Last week we shared the importance of horses having a pasture friend <Link>. Research from Ohio State University suggests that horses need a minimum amount of space to derive all the benefits of turnout and to stay out of each other’s hair.
Source: EQUUS, August 29, 2023. Link. Study data showed horses kept in pens that allowed 342 square meters* per horse had reduced levels of blood cortisol, a hormone associated with stress.
*342 square meters = 0.085 acres = 411 square yards = 2 rods** wide by 12.5 rods long
**historically a rod is 16.5 feet; standard woven wire fences are recommended to have a maximum post spacing of 16 feet.
INSIGHTS: One acre per horse is a good rule of thumb.