"We have all had to keep our horses in a stall at one point or another; and if you haven’t yet, just wait because you will! There are a variety of reasons a horse could be kept in a stall whether its a short period of time due to an injury, a trip to the vet, an overnight at a show or campground, or boarding your horse that may need to be kept in a stall part of the day to maintain the pasture or rotation grazing." 

"No matter the reason, having a horse that is calm and comfortable in a stall is a great life skill for them! Because a stall doesn’t allow the same amount of movement or natural grazing environment - horses can become bored fairly quickly. Here are some tips to keep your horse from boredom in their stall!"

Keep Forage in Front of Them

"This is number one for a few big reasons. The first being horses are natural grazers; we want to have our horses grazing on forage for as long as possible during each day - mimicking a natural grazing environment. Second reason is it can be the best boredom buster. Horses will be kept occupied munching, chewing, and picking through their forage."

"One of my favorite things to keep forage in front of them longer, keep them occupied with activity - and the bonus of no wasted hay - is implementing the use of hay nets or nibble nets into the feed program. Fill the net up with your horse’s forage and watch them enjoy the simulated grazing activity."

The Benefits to Slow Hay Feeders

By extending feeding time, a slow hay feeder can help occupy your horse's attention and provides a mentally engaging activity. Some slow hay feeders are designed to mimic the natural grazing posture by placing the hay at a lower level, closer to the ground. This encourages your horse to adopt a more natural head-down position, which helps promote better respiratory function and overall musculoskeletal health.

Slow hay feeders often incorporate mechanisms or designs that require the horse to work a bit to access the hay. This can involve pulling hay through small openings, navigating a maze-like structure, or manipulating certain parts of the feeder. By engaging in these problem-solving activities, your horse is mentally stimulated and challenged while obtaining their food.

Improved digestion and gut health! Slowing down hay consumption through a slow hay feeder allows for better digestion. It encourages horses to chew thoroughly, stimulates saliva production, and helps prevent digestive issues such as colic or gastric ulcers. By promoting a healthier digestive system, your horse will be more comfortable and less prone to gastrointestinal problems.

NRS Top Picks : Texas Haynet 3 String Square Bale Net - can hold one full sized 3 string square bale with 2x2 openings | Haygain Steamer - improves the hygienic quality of forage, thereby reducing the threat from respirable dust, mold spores and pathogens to produce highly palatable and nutritious forage | High Country Plastics Slow Feeder Saver - slows down hay consumption and keeps hay contained. 

Stall Toys & Treats

"After forage, stall toys and treats are a great tool to help keep your horse happy and stimulated while they are in a stall. Each horse is different but here are some of the stall toys I use in my program:"

Jolly Ball - "Some horses aren’t into it, but the ones that tend to be mouthy… LOVE them! Walking around with them, biting them, and even throwing them at their neighbors."

Uncle Jimmy's Hanging Balls - "These are a fun treat that every horse enjoys. I use them in moderation and monitor consumption, but this will keep your horse entertained for hours."

Salt Rocks & Lick Tubs - "Encourages licking and then encourages water consumption, a double win!"

Hay or Treat Balls - "These are great as your horse must move it around the stall to get to the hay or treats out.  Keeps them busy while they are working on it and slows down the rate of consumption."

Stable toys and treats provide your horse with environmental enrichment! Introduce novel and safe items in the stall to keep your horse engaged, devices like treat balls, licks and slow feeders require the horse to work for their food, stimulating their problem-solving skills and provides mental stimulation.

TopWind Ranch Toy & Treat Picks : Jolly Ball - can be pushed, pulled and stepped on, comes in unscented and scented (apple, peppermint, banana, blueberry) | Uncle Jimmy's Hanging Balls - great tasting, all natural and is packed with vitamins and minerals | Tough 1 Himalayan Rock Salt - 100% all natural and comes with rope | Uncle Jimmy Big Lick Starter Kit - reduced mess and stickiness, refills are available in apple, carrot and molasses.

Turnout & Exercise 

"There are times in a horse’s life it cannot be exercised or turned out.  In most cases, when movement is not restricted, making sure your horse is getting adequate time outside will help with boredom when they do need to be in their stall."

"Pasture or Paddock turnout so they can run, buck, roll, play and graze on grass. Maintaining an exercise program that can include riding, groundwork, or time on the hot walker goes a long way in fighting boredom when its time to being stalled."

Whenever possible, provide your horse with ample turnout time in a safe and secure paddock or pasture. This allows them to graze, move around, and socialize with other horses, reducing stall boredom. 

Mental stimulation often goes hand in hand with physical activity. When horses are mentally engaged, they are more likely to move around, play, and explore their environment. This increased activity can contribute to improved muscle tone, joint flexibility, and overall physical fitness. It also helps prevent issues such as stiffness, obesity, and muscle atrophy that can arise from prolonged stall confinement.

Horses that are mentally stimulated and engaged are less likely to develop destructive or undesirable behaviors. They are less prone to boredom-related vices and are more likely to exhibit positive behaviors. Mental stimulation can help redirect their focus and energy towards more appropriate activities, reducing the likelihood of boredom-induced behavioral problems.

Featuring : Horsemen's Pride Mega Jolly Ball 40in - fun way to exercise and helps relieve boredom

Horses, like any other intelligent and social animal, can experience boredom and frustration when confined to a stall or limited space for extended periods. This is why its so crucial to provide mental stimulation, take advantage of these long periods of stall time and provide some one-on-one interaction. 

Spending time engaging with your horse and providing mental stimulation can strengthen the bond between you and your horse. It allows for positive interactions, builds trust, and enhances your relationship. Take time aside for grooming and massage sessions so your horse can obtain some relaxation and mental stimulation.Consider playing calm and soothing music or audio recordings of natural sounds in the barn to create a more enriching environment for your horse. If hand grazing is approved by your veterinarian or the horse's condition allows it, hand grazing can be a gentle bonding gesture and allows the horse to graze fresh grass or hay under your supervision. 

"Keeping your horse from boredom in their stall is not only beneficial to their health, its beneficial to us humans as well!"

- Amanda Backlund, TopWind Ranch

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