Horses in the UK are frequently stabled for prolonged periods in winter. Understanding their social, behavioural and physiological needs in these conditions guides better winter management.
Horses stabled for long winter periods experience multiple welfare compromises simultaneously. The restriction of movement from a natural daily range of 20km to a stable floor area of 12-16 square metres causes frustration and contributes to the development of stereotypic behaviours. Social isolation from other horses causes chronic psychological stress. The dusty environment of many stables, even with appropriate bedding, impairs respiratory function. Feeding patterns that concentrate forage at two or three daily feeds rather than continuous slow grazing create prolonged gastric acid exposure that damages the stomach lining. Each of these stressors is individually significant, and their combination creates a substantial cumulative welfare burden.