Horses are social animals whose natural herd living has been replaced by individual stabling that causes chronic stress and behavioral problems.
Individual stabling of horses is deeply normalized in the equestrian world despite being profoundly contrary to the social nature of horses. Horses evolved living in stable, bonded bands with continuous physical contact. Individual stalls prevent the mutual grooming, play, and synchronized activity that horses are motivated to perform. Stereotypic behaviors like cribbing and weaving, which develop in isolated horses and are largely irreversible once established, are behavioral welfare indicators with clear implications for horse psychological wellbeing. Group housing or paired turnout addresses the root cause.