30/06/2025
Group Turnout Part 1: Risks and Benefit
Guess I’m touching on another hot button subject.
When we talk about species-appropriate care, we’re not talking about luxury. We’re talking about proper welfare.
Horses are herd animals. They’re wired to graze, move, and live together. Social bonds help regulate their stress, digestion, rest, and even learning. Taking that away has serious consequences.
But I also hear the other side.
“ Group turnout is too dangerous. My horse could get hurt. I keep them alone for their own safety. “
And honestly, research does show injuries are more likely to happen during group turnout than solo turnout. A 2020 study found that a high percentage of those injuries were tied to fencing problems and space constraints.
Another overlooked factor: Turnout Time
Turnout time itself is a big factor in injury risk. Reduced turnout TIME is linked to an increase in herd-related injuries when horses do go out together but not 24/7. Short, restricted turnout builds up energy and social tension, making incidents more likely when they finally get out. Longer, consistent turnout supports stability, burns off excess energy, and helps prevent these issues.
There are people making these choices because they truly care about their horse's safety.
But there are also plenty more worried about their investment, the pristine coat, the resale value, the next show. For them, a bite mark can feel more important than a horse's mental health.
But lets look at what happens horses who are kept alone:
Lack of herd contact is linked to persistent stress, with effects like elevated immune markers, heart rate disturbances, and stereotypies. Studies have shown individually housed horses have elevated stress markers in their immune system, including higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratios, which suggest chronic stress and reduced disease resistance over time.
It might seem like keeping horses alone avoids the risk of bites or kicks, but it trades one kind of risk for another. It’s a risk that’s quieter, hidden, and rooted deep in their bodies and minds.
So yes, injuries can happen when horses live together.
But most of the time, it’s not just about IF they’re turned out together.
It’s about HOW.
Tomorrow, we’ll dive into the biggest piece of this conversation: Herd introductions because studies and research has shown a large majority of injures happen DURING herd introductions and the herd settling period after.
The way we set horses up to meet each other can make all the difference.
