Confinement Areas for Healthy, Happy Horses

Stalls with Runs

Here's an example of traditional runs off barn stalls used as confinement areas. Good footing helps minimize mud. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Enrichment

Adding enrichment opportunities to paddocks, such as toys and cones, can help occupy a horse’s time and prevent boredom. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Track Paddock

Track paddocks are designed to encourage horses to move. This paddock surrounds a rain garden, which uses water runoff and reduces mud accumulation. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Good Ventilation

Open-air barns offer protection from the sun and some weather but still provide plenty of ventilation. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Companions

Goats and other horse-friendly critters offer their confined equine buddies companionship and entertainment. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Odor Control

Keeping horses in confinement areas can lead to urine- and manure-related odors. Manage foul smells by keeping the paddock tidy and treating “pee spots” with odor-control products. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Winter Weather Confinement

Use confinement areas in the winter to protect wet or frozen pastures and grass from damage due to equine traffic. | Photo: Alayne Blickle

Track Paddocks Surrounding Pastures

Want to protect your pasture but find yourself short on extra space? Consider installing a track paddock around the perimeter of your horse’s regular turnout area to provide confinement and protecting the pasture. | Photo: Alayne Blickle