GPS measurements
We used the WBT-202 produced by the company Wintec for all of our GPS readings. This is unfortunately no longer available. If I had to buy a new device, I would try the Transystem G-Log 760 GPS Logger.
We put the GPS tracker inside a freezer bag, tied both ends and attached it to a collar. We use our active stabling horses’ collars (produced by HIT for computerized feeding). In addition, I braid the horse’s mane through the freezer bag and the collar to prevent the transponder from slipping around the horse’s neck.
In August 2011, we equipped several horses with a GPS tracker for 24 hours to find out how much distance the horses cover in our various free range stabling facilities. Further measurements were taken in the following years. Here are the results. The link after the number of kilometers will take you to a picture of the tracks.
Free range stabling – mixed group (24h pasture, a lot of gras): average 10,27 km
| Gladdis | 12./13.10.2013 | 11,20 km |
| Gaby | 7./8.8.2011 | 8,78 km |
| Lombardy | 28./29.8.2011 | 8,87 km |
| Desiree | 16./17.8.2011 | 10,07 km |
| Shadow | 19./20.8.2014 | 12,41 km |
Free range stabling – gelding group 1 (24h pasture, less gras): average 10,03 km
| Filou | 12./13.8.2011 | 10,53 km |
| Merlin | 14./15.8.2011 | 10,88 km |
| Pirat | 17./18. 8.2011 | 8,67 km |
Free range stabling – diet group (4h pasture): average 5,54 km
| Nedernesse | 15./16.8.2011 | 6,14 km |
| Sörli | 28./29.8.2011 | 4,93 km |
We added a dividing fence, such that the horses has to walk a longer way, new average 6,51 km
| Kim | 7./8.8.2013 | 7,33 km |
| Gabriella | 16./17.6.2014 | 6,01 km |
| Mira | 19./20.9.2014 | 6,20 km |
Paddock trail 1 (4h pasture): average 8,68 km
| Mikado | 8./9.8.2011 | 8,78 km |
| Nugget | 8./9.8.2011 | 10,56 km |
| Wanda | 9./10.8.2011 | 6,07 km |
| Dublin | 9./10.8.2011 | 9,53 km |
| Diego | 9./10.9.2011 | 7,33 km |
| Ephraim | 9./10.9.2011 | 11,37 km |
| Style In | 15./16.9.2011 | 7,12 km |
Paddock trail 2 (4h pasture): average 9,25 km
| Jeremy | 3./4.9.2013 | 12,2 km |
| Weser | 29./30.8.2013 | 8,2 km |
| Charly | 26./27.9.2012 | 9,11 km |
| Punkt | 20./21.8.2012 | 7,50 km |
Please note: after consulting a professional surveyor, the results for the mini free range stables and especially the paddock box will probably be lower than the measurements given below. GPS trackers receive signals poorly or not at all when used inside a building. Add to this the +/- 3m inaccuracy rates specified by the manufacturers, the device will frequently record movement where there is none. For this reason, we stopped taking readings inside the boxes.
Mini free range stables (+ 4h pasture): average 5,20 km
| Rubinio | 28./29.8.2011 | 4,08 km, (2,12 km in the stables, 1,16 km way to pasture and 0,8 km on pasture) |
| Armani | 25./26.8.2011 | 5,20 km, (3,46 km in the stables, 0,84 km way to pasture und 0,9 km on pasture) |
| Harmonie | 25./26.8.2011 | 6,33 km, (4,83 km in the stables, 0,5 km way to pasture, 1km on pasture) |
Horse box with paddock (+ 4h pasture): average 3,85 km
| Guiness | 24./25.8.2011 | 3,85 km, (2,35 in box and paddock, 0,7 km way to pasture and 0,8 km on pasture) |
The results up to now
- Most of the horses make extensive use of all the space at their disposal (even if they do appear to keep only to certain spots).
- The mini free range stables are a significant improvement on the paddock boxes.
- Most horses will only walk to the trough 2-3 times in 24 hours. Water apparently creates less of an incentive to move than oats or hay. It also shows that horses that graze for 4 hours do not necessarily need a water supply in the grazing areas.
- Different horses have different exercise needs. There are significant differences, even under the same weather conditions and between horses kept in the same manner.
- Our gelding group’s active free range stable currently creates the best exercise incentive.
The Author
Dr. Tanja Romanazzi, vintage 1970, studied computer science and physics and completed her doctorate in multi media technology.
Following the birth of her first daughter in 2000, established a riding stable near Dresden, now home to over 80 horses, more than 25 years of experience with her own and other people's horses, eventing (dressage) up to the highest levels, foal training.
Trained as an alternative veterinary practitioner at the BTB (Bildungswerk für therapeutische Berufe - training centre for therapeutic professions), REIKI (grade III) and three years of study at the German School for Radionics.
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