12/08/2025
"Equine professionals carry a majority of the responsibility in the horse industry. I often find myself climbing up on my soapbox to talk about the key factors in what I describe as a good horse care program’s “recipe for success”.
No matter the level, in my experience, if you are able to provide these things in a meaningful capacity, you’re more likely to have a partner that can grow and develop properly.
1. Turnout
This is the first thing on my list for a reason. I’m well aware that there are lots of high level programs in all disciplines that do not turn their horses out or limit turnout because of the liability factor, or viewing the high dollar horses as an investment or property. The thought being, I assume, they are somehow safer in a stall than in a field. I am not here to say those programs are “wrong”, but I will say that personally I want my horses outside as much as possible. This is my philosophy as to why:
Horses are grazing animals, and herd animals. If they are in a position to socialize and move their feet during the day while eating, their bodies and minds benefit greatly. Grazing (whether it’s a grass paddock or hay is provided outside) affords them the ability to walk and eat all day, which is what their bodies are evolutionarily designed to do. It keeps their weight healthier, their bodies relaxed, and greatly lowers the risk of GI issues like ulcers and colic. Emotionally, having access to other herd members and living in a structured hierarchy with their pasture mates gives them the ability to learn the social cues that we as riders need for our own dynamics. Lessons like “don’t encroach on my personal space”, for example. As a trainer, I find that if horses don’t learn this socially from other horses, they’re much less likely to respect it when we assert our own boundaries.
Horses that get a substantial amount of daily turnout tend to be easier to work with, and less likely to be spooky and anxious. Is it a cure all for these issues? No. But it certainly helps to allow them the space and time to be horses, eat, move, enjoy fresh air. Kids in school need recess or they’re sulky and distracted in class. Horses are no different. Are you risking a pulled shoe, a laceration from a fence, or a hot tendon? Sure. But if I’m being honest, I’ve seen stalled horses hurt themselves in a box. Bubble wrapping the horse creates more problems than it fixes.
2. Forage
I will talk about hay until I’m blue in the face if you let me. It’s incredibly foundational to equine health. They are not designed to eat 3 square meals a day and go hours in between with no food. As I mentioned above, ulcers begin forming in a horse’s gastrointestinal tracts immediately once their stomachs are empty. They naturally create gallons of stomach acid a day and without a constant intake of hay, the stomach begins eating away at itself instantly. Free choice hay is the best and only way to ensure happy healthy digestive tracts, and any good barn makes this a priority. Hay is expensive, yes. Especially high quality hay. But so is ulcer treatments and replacing chewed stall boards from hungry frustrated horses boredom habits. In my program, the horses have piles of hay 24/7. The ones that eat too fast or mess their hay have hay nets. But they never have to go without.
Side note: Alfalfa in any form is an amazing addition. Soaked. Flaked. Cubed. Absolutely fantastic for horses’ overall health. I swear by it.
3. Footing
This is another thing that barns have to maintain properly and often. Drags, footing replacements when necessary, and hiring a knowledgeable arena company that can help guide you in proper footing and base maintenance. I know when riding and teaching I can see a substantial difference in the way my horses work when they’re comfortable. The long term effects on their soundness is noticeable as well. If footing is hard, slick, or uneven, your horses will suffer the effects one way or another.
4. A knowledgeable trainer that matches your goals
If you intend to show Grand Prix, you need a trainer with Grand Prix experience. If you want your c**t started with 60 days training, you need a trainer who starts c**ts. If you lost confidence jumping, you need a trainer who specializes in helping riders regain confidence. There’s no such thing as a trainer who’s perfect for everyone! Yes, there are great trainers, and there are also terrible ones. We’ve all seen and can think of examples of both. But there’s many who just as well may be really good for you and not so good for someone else.
The most important thing is choosing the right one–you need to put your horse under the care and supervision of someone who can get you and your horse where you both need to go. The environment for the horse and the rider have to match in order for both to achieve success."
📎 Continue reading Ariel Univer's article at https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2024/12/23/the-pillars-of-my-equine-care-system-as-a-lifetime-horse-woman/
