A healthy horse’s foundation must be built on a happy, relaxed and content horse.As in humans anxiety is not good for your health and has consequences. The wellbeing of a horse is not just limited to the physical condition, social ties are one of the fundamental elements essential to the horse’s wellbeing.
Isolation and anxiety can present itself in different forms, a lack of companionship in the pasture or stable with no opportunity to see, smell touch or hear other horses has a detrimental effect.
Horses do not like to be alone, they are herd animals, weaning too abruptly,travelling horses alone, bullying within a herd or keeping horses alone causes separation anxiety.
This can cause unwanted behaviour and has consequences such as withdrawal, aggression, wind sucking, biting themselves, kicking and biting. This can be a dangerous situation,
Keeping the horse’s lifestyle as close to nature as possible is essential for a happy horse.
If your horse is on box rest or limited turn out limit the horse’s boredom with forage, hay nets, Perspex mirrors and treat balls. Gut support to soothe the gut helps the gastrointestinal tract maintain a healthy flora and avoid stress colics and gas build up, it will also help keep the horse comfortable on the inside. Make sure your horse has other horses for company, ensure your horse has exercise which is good physically and mentally.
Always think about your horse’s environment, a happy horse means a closer relationship between you and your horse.