I’ve been talking a lot on social media recently about giving horse's more choice, because I think it’s such a valuable aspect of modern horse management. 

So goes the phrase: “know better, do better” and as horse caregivers in the 21st century, we know more about horses now than we ever have done previously.

In the information age, through the internet and general sharing of knowledge, we have access to research-based articles through many credible sources. Many of the Why Do Horses social media followers are already tailoring their management to the needs of their horses, using evidence-based information sources. 

One aspect of horse-centred management is giving horses the ability to exercise choice. Under conventional management systems, a lot of choice has been removed for the horse. Imagine a typical stable - single haynet hung up in the corner, water bucket at the front, same feed each day, rubber matting and a layer of shavings. Not much choice to be made in that environment, even though some horses can spend 10-14 hours (or more) in there. Yet simple changes (also known as enrichments) can be added to increase opportunities for choice. 

Whilst having different activities to engage in benefits the horse on a certain level, it is the ability to be able to make a choice that can have a profound effect on their mental wellbeing. This is called ‘agency’ and relates to the ability to act freely and with autonomy. In essence, making their own choices for their own reasons.

Increasing your horse’s level of choice can have numerous benefits. Here are 5 of them:

1. Improved Mental Health and Wellbeing:

Increasing opportunities to make choices can reduce stress and anxiety. When horses can exercise control over particular aspects of their environment or their daily routine, it can help them to become more relaxed and content. For stabled horses, increased choice might look like providing deconstructed feeds so they can choose which order to eat the foodstuffs.

2. Enhanced Physical Health:

When horses have the option to move freely and choose their own activities, they often engage in more natural and varied movement patterns. This can lead to improved physical fitness and overall bodily function, both through the physical benefits of stress reduction and also as a direct result of the activity itself. Additionally, providing choices in their diet, such as access to different types of forage or browse, can improve their nutritional intake and digestive health. 

3. Better Social Interactions:

Horses are highly social animals and giving them the choice to interact with other horses can lead to healthier social behaviours and relationships. When horses can choose their companions and social interactions, they are more likely to form positive bonds and can exhibit fewer aggressive or antisocial behaviours.

4. Enhanced Learning and Training:

Training methods that incorporate choice and positive reinforcement can result in faster learning and better retention. Horses that are given the choice to participate in training sessions are often more engaged and willing to cooperate. This can lead to a more positive relationship between the horse and the handler.

5. Increased Safety for Both Horse and Handler:

A horse that feels in control of their environment and choices is less likely to exhibit fear-based or defensive behaviours. By reducing stress and promoting a sense of security, horses can be less likely to react unpredictably, making handling and riding a safer experience.

Overall, increasing a horse’s level of choice, within their home environment or further afield, can have a huge influence on their physical and mental health, as well as that of those around them - humans included. 

If you’d like to find out more about what Why Do Horses can offer you in terms of horse-focused training, send us a message via the Contact Form. We'd be delighted to hear from you!