Help to stop your horse getting bored (From Gazette & Herald)

Help to stop your horse getting bored

12:10pm Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Equestrian By Lisa Evans

WITH forecasters predicting plummeting temperatures and the onset of Arctic conditions during February, many horses seem likely to be spending longer periods of time confined to their stable.

This increases the need for equine entertainment and the good news is that an array of effective anti-boredom tools is available to horse owners.

Equine treats are often used as a reward, supplement or bribe. Many treats are herb or grass-based and flavoured with equine friendly apple, mint or carrot or more exotic flavours, such as banana or toffee apple.

Some treats contain ingredients with useful properties such as garlic or menthol.

Licks are available in a variety of styles, from tubs to hanging ropes, some of which are aimed for use in the paddock and others for the stable.

Encouraging the horse to lick mimics natural grazing behaviour and encourages the horse to salivate.

There is a variety of ball-type toys available, some plain and some with handles.

Some horses will kick a ball around; others will grab them by a handle and throw them around, although not all horses will interact with games.

Feeding balls can be useful to keep a horse entertained and help prevent boredom behaviour. They are available in an array of styles and colours, from simple balls to the wackier, 20-sided Decahedron.

These products encourage interaction as they feature small holes that release food as the horse rolls them around the floor.