Horses are grazing animals meant to roam large areas, forage for food, and engage in social behaviors with other horses. Ideally, they should have ample space to graze and move around. However, modern living conditions sometimes mean we have to adapt. If you have limited land for your horse-keeping endeavors, here’s how to make keeping a horse on 1 acre or less work.
Maximize the Use of Space
When you have limited acreage, every square foot counts! Think of ways you can creatively divide your 1-acre plot into sections. You’ll need space for the horse to roam, a place for feeding, a stall or shelter for inclement weather, and perhaps an area for grooming or training.
- Turnout area. Set up a section of the property for your horse to graze and move around freely. If you can, rotate grazing areas (you can accomplish this using temporary or portable fencing materials) so your horse doesn’t overgraze and damage what little land he has.
- Shelter. Horses sometimes need protection from the elements. A run-in shed that provides shade and shelter from rain or wind is a great option that doesn’t take up much space. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but it should be sturdy and spacious enough (about 12 by 12 feet per horse) for your horse to lie down comfortably.
- Storage. With a small property, you might need to get creative with things like storage for feed, tack, and supplies. Find storage solutions that work in confined spaces, such as a weatherproof shed for hay or organizing tack in one of the rooms of your house. You might need to purchase hay and supplies in smaller quantities and restock frequently.
When designing the layout of your horse property, don’t forget to allow enough room for truck and trailer access. Also designate a safe space for grooming, tacking, and farrier and veterinarian visits. It could be as simple as a level, well-drained area with cross-ties or a hitching post.
Consider Your Horse’s Grazing Needs
Grass is an essential part of a horse’s diet, but you won’t be able to rely solely on your small patch of land to meet all your horse’s forage needs. In most cases, one acre won’t be enough to provide your horse with 24/7 access to fresh grass, especially if you live in a region with a dry climate.
- Supplementary hay. You’ll likely need to feed hay regularly. Be prepared to invest in the highest-quality hay you can, as it will make up a significant portion of your horse’s diet.
- Rotating pasture. Consider rotating small pasture areas to keep the grass from being overgrazed and to give the land time to recover.
- Slow feeders. Slow feeders can extend the time it takes for your horse to eat, simulating grazing and reducing boredom. They’re excellent for managing limited forage availability.
Create an Exercise Routine
Because your horse won’t have acres of space to gallop around, it’s important to provide him with regular exercise. This ensures he stays fit and mentally stimulated and helps reduce boredom or behavioral issues.
- Daily turnout. It’s important to let your horse get out and stretch his legs every day. If you don’t have a lot of pasture, consider adding a small paddock or even a round pen for exercise.
- Work in hand. You don’t need a large arena to get your horse moving. You can exercise him on a longe line, do groundwork, or use a round pen to encourage movement.
- Trail rides. If you’re close to trails or open land, ride your horse off-property to give him variety in his exercise routine.
Maintain the Land and Facilities
Keeping a horse on 1 acre or less means you must be proactive about land maintenance. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Manure management. Manure piles can quickly become overwhelming. Consider setting up a designated area for manure or composting it. Pick out your paddocks regularly—even daily, to keep this chore manageable—to avoid overloading the land with waste.
- Grazing quality: Over time, grass can get damaged if it’s not given time to recover. Be prepared to reseed grazing areas that have become bare. Providing free-choice hay and keeping up with pasture maintenance will help preserve your fields.
Social Interaction
Horses are social animals that thrive in the company of other horses. If you can’t house more than one horse on your property, consider getting a smaller companion such as a goat or pony to accompany your horse. If that’s not possible, you can still give your horse plenty of attention through grooming and groundwork. Toys and enrichment activities such as Jolly Balls, treat dispensers, or even simple obstacles can keep your horse engaged and occupied.
Take-Home Message
The size of your property doesn’t define the quality of care you can provide. When keeping a horse on 1 acre or less, you’ll simply need to be thoughtful about your horse’s space and needs. Maximize your space, provide him with good nutrition and exercise, and take good care of what land you have.
Related Reading:
- How Much Turnout Should a Horse Have?
- Does Your Horse Need a Barn?
- Horse Stall and Paddock Safety Checklist
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