Free range stabling solutions
1. Introducing horses into a mini free range stable
This is a small mini free range stable that was built into a former stall alley. Several stalls and the alley were combined into one area. This created a 85 square meter indoor space and a nearly 100 square meter paddock. The stable is designed for 2 horses who are also taken out to pasture daily.
After one horse had left the stable, the remaining gelding needed a new stablemate. They were first introduced in the pasture. Everything went well and after they had gone out to graze together for a week, the new horse was introduced to the mini free range stable.
Two problems arose. Although everything seemed completely peaceful and harmonious, the new horse wouldn’t enter the rest area without human protection. Most of the time, he stood around outside. The other issue was forage feeding. The high ranking gelding tended to block the way to both feeding spots.
The following video shows both of these problems as well as their respective solutions. (It definitely wasn’t staged as you can see by the fact that the cleaning staff haven’t arrived yet). (Sorry, German language only).
2. Paddock trails – three examples
Manege Slichtenhorst in the Netherlands
This is a beautiful paddock paradise / paddock trail free range stable. Personally, I find the curved paths and the climbing slope in the middle especially impressive. A varied and harmonious free range stable can be built even on relatively “flat” grounds. The old stock of trees is also very nice.
The Equiloha Farm on Hawaii
What I especially like about this video is their feeding methods. Very creative solutions were found both for hay and concentrate feeding.
Paddock paradise in the Netherlands
This video shows a beautiful free range stable in the Netherlands for a herd of Icelandic horses. It’s definitely worth watching!