Horses are natural foragers and would spend up to 20 hours in the wild browsing on a variety of grasses and plants. Life looks quite different for horses in human care, and while we try to have them out and moving as much as possible, there are times when they need to be taken off the richer grass for their health. Encouraging them to eat little and often as they would naturally helps to occupy their time and provide physical and mental stimulation.
Hang your hay nets so they move
If there is a safe place to do so in your stable you can hang a hay net from the roof beam or other area away from the wall. This makes it more difficult for the horse to grab mouthfuls of hay and requires them to think about how they get the hay. It is important to hang it at a safe height and ensure that they cannot get their legs stuck in it. Provide some or all of their feed ration in a treat ball. A treat ball needs to be rolled around to dispense feed. Some treat balls are easier than others to use and are best used with pelleted feeds. If you are concerned that the horse may waste some of their feed if it is on the floor then you can put the treat ball into a tray or bucket.
Hang multiple hay nets
Splitting your horse's hay into several small nets helps to keep them occupied and encourages more movement from one net to another. This can be done in the field, on a track system, yard or in the stable.
Hide their feed under hay in their feed bowl
If your horse eats their feed very quickly then you can put a few handfuls of hay on top of their feed so that they have to rootle through it to get to their feed. Some horses are very clever and just lift it off, but most snuffle through the hay to get to their feed then eat the hay after.
Forage them a variety of plants
You can forage some safe plants or tree branches from your field edges or local hedgerows to give to your horse. You can either make a bouquet or hang them in the stable for your horse to snack on. Always check your plants to make sure you have picked what you intended. Mint, nettles, brambles and willow branches are all good options.
What is your favourite way to provide enrichment for your horse?
