Horses kept in individual stables for much of the day show high rates of stereotypic behaviour, social isolation stress, and poor gastrointestinal welfare — management changes can dramatically improve outcomes.
Confinement in individual stables prevents horses from expressing most of their natural behaviour repertoire. The cumulative effect of restricted movement, social isolation, and inability to graze produces chronic frustration and the development of stable vices. Once established, stereotypies persist even if management improves. Prevention through maximum turnout and social housing is far easier than rehabilitation.