It is important that horse owners remember that horses were not meant to be
stabled for long periods of time. In the wild they run free; keeping them stabled can lead to a number of
bad habits such as weaving, cribbing, and an all around bad attitude. Help keep your horse physically and
mentally healthy by providing distractions when they're in the stable for the long haul.
1. Keep your horse in a stall that has a view or a window. Being able to look
outside and watch things will occupy their attention. If they can't see to the outside world, then try to give
them a spot where they can watch activity in the barn. Keep them near other horses as well. Remember! Horses
are herd animals, they are used to be around others of their species and become agitated if they can't. They
may not be able to see their fellow horses, but being able to hear and smell them will keep them
calmer.
2. Avoid grain. Grain gives high energy and can cause a number of health issue
if a sedentary horse is given too much. Give your horse as little, and if possible NO grain, to help avoid them
becoming too energetic and bored in their stall.
3. Do give hay. Lots of hay. Make a hay net, tie up a bunch of hay in it, then
wrap that in two more hay nets so your horse has to work at getting small bunches of hay out. They love to chew
hay, it is a natural and healthy way to keep them busy munching all day long. Horses in the wild graze
constantly and by doing this you can simulate the wild grazing attitude in a stalled horse.
4. Provide lots of toys for your horse. There are a number of stable toys that
can be purchased, but also a number of inexpensive home-made toys that you can provide your horse. Consider
filling a milk jug with treats, drilling a few holes in it and throwing it in. Your horse will love rolling it
around and receiving the treats. Or, hang some ropes from the roof of the stall and tie a few knots in them.
Your horse will have lots of fun tugging the ropes and untying the knots.
5. Remember being sick in bed when you were a little kid? How boring it was
and how much you wished someone would come play with you? That is how your horse feels when they're left in
their stall for long periods of time. Be sure that, even if you cannot ride, you spend time with your horse
reminding them that you love them, teaching tricks, and grooming.
Related Articles
Stable Building Tips
Bedding Pros and Cons
Mucking Out Your Horse's Stall
Feeding Your Horse
What To Feed Your Horse
Giving Up Your Horse
Horse Grooming
Do Horses Need Shoes?
Teeth and Horses
Winterizing Your Barn
Preparing to Travel With Your Horse
Winter Care for Horses
Preventing Barn and Stall Boredom
Tips for Traveling with Your Horse
Stable Requirements: Building
the Space to Meet Your Horses' Needs
Preparing Your Horse for Hot Weather
Tips for Maintaining Your Horse Trailer
Proper Hoof Care
Why Braiding Horse Hair is Beneficial to
Their Health
Tips for Taking Care of an Older Horse
How to Keep Your Horse Fed on a Budget
Transitioning Horses from Winter Feed to
Spring Feed
Why You Should Feed Your Horse Flaxseed
Dealing With an Unhappy Horse in Their
Stall