Hannah's Rocket and The Field of Grass

Meet Rocket, a Thoroughbred-Oldenburg cross gelding owned by Hannah. Rocket is fifteen years old. He and Hannah enjoy both pleasure riding and equestrian competitions.

In this photo Rocket is enjoying his free time turned out in a nice grassy field which shows a safe and secure fence. Turn out time is very important to a horse's mental and physical health. Not only because they need play time, just like we do, but also because of the way horses' bodies have evolved over millions of years.


In the wild a horse will eat with his head low to the ground. He will take a few bites of grass, then walk a few steps, then take another few bites. Horses have very small stomachs for their size and eating in small amounts over the whole day helps their stomach produce the right amount of acid to digest their food slowly, which will help prevent colic.


When we keep a horse in a stall  and load them up with buckets of high calorie grain two times a day, we are changing the way their bodies are naturally designed to digest food. It is especially important they get enough time to meander freely in a paddock or field during the day, to help keep their digestive system running properly. 

Turn out also gives horses the opportunity to stretch their legs, roll over and scratch their backs, nap in the shade, or play in the snow. It is better for their bones, their joints, their hooves, their coat, and their happiness.


A healthy horse is a happy horse.  


* Do you know what the boots are called that Rocket is wearing in the picture?