Foraging enrichment for stabled horses: effects on behaviour and selection.

This study investigates how providing multiple forage sources, instead of a single one, can impact behaviours of competition horses that have limited access to pasture. The findings suggest that a varied forage environment may lower the exhibition of anxious and redirected behaviours, potentially benefiting the welfare of stable-confined horses.

Objective and Study Design

• The purpose of this research was to understand the effect of foraging enrichment for racehorses that have limited or no access to pasture. The researchers hypothesised that giving these horses access to multiple types of forage might reduce disruptive behaviours linked to stress or boredom.
• In four independent trials, different groups of up to 12 horses were introduced to two identical stables. One stable had a single type of forage, while the other provided six different types. The animals were allowed to forage for 5 minutes, and the trials were recorded for later analysis.

Evaluation of Behaviour

• The researchers identified 12 distinct behaviours during the foraging process. These were used as indicators of the horses’ psychological state.
• When the only available forage was hay, the horses in the single-forage stable exhibited more restless behaviours. They looked over the stable door more often, moved for longer periods, spent more time foraging on straw bedding, and showed more signs of frustration or a desire for more options.
• Even when the horses’ previously preferred forage was the only choice, these behaviours persisted, further suggesting that variety and choice mattered to the animals.

Implications for Horse Welfare

• Though these trials were short, they provide initial evidence that forage enrichment could be beneficial for horses, especially those in stables with limited access to diverse food options.
• The horses showed signs of satisfaction when given a range of choices for foraging, suggesting that they are motivated to exhibit natural foraging behaviour. This could potentially reduce the consumption of non-food items like straw and reduce undesirable behaviours.
• Further research is needed to understand the long-term effects of foraging enrichment for stabled horses, but these early results imply that providing multiple forage options could be a valuable tool in improving horse welfare.