Why choose an active stable for your horse, here in Portugal?
If you are looking for the best boarding option for your horse, you have probably already heard of the concept of active barn. This type of boarding, increasingly popular around the world, is distinguished by an approach focused on the horse's well-being, freedom of movement and social needs. In this article, discover why opting for an active barn is a wise choice for the health and happiness of your equine companion.
1. Overall health and well-being of the horse
Horse welfare is at the heart of the active stable concept. Unlike traditional livery where horses spend long hours in stalls, an active stable allows them to move freely in large spaces. This freedom of movement is essential to maintain good physical condition and avoid many health problems related to immobility, such as colic, engorgement or respiratory problems.
Active stables also promote a more natural diet, allowing the horse to eat small amounts throughout the day through automatic feed distribution systems. This reduces the risk of digestive upsets and meets the horse's physiological needs.
2. Freedom of movement: a life closer to nature
One of the great strengths of the active stable is to reproduce a lifestyle that is close to the horse's natural state. In freedom, horses travel long distances each day, which allows them to remain active and healthy. In an active stable, spaces are designed to encourage horses to move independently between rest, feeding and watering areas.
This freedom of movement is beneficial for both the physical and mental health of horses. They build muscles in a balanced way, improve their blood circulation, and reduce the risk of muscle and joint injuries. By being free to move, horses relax, are more fulfilled and less likely to develop stereotypical behaviors.
3. Social life and natural interactions
The horse is a social animal that needs contact and interactions with its peers to flourish. An active stable allows horses to live in a herd, thus promoting their social needs. These daily interactions provide them with important emotional balance, reduce stress and make them happier.
By being surrounded by its peers, the horse also learns to interact in a social environment, to develop natural behaviors, and to strengthen its social bonds. Hierarchical relationships are naturally formed in the herd, which is very beneficial for the psychological stability of horses.
4. Better management of care and personalized monitoring
Active stables often use electronic identification systems that allow each horse's needs to be precisely monitored, particularly in terms of feeding. Thanks to these technologies, the horse receives the right amounts of forage and supplements, without competition or restrictions, which is particularly useful for horses with specific needs.
This personalized monitoring also allows stable managers to observe and react quickly in the event of a health problem. In an active stable, the horse is monitored regularly, and its well-being is a priority. Staff are frequently trained to spot signs of pain or discomfort, thus providing a safe and suitable environment for each animal.
5. A sustainable and environmentally friendly choice
Finally, choosing an active stable also means choosing a more sustainable and environmentally friendly approach. Active stables use materials and facilities that reduce the ecological impact, such as automatic watering and fodder installations that limit waste. The management of manure and the development of green spaces are designed to minimize pollution, which contributes to a healthy environment for horses and nature.
In conclusion, choosing an active stable for your horse means offering him an enriching living environment, respectful of his natural needs and promoting his well-being. Whether for reasons of health, socialization or quality of life, the advantages of an active stable are numerous and allow horses to flourish fully. By opting for an active pension, you are choosing a healthier and more balanced life for your companion, contributing to his happiness and development.
Quinta de Lourel Portugal