Stabled Horses
Don visited the Equine Centre at Charles Sturt University in Wagga Wagga, to find out about some very important new research on compulsive behaviours in horses. These problem habits, known as equine stereotypies or stable vices, include continual weaving, crib biting (biting on wood, or other hard objects), and wind-sucking. Horses release endorphins (the body’s natural morphine-like pleasure substance or pain killer) while exhibiting these behaviours. The endorphins create a feeling of euphoria, and can lead to addictive behaviour.
What causes stereotypies?
Horses that develop stereotypies usually spend a lot of time in stables. Horses are herd animals, and when they are put in stables they miss the company of other horses: it’s a bit like putting them in solitary confinement. The system of the horse is designed around being able to eat continually, but in a stable one or two big meals a day are provided for them. Stabled horses suffer from boredom, because they don’t have to put all their time and effort into foraging for food. They have nothing to do, and so can develop problem habits.
Research at CSU
CSU, in conjunction with Sydney University, is testing a commercially developed food additive which may help to reduce, or eliminate stereotypies. The research involves filming the behaviour of horses before and after feeding a special diet. The horses are stabled in the same sort of environment as thoroughbred horses, and each animal is fitted with a blue vinyl nappy to enable the researchers to collect faecal material. It is thought that different behaviours have different rates of digestion, so as well as testing the effect of food on behaviour, the researchers are also looking at digestion. Most people underestimate the amount of stress that modern husbandry places on horses, and according to Dr Petra Buckley, up to 90% of stabled racehorses have stomach ulcers.
What to do
Minimise the number of hours your horse is stabled each day. If possible stable your horse where it can see or touch other horses. If you are building a stable consider a modern, open-plan design. Provide appropriate stimulation for the horse. Try putting the food in bags or sacks, so that the horse has to make an effort to find it, or maybe put a toy in the stable. Put your horses out into the paddock and let them be horses.
Further information
Our segment was filmed at:
Equine Centre,
Charles Sturt University (CSU)Wagga Wagga, NSW
Phone: (02) 6933 2636
Web: http://www.csu.edu.au/faculty/sciagr/equire/
Project Manager, Petra Buckley, phone: (02) 6933 2426