Stable Enrichments for Horses

How to Avoid Boredom in the Stable

Stable enrichments are important since they provide mental stimulation and physical activity for your horse. Horses are naturally curious and active animals, without adequate stimulation they can become bored and develop behavioral issues such as cribbing, weaving, and stall walking. Enrichment also helps to promote natural behaviors, like foraging, and can improve overall well-being.

Indoor Enrichments for Your Horse

One form of indoor enrichment is the use of a scratching mat or old broom head. These items can help horses to relieve itching and scratching that they may not be able to reach on their own. The act of scratching can help to reduce stress in horses. The construction of such scratching stations can even be done by yourself and can be easily attached to the stable walls.

Providing toys or other items for the horse to interact with can also keep your horse mentally and physically engaged. These can include balls, blocks, or even a small pool to splash in. Hanging toys, such as ropes or balls, from the ceiling are especially popular for horses to play with. These items can provide both physical and mental stimulation for the horse and can help to break up the monotony of being confined to a stall or small paddock. This is especially important for horses on box rest or with only little turnout time.

There are also lots of toys that can be associated with food, such as a hay ball or play ropes with snacks integrated to nibble on. Providing these types of puzzle feeders can be helpful to encourage natural foraging behaviors and keeping the horse engaged.

Another form of indoor enrichment is the use of music. Playing music to your horse can provide them with new and unusual sounds and get it used to them. Studies have shown that listening to classical music can even lower a horse’s heart rate, which can have a calming effect on the animal.

DIY Scratching Station for Horses

Here is a simple guide to build a scratching station for horses using old broom heads:

1. Gather materials: You will need several old broom heads, a saw, screws, and a drill.

2. Cut the broom heads: Using the saw, cut the broom heads from the broom handle.

3. Assemble the scratching station: Take the cut broom heads and attach them to a piece of wood or other sturdy material using screws and a drill. The broom heads should be facing outward, so the horses can easily scratch against them. Make sure the screws are deep and secure so your horse can’t hurt himself.

4. Install the scratching station: Hang the scratching station in a location where your horse can easily access it, such as in their stall or in a pasture. Make sure it is securely attached so it won’t fall off and hurt the horse.

5. Monitor the horse’s use of the scratching station: Check the scratching station regularly to ensure it is still secure and the broom heads haven’t become too worn down. Replace or repair as needed.