Companion Animals

Horse Stable Management and Boredom Prevention

Horses stabled for long periods face welfare challenges from boredom and social isolation, requiring active management to maintain psychological wellbeing.

Key Facts

Horses evolved to move 10-20 km daily and spend 16 hours foraging
Long stable periods cause stereotypies including crib-biting, weaving and box-walking
Slow feeder nets extend hay consumption time and reduce boredom in stabled horses
Visual contact with other horses from the stable reduces isolation stress
Turn-out for even 4-6 hours daily significantly reduces stereotypy development

Welfare Considerations

Stable confinement creates significant welfare challenges for horses. Maximising turn-out time, providing social contact and using hay management strategies are essential for stable welfare.

What You Can Do

Maximise daily turn-out for stabled horses and provide companion species if solo
Use slow feeder hay nets to extend foraging time during stable periods
Ensure stabled horses have visual contact with other horses at all times