Owning a horse can be a rewarding experience, and you want your horse to always have the best life possible. However, it can be challenging for you to feel as though you are giving your four-legged friend the best when they are stuck in stables during the winter and early spring months.

Bad weather in winter and spring inevitably means that your horse will be stabled more than you or they would prefer, leaving them bored and perhaps even increasing their stress levels.

Here, we will look at how you can alleviate your horse’s boredom during stabling and lower their anxiety to keep them relaxed until spring comes.

Encourage movement

It is all too easy for your horse to remain lying down or standing still when in their stable, so it is important to encourage them to move around as much as possible in the limited space. You can do this by hanging their hay in different parts of the stable so they need to shift about in order to reach all of it. This movement will keep them healthy and stop them from feeling bored.

Groom frequently

You will be stopping by to see your horse all the time to check on them, feed them, and clean out their stable. However, this does not always translate to a boredom busting kind of quality time. In order to help relieve their boredom when stabled, you should groom your horse more frequently. It can be difficult to fit enough grooming in during the busier and more outdoorsy summer months, so why not take this opportunity? Not only will this help your horse feel more relaxed, but it will also build your bond with them.

Feed creatively

When stabled, horses will be getting a lot less exercise, so you may wish to reduce the number of treats they consume. There is no need to cut out treats or extra food entirely – and you can even make a game of it. Some feeder toys are designed to be hung in stables, giving your horse a challenge so they can get their treat.

Better together

Horses are incredibly sociable creatures, so it can be especially difficult for them to be stabled away from their field mates for long stretches of time. This can make them feel lonely, even if you are regularly stopping by to check on them. Where possible, try and stable your horse next to another horse that they know in order to reduce their loneliness.

The natural way

If you notice signs of pet stress in your horse, then Pet Remedy is a great, natural way of calming them down. With products suitable for many different species of animal, Pet Remedy can help your horse to feel more settled without the need for sedation. This can be a powerful tool in supporting your horse during those difficult winter and early spring months.

The beginning of the year can be a challenging time for horses, but with a little creativity and patience, you will soon be enjoying the sunshine together again.