Behaviour

Enrichment positively contributes towards a horse’s physical and mental needs for example, by creating a greater variety and choice, as well as the opportunity for natural foraging behaviour when a horse is stabled

Horses are kept stabled for many reasons, but one disadvantage is that this means they're in a confined space with restricted movement, feeding and interaction with other horses. So what more can we do to provide for our horses if they need to be stabled? 

Horses stabled for long periods can become bored and frustrated, especially when their exercise or interactions with other horses are limited

Box rest is unfortunately something a lot of horse owners will have to deal with at some point and this can be a difficult time for both the owner and the horse

Stereotypical behaviours (stereotypies) are repetitive behaviours with no obvious goal or function. They are rarely seen in animals in the wild and are most commonly found in domesticated animals and animals kept in captivity

Equine stress can be described as the horse trying to cope with an undesirable aspect of their environment or management, that is causing a negative effect on their emotional health