Yet another benefit of turnout

Research shows that turnout helps horses coming back after an injury regain their fitness more quickly and smoothly.

New research from Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) suggests that regular turnout can help horses ease back to fitness after a layup.

**Regular turnout can help horses ease back to fitness after a layup.** (Getty Images)

The MTSU study was grounded in practical concerns, says Jenelle Stellmack, BS, MS. “The inspiration was the safety and well-being of our school horses as they get brought back into ridden work after our annual summer break,” explains Stellmack, who headed the research as part of her master’s thesis work. “There wasn’t a history of injuries to the school horses following any breaks, but confirming fitness in relation to the prevention of injuries is a top priority for us.”