Stress Less

The following factors help decrease stabling stress:

• Stall fronts and doors made of steel mesh or grillwork to increase your horse’s visual area.
• Grillwork or bars between stalls so horses can see and smell each other.
• Open windows.
• A second door or window facing outside to allow more visual and sensory stimulation; it also allows more light in the stall.
• A partial door or stall guard that allows your horse to put his head out of the stall.
• Adequate lighting.
• Good ventilation.
• Level flooring with adequate bedding.

Recommended management practices:

• Allow your horse to eat forage (hay or pasture) most of the day.
• Turn your horse out as much as possible.
• When turning out in groups, make sure horses are compatible so no horse is bullied.
• Provide an environment with interesting things for your horse to see and do (sensory, motor and cognitive diversity).
• Develop a training plan that provides proper exercise and gives your horse something he enjoys doing.

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