Boredom Breakers for Horses

Once the clocks have gone back in the last weekend in October, many horses will spend more time in their stable. This is not only boring for them but can lead to stiffness, particularly in older horses and over-freshness in youngsters. So how do you beat the boredom for horses on restricted turn out?

Don’t despair, it’s not all gloomy! Use the extra hours to bond with your horse and have a bit of fun. Here are some great ideas for winter boredom busters, many of which could also be used for a stabled horse at any time. 

Fun and games

Horses enjoy being able to play! It’s understood that play behaviour is of great importance to a horse’s well-being, so much so that owners are now actively encouraged to use toys in the stable.

Horses are motivated by food and there are some inexpensive treat-reward orientated games you can easily set up for them:

• Apple bobbing  - you'll need a large diameter, shallow tub filled with water. Make sure it’s wide enough to be stable and not easily tipped over though
• Hanging swede - hang a swede on a piece of baling string from a beam in the stable if you have one.

There are many different toys on the market now, such as Likits. These come in different forms and act as a good source of entertainment to help enrich the space for your trusty steed whilst he's in his stable. Using the different Likit holders and their various levels of difficulty along with flavours will keep him entertained for hours.

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A feed ball has a unique internal baffle plate which limits the amount of food deposited on the ground at any one time. This slows the consumption rate which provides for a more natural trickle feeding pattern.

If you prefer a toy that doesn’t include food, there is a great range that can be added to your horse's stable to encourage play and help alleviate boredom.

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Drip feed hay

If your horse tends to eat his hay too fast, a small holed hay net will make it last longer. Keep him further entertained by hiding treats and pieces of carrot in the hay net as well.

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Equilibrium Munch Nets

The Equilibrium Munch Nets and blocks are perfect for keeping your horse entertained when in the stable. Use a Munch Net with one of the blocks to offer a lo-calorie, high fibre snack for your horse that will keep them entertained for hours. 

Choose from great flavours to help you horse including Calmmunch that contains magnesium, B vitamins, camomile, hops and vervain - well known for their calming properties. Vitamunch that is packed with selected vitamins, minerals and herbs. Airmunch which is a healthy, tasty, low calorie, low sugar, high fibre cereal-free snack that has been especially designed for horses and ponies that need respiratory and immunity support.

Build your bond

Another great way to fight boredom in the stable is to spend more time with your horse. Why not take him out of his stable and groom him somewhere else on the yard as this will at least give him a change of scenery.

Grazing your horse in-hand for short periods of time, which again is a great bonding experience for you both, is also good because he’ll be outside and have access to some fresh grass.

Most horses love being groomed and will enjoy your company even more if they’re stabled for long periods. Use the opportunity to form a deeper bond with your horse as well as to keep him looking smart. Grooming is also very good for improving circulation and coat condition. While you're both in the mood, why not pull his mane and tail too?

Exercise if it’s safe to do so

Walk your horse out in-hand a couple of times a day, providing the ground conditions are safe to do so. A few short walks are probably better than just one long one. Do bear in mind though that limited or no turnout means he’s likely to have more energy than usual and you can’t blame him for that. Just be ready for any sudden outbursts!