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With the weather on the turn and the rain already coming down, you might be starting to worry about balancing winter turnout and protecting your fields from too much damage. This time of year can be hard for stabled horses who don’t have access to turnout all year round, or for those of you who need to look after your fields to keep them lush for next spring.

With the amount of rain we’ve had so far this winter and with the delightful British weather it’s only going to increase going into winter, turning horses out on wet ground can do irreparable damage to the grass. As horses churn up the wet ground, it causes soil compaction which damages the soil structure and makes it hard for new grass to grow. The deep divots and hoof prints can lead to water logging and prevent drainage which creates boggy, uneven ground that is very hard to rectify come the better weather. Fields that have been ruined over the winter will look bare and uneven into the following year, and increases the percentage of weed growth, including plants like ragwort which can be very harmful to horses if consumed.

Monarch Equestrian Consort Horse Walker with Black Rubber Floor Pavers

After a dry summer, heavy down pours of rain can cause grass to grow at a faster pace than usual. You might have noticed your fields looking lush and green this autumn after such a dry summer and think now is the perfect time to put your horse out to get the last of the grass for the year. However, after a dry spell, grass that grows quickly will be higher in sugar content. This sugar surge can cause serious problems for your horse like laminitis and grass colic, so it’s important to monitor and control the amount of time they spend out on the grass.

So, with that said, you might be starting to worry about how to keep your horses exercise up whilst protecting your fields, and their health. That’s where we come in…!

You probably know us through our classic and iconic stables, but did you know Monarch also make horse walkers? Over the years we have honed our skills and understanding of horses and their needs to create a range of different horse walkers specifically designed for horses to receive their essential exercise safely and efficiently. Popular on small private stables through to bustling professional stables and racing yards, our horse walkers are now a staple in most set ups around the UK and the world.

How does a horse walker benefit me and my horse?

With the weather taking a turn and fields now too wet to safely turnout, popping your horses on the walker for as little as 15 minutes each morning can keep their bodies and their minds loose and supple, even when turnout is reduced. Putting your horse on the walker once or twice a day can perfectly complement their usual exercise routine, as well as being a great asset for horses coming back into work after time off or injury.

Hand walking and rehab can be a long, time-consuming activity, as well as risky if your horse is starting to feel fresh! A horse walker can reduce handling and therefore any unwanted accidents, whilst allowing you to expertly control how much time they’re walking for, which rein, and at what speed. With the sudden grass growth and sugar surge, vets across the country are recommending reduced turn out and increased exercise to combat laminitis, which can be hard to manage in the winter. Many of us work throughout the day, leaving the evenings and early mornings to get our horses done. With the night drawing in and the dark, cold mornings, getting your horse suitably exercised can be the bane of wintertime. This is where a walker becomes your trusty side kick, so you can get on with yard chores whilst your horse gets all the exercise they need- even if it’s too dark outside to ride!

Which horse walker is right for me?

Monarch offers a variety of different horse walker models, each designed to suit different set ups. Whether you have a small private yard with just a few horses, or a professional operation with multiple horses needing exercise throughout the day, we’ve got the right walker for you to maximise your time.

If you’re after a simple, smaller walker to fit into your private yard, The Royal is what you’re after as our entry level and most affordable walker model. With its attractive price tag, it is still crafted with the highest quality and all the essential features to prioritise your horses’ comfort and safety.

Perhaps you need something larger, with a few more bells and whistles to accommodate a busy yard?  The Consort and Sovereign models were specifically created with professional yards in mind. Designed to make the lives of grooms and riders easier, as well as accommodating highly strung or particularly large competition horses.

All our walkers now come with these additional features as standard:

• Electronic control box
• Double sided sprung loaded pushers
• Electrified pushers (perfect for stallions!)
• Assisted braking system
• Full or part roof
• Watering system to keep your horses hydrated
• Dog Bone rubber floor pavers

So if you’re worrying about making the winter work without turnout, then give us a call (01902 605566) or get in touch and we can help you come up with the perfect, bespoke solution to manage the winter and keep your horses feeling in tip top condition, whatever the weather throws at us.