loving care for our horses, but also precise knowledge of and compliance with legal regulations. Regardless of the chosen form of husbandry - be it open stables, box stalls, loose stables, paddock boxes or innovative paddock trails - careful planning and implementation are crucial for the well-being of the horses and compliance with all relevant legal requirements. A regular examination of current guidelines and continuous further training are essential to ensure optimal horse keeping.