Open shed rows are basically box stalls in a row with doors which open to the outdoors. The doorway is often a split or Dutch door design to allow the upper half to be left open. This provides good ventilation and these are often used in mild climates and in some racetrack facilities. They can be cold places to work in most regions of Canada. Indoor exercise areas are an excellent addition to a horse facility, especially when the horses are housed indoors for lengthy periods of time or during inclement weather.
Regular exercise is essential.
The family group consists of horses which are housed closely together in the winter and are herd mates during the summer. Horse owners in Eastern Canada, likewise, use their indoor riding arenas as an indoor exercise paddock during inclement weather. However, they should be aware of the danger of using oil products on arena surfaces to control dust and, then, feeding the horses on the ground in the arena. Only new or virgin oil should be used. Contamination of feed and poisoning of horses can occur when old oil is used.