Walking On Volume 2, Issue 8, August 2015 | Page 14

Back to Basics

Six Tips to Reduce Stress in Domestic Horses
Horse stress can cause a variety
of equine health problems but it
is easy to spot and control. Stress
causes the release of cortisol, the
“fight or flight” stress hormone.
This is a good thing when the situation requires it, providing extra
energy to flee predators or other
dangers. Chronic exposure to stress
and the continued release of cortisol, however, will have a negative
impact on immunity, digestion,
behavior, reproduction and the
cardiovascular system. Gastric
ulcers, colic, and diarrhea may also
occur due
to stress.
So what
stresses out
a horse?
They’re
not on
deadline,
they don’t
commute
in heavy
traffic, they
don’t have
to manage
the complicated
school and sports schedules of their
children.
Typically, change to any of a
horse’s routine can cause an imbalance that leads to stress. Have you
changed feed? Different bedding?
Changed pastures or pasture mates?
Small changes can upset even the
biggest horse.
Here are some common sources
of horse stress and some tips to
overcome them:
1. Improper Feeding
14 • Walking On

In the wild, horses move and
graze. In fact, feral horses spend
70 percent of their time grazing. If
your horses are not on pasture, try
to feed at least four times a day at
regular intervals.
Some feeds provide too much
quick-release carbs. Consider
switching to a slow-energy feed.

experience of their environment.
Encourage exploration; don’t force
the issue.

2. Lack Of Exercise
Like people, a little exercise goes
a long way towards burning off
stress. A walk, a ride, additional
turnou B