1985 Volume 1985 Issue 22 Pages 1-7
The optimum size of field for yearling horses was assessed by observing the behavior of the horses and estimating their heart rate in fields of various sizes (0.2ha, 1.1ha, 1.5ha, 2.1ha and 4.2ha). Herds of three yearling horses each were pastured in the fields from 09:00 to 16:00. In the fields of 1.5ha, 2.1ha and 4.2ha, the horses interacted more frequently with one another and grazed longer on the site near the stables than on the other site. The distances of locomotion of each horse in the fields were 5000m to 7000m per 7 h. There was no significant difference in the mean distances of locomotion among the fields. A significant correlation was calculated between the heart rate and the number of steps during the period cantering (r=+0.752 p<0.001). The mean number of steps per period cantering (Y) increased with the expansion in size of the field (X) up to 1.5ha [Y=X/(0.02+0.02X)]. The locomotion of the horses at a canter was restricted in the fields of 1.5ha and less in size. In the fields over 2.1ha, it did not appear to be restricted.
