Welfare of Domestic Horses During Extended Stabling

Horses kept in stables for extended periods without adequate turnout experience significant welfare deficits from restricted movement and social isolation.

Key Facts

Horses evolved to move up to 30 km per day grazing continuously
Stereotypic behaviors like cribbing and weaving develop in stabled horses
Digestive health in horses requires constant movement and forage intake
Horses are highly social and need visual and physical contact with other horses
Laminitis risk increases in stabled horses on high-concentrate diets

Welfare Considerations

Horses in stables for 23+ hours per day suffer from movement restriction, social deprivation, and digestive problems. Stereotypic behaviors including cribbing, weaving, and box walking develop as coping responses and once established are permanent. Lack of forage access causes gastric ulcers from excess acid production. Isolation from other horses causes anxiety. Competition stabling practices that prioritize convenience over welfare impose chronic suffering on horses that have adapted to near-constant movement and social living.

What You Can Do

Ensure horses have daily turnout with other horses whenever possible
Provide constant access to hay or other forage to maintain digestive health
Oppose management practices that confine horses excessively
Support horse welfare organizations advocating for minimum turnout requirements in competition contexts