The size of paddocks or pasture land needed will depend on your horse’s size, or herd size, as well as levels of activity and diet – not to mention your own budget.

However, as a general guideline, the following is recommended:

• For paddocks, a minimum of 400sqm to 600sqm (4,300 square feet to 6,500 square feet) per horse will provide enough space to move around, graze, and engage in light exercise.

• Pasture size is usually put at 1.25acres to 2.5 acres per horse. This gives your herd ample grazing opportunities, exercise, and social interaction.

To ensure sustainable grazing practices, divide pasture land into smaller sections and rotate the horses periodically to allow the grass to recover and prevent overgrazing.

The type of forage available, the quality of grazing, and supplementary feeding practices will influence the amount of space required, so check with an equine specialist or nutritionist for further guidance.

Whether you opt for big paddocks, small paddocks or hectares of pasture land, one thing that is not negotiable is access to water. Horses need fresh water 24/7. You may also want to provide a shelter in the field, should the weather take a sudden turn for the worse.