Do horses need Enrichment?

Do horses need Enrichment? 

What does enrichment mean for a horse? One of the best ways to think of it is encouragement of your horses’ natural behaviours by providing them with space, routine, and tools for stimulation.  

There is no denying that enriching a horse’s environment is beneficial for a horse’s welfare, as it provides behavioural wellness helping them have happy and healthy lives.  

Benefits of enrichment 

• Reduces stress in nervous horses 

• Helps with behavioural issues  

• Encourages natural foraging behaviour 

• Reduces boredom 

• Assists in reducing stress for horses recovering from injury that maybe confined for extended periods of time. 

• Helps horses that maybe stabled or paddock alone and don’t have the herd interaction they would get naturally 

• Keeps horses stimulated that may spend longer periods of time in a stable environment and don’t have access to a paddock 

• Lowers the chance of developing bad habits such as cribbing or pacing (box walking) 

Enrichment can come in many different forms, and you don’t have to spend a lot of money. Equipment can be home made or there are certain stimulating toys available to purchase. Some good ideas for stimulation can include 

• Horse safe toys 

• Slow feeders 

• Paddock design or changes to a paddock 

• Alternating paddocks regularly   

• Turning your horse out in a group rather than on their own, after all horses are a herd animal.  

It doesn’t take a lot to provide some enrichment for your horse and what you provide will vary depending on your horse’s individual situation. The aim is to get your horse foraging, moving and socialising in a safe way. Make sure what ever you do decide is safe and suitable for you, your horse, and the goal you are trying to achieve.