Lost Practice in Show Horse Industry: Turning Horses out In Groups

I chose the picture on my blog of the three horses turned out in a group for a very specific reason. I have learned through the years that many training and behavioral problems can be solved just by turning horses out in groups. This is a lost practice today in many show barns as the horses are very expensive and trainers and owners are afraid that their horses will get injured.

Yes, they do get banged and scraped up when they are out together. It is also possible for a major career ending or life threatening injury to occur. But that also can happen when a horse is out alone. Sometimes alone horses are much more restless and unhappy so they resort to running and get hurt that way. When horses are in well thought out groups they usually sort themselves out and live very happily within the natural pecking order. When this occurs the horses often calm down under saddle and in hand as they are social beings and they seek this social hierarchy.

I work in a large college equine program where we get wonderful donation horses from top show barns. Sometimes the horses have some behavioral issues, either on the ground and/or in the saddle. Over the years I have become much more relaxed about incorporating these horses in small groups. It is amazing how quickly many of their issues level out and sometimes go away completely. Also, soundness issues often improve, in part due to the decreased need to ride, chase or lunge the horse in order to quiet it down.

When introducing a horse into a group environment I find one quiet, docile horse who will stay calm, yet stand its ground as the first turnout partner. Once the new horse is used to that situation I will often turn out those two in a larger group. Mixing groups takes time, observation and patience.


I know that most people will still turn their expensive show horses out alone. But, if you try and find them at least one turnout partner you might be amazed at the calming effect it will have.

My New Adventure

I decided this week that I would add a new chapter to my life. I am beginning a part time business in equine training and management. My hopes are to build a hunter/jumper lesson clientele, do clinics in training and barn management and consult with barn owners as to the management and organization of their farms.

I have been in the horse business for over 35 years. In that time I have managed a well-known hunter/jumper show facility, trained horses and riders at local and national shows and taught and coached for 14 years in equine college programs. Through all of this experience I have gained some good insight in training and management, through my successes and failures, that I would like to share.

I am starting this blog to share some of my knowledge as well as promote my business. I hope you will enjoy my posts and consider contacting me for training, clinics or consulting. I live in the Central New York area.