If your horse spends a considerable amount of time turned out, then you might want to double check that their field is free of hazards. These are things that can hurt your horse or make them sick. No owner wants to find their horse in pain the next time they check on them.

Common Field Hazards to Be Wary Of

Broken fencing: Have you scanned the edges of your fields lately? It's important to routinely check your fencing before your turn out your horse. Look for things like broken boards, protruding nails, and sharp edges.

Dead branches: Broken branches that have fallen can be a hazard. They can cause your horse to trip or stumble. Your horse can also cut themselves, if the branch is sharp enough.

Toxic plants & trees: Do you know what's in your pastures? Some plants and trees can make your horse sick. Read up on toxic types and eliminate them! You can learn about a few of them here: 5 Common Plants That Are Toxic To Your Horse.

Standing water: Bugs like mosquitoes are drawn to stagnant water. You don't want a breeding ground in your horse's field. These blood-suckers with drive your horse mad. Some horses are even allergic to the bites.

Wild animals: It's your responsibility to scan your property regularly for unusual looking animals. They may be carrying rabies. Your horse should also be properly vaccinated against this disease. Furthermore, some animals like groundhogs dig holes that can be dangerous.

Mud: Thick, muddy conditions can be a slipping hazard to your horse. It can also lead to various skin conditions like scratches. Ideally, your farm should invest in gravel or all-weather material. Proper field management can also go a long way.

Tall grass: Try to keep your grass mowed to a reasonable level. Tall pastures can trap moisture and cause skin irritations and fungus. Be sure to also monitor the amount of rich grass your horse ingests. Some horses need to be restricted to avoid foundering.

It would be next to impossible to eliminate every hazard, but you can take steps to remove the obvious or very dangerous ones.