ANYONE who’s spent time around a stabled horse knows boredom can creep in. Horses can have hours of standing idle, waiting for the next feed, and it’s a far cry from the 20-mile wanderings and near-constant grazing of horses in the wild. A recent study from the University of California, Davis, has taken a closer look at how a few well-chosen stable enrichments might ease that monotony and the results are encouraging.

Nine horses were given access, in turn, to three different enrichment items: a hay feeder, an activity ball and a mirror. Each horse experienced every item across different times of day, while researchers monitored their heart and respiration rates using smart halters, and video-scored their behaviour.

Livelier engagement

Interestingly, the enrichments didn’t alter breathing rates, but they did increase heart rate slightly, a sign of livelier engagement rather than stress, the team suggests. The horses moved more, spent longer “foraging”, and showed fewer signs of frustration, particularly around midday when they weren’t expecting a feed.

The hay feeder came out on top, prompting behaviour patterns most like those seen in free-roaming horses.

Mirrors also had their moment, helping to calm evening heart rates, while the activity ball encouraged play and exploration. Across the board, enrichment made for more active, contented horses.

Lead author Miranda Brauns and colleagues conclude that simple additions to the stable can go a long way towards improving equine welfare. Though more research is needed on long-term effects, the message is clear: if your horse has to be in the stable in any sector, a thoughtfully-chosen item, be it a slow feeder, a mirror, or a toy, can make stable life that bit more natural and enjoyable for our horses.