It is an unfortunate fact of life that sometimes our horses may be stuck inside. From injury that requires box rest to snow and ice that makes getting from the stables to the field a direct trip to A&E, sometimes it is unavoidable that our horses may be stabled for long periods of time. As animals that are designed to roam and constantly move throughout the day, this confinement to a box can lead some animals to boredom and subsequent stereotypic behaviours.

Stereotypic behaviours are basically coping mechanisms for stress. They are repetitive behaviours that don’t have a goal or function but provide a dopamine and endorphin hit that offers the horse relief. Examples include box-walking, weaving, and crib-biting. If the root cause is not found, these can lead to further complications such as injury or illness.  

Unwanted behaviours can be challenging to stop once they have started, so prevention is better than trying to cure or cope after they start! When our horses spend more time inside, finding ways to keep them engaged mentally and physically can help alleviate boredom and reduce the risk of developing problem behaviours.

Please note: If your horse is under veterinary-ordered box rest or supervision, double-check with your vet before you make any activities or changes to ensure that they support their recovery and won’t hinder them further.

So what can we do to help?

Feed Forage

Horses are trickle feeders, designed to eat for at least 16 hours a day. They require this fibre not only for gut health but also for their mental health. Studies have shown that a lack of forage increases the risk of an oral stereotypy, such as crib-biting developing, as horses find alternative behaviours to satisfy their need to chew.
Whether a horse’s time stabled has increased due to injury, poor weather or yard restrictions, they will require more supplementary forage (hay/haylage) than when turned out. This can be worrying for those with good-doers, but we can keep an eye on their waistline while providing enough forage and stimulation.

  • Soak hay to reduce calorie, sugar and fructan content. You can find more information about soaking hay here.
  • Hang multiple small-holed haynets. Instead of one haynet tied to the wall, how about providing a few haynets for them to move between and encourage their natural foraging behaviours? Research has shown that splitting the hay ration across multiple nets can extend eating time by up to 2 hours, win-win!
  • Try tying nets tied up in the middle of the stable, generally from the rafters. This can be a greater challenge as there is no wall for them to push it against for help, making hay last longer.
  • Haynets with small holes or hay balls can be ideal for eeking out their forage and making it last longer. Research has shown that it could extend eating time by 5 minutes per kilo.
  • Why not try different fibre sources? Chaffs and mashes like Fast Fibre and forage blocks can be provided as forage replacers or partial alternatives to give a little variety and interest that may help split up the longer hours when stabled.

Physical Enrichment

  • Stable mirrors are often recommended for horses stabled for long periods, especially those stabled out of sight of other horses or whose friends go out when they can’t.
    • The reflection is thought to reduce stress and help with separation anxiety
    • It is important that these are certified, horse-safe mirrors and not standard mirrors
  • Stable toys
    • Treat balls – a great way to trickle feed and keep them moving. Fill with healthy treats or high-fibre nuggets to keep starch and sugar levels down.
    • Purpose-made toys have blossomed on the market, with lots of variety available that some horses may enjoy playing with (and potentially destroying).
    • Licks – suitable licks can provide a great distraction, but only in the recommended amounts! We all know at least one horse who takes great pride in destroying licks or eating them like chocolate!
  • Wall-mounted scratching posts or pads may be a good option to give them something else to do and a good way to scratch, hopefully without knocking drinkers or rugs off the walls!

Physical Time

With lives so busy, sometimes just taking the time to be with your horse can be a great way to bond and provide them with some company. Why not get the big grooming kit out and have a long pamper session with your horse or pony? Not only does this physically affect their appearance, but grooming can also help promote good circulation and has been proven to reduce stress in horses. It also relaxes us, giving us some good one-on-one time with our favourite equines.