Whether we care to admit it, those pesky winter months are fast approaching us and we all know what that can mean for horse owners up and down the country.
Saying farewell to the glorious summer evenings and hello to those early sunsets means that we not only have to dig out those winter coats and rugs but also stable our horses for the most of the day.
Whilst there are those horses who are accepting of this change there are some that may find being enclosed somewhat “depressing” for want of a different phrase. You can picture their faces now, standing at the door to their stable staring wistfully at the field they can just about see.
You may also see signs that they are finding the daily standing routine that little bit boring and a bored horse can not only mean a unhappy horse, but perhaps one that can misbehave too.
Unfortunately we cannot do anything about the weather, as much as that would be the best option for the problem, but what we can do things about is making sure that your horse isn’t quite so inclined to feel the misery of a stable life as they might otherwise.
One thing that many people tend to do is to leave a radio on during their periods alone as this will alleviate some of the loneliness and associated stress that the horse may feel. However this won’t cure the boredom that can arise from being alone for any stretch of time.
Luckily, with this in mind there have been some great products designed that are ideal for keeping that boredom at bay. One of these is the Elico Equine Decahedron
Elico Equine Decahedron £15.95
A fantastic item that has been designed by one of the biggest names in the market. This effective tool is so simple; filled with pony nuts or treats you can keep your horse entertained for some time and also it can double up as a trickle feeder during the day.
Another option that you can consider is the Elico Gold Label Stop Chew Liquid;
Elico Gold Label Stop Chew Liquid
This little bottle can really help you when it comes to one of the bad behaviors that can develop when a horse becomes bored during stabling. It contains not only a bitter taste when eaten but also can cause tingling on the skin when touched. We suggest popping this on surfaces that you have noticed your horse licking or chewing to stop the behaviour
These are just a couple of great hints to keep in mind if you discover that your horse is suffering from the stable blues. However the main tip we can provide is that you try to get your horse out and about as much as you can. This can be a simple walk by hand around the yard or perhaps just allowing them stretch their legs at the riding school.
Of course, you should also remember that it is only for a few months, those spring mornings won’t be too far away!