Spatial Utilization by Domestic Horses Using GPS Tracking

Abstract

Domestic horses rely on movement to support physical health, behavioral expression, and welfare, yet opportunities for locomotion are often constrained in managed environments. This study examined how field size, environmental conditions, and daily temporal patterns influence the spatial behavior of domestic horses using four months of continuous GPS tracking at a commercial boarding facility. Horses were turned out in 29 fields ranging from small paddocks to multi-acre pastures under routine management conditions. Field size emerged as the strongest predictor of movement distance, with horses in very small enclosures traveling substantially less than those in moderately sized pastures. Horses also exhibited pronounced daily movement patterns, traveling the greatest distances during daylight, particularly in the afternoon, and the least at night. Weather effects were modest; temperature showed a small positive association with movement, whereas dew point and precipitation did not significantly predict locomotion once time of day and field size were considered. Movement declined in April, a pattern that may reflect management changes, seasonal pasture conditions, or other unmeasured factors. Together, these findings highlight how spatial provision, management routines, and biological rhythms interact to shape locomotor behavior in domestic horses. The results inform welfare-oriented management strategies that prioritize adequate space and demonstrate the value of consumer-grade GPS technology for assessing equine spatial behavior in real-world settings.