Category_Uutiset · hevoset · hyvinvointi · kuivikkeet · ruuansulatus · talli · tarhaus · ympäristö ·Sep 28, 2024

The impact of the stable environment on the horse's well-being

A horse’s environment has a significant impact on its well-being and its home stable is a place where it seeks comfort, security and rest. Horses are very sensitive to their environment and the conditions in the stable can either spread or increase stress. Creating a stable environment that is stable and low in stress is essential to maintaining a horse’s mental and physical health. Understanding and minimizing the causes of stress will ensure that your horse is in good overall health. Horses are prey animals with an innate need for security and routine. Stress can lead to a variety of problems, including digestive upset or ulcers, a weakened immune system, poor coat condition, and susceptibility to injury or disease. Prolonged stress can also manifest as stereotyped behavior disorders, such as aggression, weaving, or reluctance.

Common stressors

A calm stable environment allows the horse to rest properly, engage in natural behaviors, and maintain psychological well-being. Horses like routine. Irregular feeding, exercise, and exercise times can cause anxiety. Similarly, sudden changes in the daily schedule can trigger stress. If the stable is crowded and noisy, a constantly noisy stable can prevent the horse from resting properly, increasing its stress levels. Horses are herd animals and crave the company of other horses. Isolation or limited social interaction can lead to loneliness, anxiety and stress. While individual pens provide security, it is important that horses can see, hear and interact with other horses.

How to create a low-stress environment

The first step is to establish a consistent daily routine. Keep feeding, exercise and exercise schedules as regular as possible. Horses find comfort in predictability, and knowing when they will eat, exercise and rest reduces anxiety and increases a sense of security. Horses should also be given the opportunity to interact with each other. This can be done by designing open pens with bars or windows through which the horses can see and touch each other. In general, the stable should have good stable air , which is influenced by, for example, bedding materials and cleaning methods . The stable environment should also be kept quiet in terms of noise. If there are noisy activities near the stable, such as a busy road, you can try to schedule the busiest time to be when the horses are being groomed. Grooming or grazing with other horses is important for their social needs. In addition, soothing music can help to mask the noise that causes stress.

Enough stimulation

A horse must have enough stimulation. As a large animal, its pen alone must be large enough to allow the horse to move around easily. The horse should be able to lie down at full length, turn around and move around without major restrictions. A maximum size outdoor enclosure and longer time outdoors will reduce boredom. A horse will become frustrated if it is confined for too long. A well-maintained enclosure or pasture with varying terrain also provides mental stimulation. Toys such as hay sacks, balls or logs encourage exploration and play. This helps to reduce boredom and keep the horse mentally alert when indoors. If your horse is particularly sensitive, you can consider adding a small animal, such as a goat or donkey, as additional companionship, which will provide comfort and reduce loneliness when other horses are not around. Horses are herd animals and, according to the Animal Welfare Act, should not be kept alone. A stable and low-stress environment is of great importance for the well-being of a horse. By being able to take into account common stressors in horses and utilizing various strategies to reduce them, it is possible to create a safe haven for the horse. An environment that promotes both the horse's physical and mental health. A regular routine, social interaction, good stable air, sufficient space and stimulation help the horse feel safe. This in turn leads to better performance, a healthier body and fewer behavioral problems. Check out all of Biohansa's bedding products via this link . Remember to subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media to receive information about new products and current topics directly to your email. Also give us feedback on what topics you would like to read about on Biohansa's blog!

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Common stressors

How to create a low-stress environment

Enough stimulation