Las Vegas horse owners know the desert can be harsh—but your horse’s routine doesn’t have to be. One of the most overlooked essentials in equine care is daily turnout, especially in a desert environment like Southern Nevada.
In this post, we’ll explore why turnout is more than just a luxury — it’s a necessity for your horse’s physical and mental health. We’ll also show you how Best in the West Gaited Horses offers one of the best turnout programs in Las Vegas.
Why Is Daily Turnout So Important?
Horses weren’t designed to stand in a stall for 23 hours a day. Their digestive system, joints, and social instincts all depend on movement and stimulation. Let’s break down the top reasons your horse needs regular time outside:
1. Physical Health Benefits
- Improved Digestion: Horses that move more are less likely to suffer from colic.
- Stronger Joints and Tendons: Movement supports healthy musculoskeletal development and helps reduce stiffness or lameness.
- Healthier Hooves: Circulation improves when horses are allowed to walk, trot, and roam freely, even for a few hours a day.
2. Mental Wellness & Behavior
- Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Horses that get regular turnout tend to be calmer and less reactive.
- Fewer Stable Vices: Weaving, cribbing, and stall walking are often symptoms of boredom or stress.
- Better Focus Under Saddle: A horse with balanced physical and mental energy is easier to ride and train.
3. Supports Natural Herd Behavior
Horses are herd animals. Turnout in small groups allows them to interact, groom each other, and establish social hierarchies in a safe environment. This type of interaction builds confidence and improves overall demeanor.
The Unique Challenges of Turnout in the Desert
Las Vegas’s hot, dry climate presents specific challenges for turnout:
- Limited pasture: Traditional green turnout isn’t common due to water conservation, so footing quality becomes even more important.
- Extreme heat: Midday summer temps can soar above 110°F, which means smart scheduling and shade are crucial.
- Dust control: Clean, well-maintained footing helps prevent respiratory irritation.
At Best in the West Gaited Horses, we’ve designed our turnout program to address all of these concerns. Horses are turned out in the early morning or late evening during the hottest months, and our large paddocks are equipped with shade, water, and footing that’s soft but not dusty.
Turnout at Best in the West Gaited Horses
We offer daily herd turnout for all boarded horses as a core part of our care philosophy. Here’s what makes our program different:
- ✅ Large, well-drained arena is designed to promote movement
- ✅ Gentle herd groupings for safe social interaction
- ✅ Shade and water in every paddock
- ✅ Trained staff who monitor herd behavior and safety
- ✅ Seasonal turnout schedules adjusted for Las Vegas temperatures
We’re also experienced with all breeds, and we understand how to manage energy levels and social dynamics for different personalities.
Local Perspective: Why Daily Turnout Is Even More Important in Las Vegas
If you’re moving your horse from a cooler, more humid climate to the Las Vegas Valley, you might be surprised how much time your horse will spend in a stall unless you specifically choose a facility with turnout.
Many barns in Las Vegas offer stall-only boarding—and while that may be fine for short stays, long-term confinement can create major issues for your horse:
- Overfeeding due to low exercise
- Anxiety and stall aggression
- Laminitis or colic risk from lack of movement
That’s why choosing a facility like Best in the West, which prioritizes movement and horse wellness, is a game-changer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is daily turnout safe in the Las Vegas heat?
A: Yes—with precautions. We provide early morning or overnight turnout in our shaded arena and monitor horses closely. Hydration is a top priority.
Q: My horse doesn’t do well in groups—can you accommodate that?
A: Absolutely. We evaluate each horse’s temperament and can arrange turnout with a calm buddy or solo sessions if needed.
Q: What footing do you use in the turnout pens?
A: We use sand and decomposed granite blends designed for drainage and traction. We also clean and water regularly to minimize dust.
Q: How long will my horse be turned out each day?
A: It depends on the season, but most horses are out for at least 2–6 hours daily, adjusted for weather and temperament.
Your Horse Deserves More Than Just a Stall
If you’re looking for horse boarding in Las Vegas that prioritizes wellness, freedom, and movement, Best in the West Gaited Horses is the answer. Our thoughtful daily turnout program is just one of the ways we go above and beyond to care for your horse.
👉 Schedule a tour today to see our herd turnout program in action and give your horse the desert life they deserve.
📍 Serving Las Vegas, North Las Vegas, and surrounding areas in Southern Nevada.