Horses are, after dogs, considered some of the closest creatures to mankind. Your bond with your horse is truly special, which makes it hard to see them in distress. If your horse is displaying signs of stress, you may be trying to find the root cause and wondering how you can alleviate it. Here, we will explore some of the main causes of horse stress, and discover how you can better support your horse during these challenging times.
Signs of horse stress
You may find it difficult to initially spot signs of stress in horses, as some can be quite subtle – others are more notable. If your horse is suffering from sudden weight loss, gastric issues or diarrhoea, this could well be down to stress. Other clues could be an increase in illnesses as your horse’s immune system becomes weakened.
You might note behavioural changes – no one knows your horse as well as you, and if their behaviour changes to become more erratic, less obedient, or more withdrawn, all this could point to an increase in their stress levels.
Causes of horse stress
There are many different causes of stress in horses. It can be something as simple as your horse being around a loud noise that causes them distress, or them being around other animals for the first time. You may also notice signs of stress in your horse if you are walking them around traffic – this can take a while for some horses to become used to, and can be harder on some than others.
Another common cause of stress is transportation. Being in a confined space travelling alone can be intensely stressful for horses, as can arriving in an unfamiliar location.
One of the other reasons a horse can become anxious is a change in their diet and exercise routine – especially if they need to rest after an injury.
How to help
If you think your horse may be stressed, there are some ways you can help. You should try and be consistent with their routine to minimise anxiety caused by uncertainty, as well as keeping to their feeding routine. Monitor their social interactions with other animals and people in order to ascertain whether this is a cause of anxiety for them, and try to keep any instances of travel as smooth as possible. Provide your horse with familiar food and hay to give them a sense of their usual surroundings.
Try Pet Remedy
Pet Remedy is suitable for all mammals, providing natural calming for all kinds of pet stress. With a special equine range designed to ease your horse’s anxiety no matter what the situation, it starts to help immediately. You can help your horse to calm down with no need for sedation, so that they will be more attentive and settled, making it easier for them to respond to you. Widely used by vets across the UK and the rest of the world, it is a great way to support your horse during stressful times.
