Design To Minimize Stress

Now that we have reviewed the underlying causes for stress, we can develop planning and design strategies to minimize the adverse effects of stress on stabled horses. In the planning stage of a project the facility layout should consider the herd dynamic. Horses need to be able to see, smell, and socialize with other horses. We must also keep in mind that the horse’s range of binocular vision is very narrow, limiting their range of depth perception, this is the reason they are most comfortable in the middle of a several hundred acre field, so the area of a stall (as long as it’s large enough to allow comfortable movement) is not as important as the volume of the space. Their need for large open spaces implies that they will be much more comfortable and relaxed in an open aerie environment, than in a space that is small and closed in. The design and the construction of the stall should support our efforts to keep your horse safe while minimizing stress. The stall needs to be considered as a part of a whole system, not just the components of the stall front and partitions (although they are important as well). The stall system should allow for horses to safely interact with one another, as well as supporting the effort to create an open aerie environment.

The benefits of creating an environment which considers the horses’ nature can also have very tangible and practical benefits for horse owners, barn owners and managers. A horse that is more relaxed is more likely to remain healthy due to a stronger immune system, less likely to suffer from ulcers, colic, and adverse effects of stereo typical behaviors, and be more willing and able to perform the tasks we ask of them. The barn structure is also less likely to suffer from the effects of a stressed animal by reducing stereo typical behaviors such as cribbing and chewing as well as other damaging behaviors, resulting in less maintenance and repair costs.