Help your horse beat Stable Boredom

Has the weather caused your horse to be stable bound? Maybe they prefer to be out of the wet & cold, or perhaps they're on box rest recovering from an injury. Whatever the reason, have you considered whether your horse might be bored? It may be true that bored horses are at a higher risk of developing stable vices, but most settle if their mates are also stabled. Even still we've put together a handy guide of ways to keep your horse entertained whilst stabled.

Keep them entertained!

Horses are pretty easily pleased (especially when foods involved), so any food related toys will keep them occupied and will give them a challenge.  They may also distract horses that are prone to cribbing, destructive chewing or box walking. However it is important to remember that food orientated toys may effect your horses diet, so you need to check what you are giving your horse. Therefore we have put together a handy boredom buster guide of toys that will keep your horse busy whilst explaining how they will effect their diet.

Likits Boredom Buster

Developed to provide environmental enrichment, this challenging stable toy is designed to get horses to work for the Likit reward (Likit sold separately). Likits are made from glucose, a form of sugar found in grass therefore they would not be suitable for horses prone to laminitis. 

Equilibrium Munch Net

The Equilibrium Vitamunch is a healthy, tasty, high fibre, low calorie, low sugar, cereal free snack that your horse can enjoy. Put it in a Munch Net (sold separately) and it will keep your horse entertained whilst they tackle the small holes. Perfect if you don't want to add more sugar to your horses diet.

NAF Himalayan Salt Lick

NAF's Himalayan Salt Licks are the purest form of salt you can give your horse. Horses and ponies require supplementary salt on a daily basis. Hang in the stable so your horse can use when they need it. Move it around or hang in a challenging place to make it more stimulating for them.

Horslyx Mini Lick

The Horslyx Mini Lick is the perfect choice for horse owners who want to reward in a way that won't effect their horses diet. This lick is a nutritious alternative to sugary treats and is also available in bigger sizes. Pick the lick most suitable for your horses needs whether it be respiratory aid or mobility.

Prevent stiffness and aid circulation

If your horse is stabled more than normal you may notice a change in their movement, as they may show signs of stiffness particularly in the legs if they are standing for long periods. You also need to consider their circulation as less movement increase the risk of poor circulation. The easy solution is regular walks, turnout and exercise, however we all know that it isn't that simple, so if these aren't an option take a look at our suggestions below.

Therapy Rugs

Horseware Sportz-Vibe Rug

The Horseware Sportz-Vibe rug can reduce pain, improves blood supply to tissue, relaxes muscles, reduces inflammation and improve quality of life. Sportz-Vibe has 4 removable massage panels that work alternately on either side of your horse’s back to stimulate circulation. Ideal as a warm up or recovery rug, it helps to warm up muscles before work and ease soreness and stiffness afterwards, and is ideal for maintaining muscular well-being throughout the year. The Sportz-Vibe massage rug is breathable, adjustable for horses of different builds and, once the panels and rechargeable batteries are removed, it is machine washable.

Horseware Rambo Ionic Stable Sheet Horseware Rambo Ionic Stable Sheet

The Horseware Rambo Ionic Therapy Rug offers an inner lining coated with Tourmaline, a powered down form of the naturally occuring crystal, that releases an electric charge to release Negative Ions. The Negative Ions cause a change in the water in the horse's body which causes increased blood flow to important areas like muscles allowing for increased levels of oxygen in the blood. Ionic Technology encourages increased circulation, stimulates the metabolism, increases oxygen delivery to cells and tissue, helps to strengthen the immune system, restores the pH balance of the body, reduces blood pressure and removes toxins from the body.

Therapy Boots

Horseware Ice-Vibe Boots

The Horseware ICE-VIBE boots are a portable massage boots with hot/cold inserts to create warm or cold circulation they can be used before or after exercise or during rehabilitation. Using the boots before you ride can assist you to prepare your horses legs for exercise in the stable, they do this by creating a massaging effect increasing blood flow to the tendons and ligaments making them more elastic, which can help reduce the risk of injury. The massaging effect also helps to stimulate the lymph system similar to exercise to help reduce existing inflammation.