The Behavior of Horses Stabled in a Large Group at Essential Resources (Watering Point and Lying Halls).

This study examines the behavior of a large group of horses in stable conditions, focusing mainly on their drinking habits and rest positions, with the goal of making improved animal management suggestions related to optimal watering and resting spaces.

Study Methodology

• The research involved the observation of 51 horses that were stabled together.
• Over the course of 18 days, the researchers monitored and documented drinking events and the interactions between pairs of horses at the watering point.
• The study also evaluated the time horses spent at the watering point.
• Data on the horses’ resting behavior and their preference for sternal (chest-down) or lateral (side) resting positions were collected over 36 days.
• The researchers used generalized mixed models for the analysis of these behaviors.

Key Findings

• The study found that the time of the day significantly influenced drinking behavior, with a notable increase in drinking events around midday (12 noon-2 p.m.), which was also the main occupancy time for the watering point.
• Visible interaction, which includes mild disagreements such as laying back of ears or tightening of the face, was observed in around 57% of drinking events.
• Among resting positions, horses showed a preference for sternal positioning (chest-down) as compared to a lateral one (lying on the side).
• There were age-related differences in behavior: older horses spent less time in the sternal position and were more inclined to rest while standing when compared to younger horses.

Study Implications

• The research offers potentially useful insights for managing horses in large groups, especially in designing better watering points and rest areas.
• By understanding individual and group behaviors around essential resources, improvements in management and design can provide a more comfortable and stress-free environment for stabled horses.
• The findings, which indicate age-related variances in drinking and resting behaviors, may help caretakers adjust resource allocation and management strategies depending on the age of the horses.