Horses are movement-adapted animals that evolved covering large distances daily. Regular turnout to pasture or paddock is a fundamental welfare requirement that many stabled horses lack.
The practice of keeping horses stabled for 22+ hours per day is widespread in competitive equestrian contexts and contradicts basic equine behavioral needs. Many stereotypies (crib-biting, weaving, box walking) are directly attributable to restriction of movement, forage access, and social contact — all provided by appropriate turnout. Welfare-conscious horse management increasingly emphasizes the "five domain" model, which places behavioral freedom and positive experiences at its center. Turnout is one of the simplest and most effective ways to improve horse welfare.