What is free-range horse keeping?
Free-range keeping is a horse management system in which the animals live in a herd on pasture and paddock, with free access to a covered shelter and - in our case - a forest area (protection from sun, wind and weather conditions). The horses decide for themselves when, where and how to seek shelter.
At Horseback, we meet all recommendations of PZHK (Polish Horse Breeders Association) and relevant legal regulations
- ✓Free access to shelter
- ✓Constant access to clean water
- ✓Balanced diet
- ✓Life in a herd (social contact)
- ✓Freedom of movement
- ✓Regular veterinary care
- ✓Regular hoof trimming (farrier)
- ✓Work rotation and rest
The free-range system is one of the permissible horse keeping systems in accordance with the Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of 28 June 2010.
Legal basis: Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of 28 June 2010 on minimum conditions for keeping farm animal species (Journal of Laws 2010 No. 116, item 778)
isap.sejm.gov.pl
PZHK recommendations: "Good practices in horse breeding and keeping with PZHK recommendations" (2020)
pzhk.pl (PDF)
More about our approach to the care of animals we love and respect: Animal Welfare Policy
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
"Where is the stable?"
Our horses do not need a stable - they have a covered shelter and their own forest area, which they use as they see fit. This horse keeping system, known as free-range, complies with legal regulations and PZHK recommendations.
"Don't the horses get cold in winter?"
A healthy, well-nourished horse with a full winter coat tolerates low temperatures (including severe frost). The horses have access to shelter and an appropriate diet. The free-range system is used year-round, including for noble breeds, provided proper acclimatisation. Research shows that horses in free-range keeping get sick less often than stabled horses.
"Are the horses really happy here?"
Let us measure horse welfare by equine standards, not human ones. A warm home is normal for a human, but for a horse - it contradicts nature.
"Is this legal?"
Yes. The Regulation of the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development of 2010 explicitly provides for the free-range (open) system as one of the permissible horse keeping systems.
"My grandfather never let the horse out when it rained"
We respect tradition, but knowledge about horse welfare evolves. At Horseback, we always follow current legal regulations and the latest recommendations of the Polish Horse Breeders Association (PZHK).