Maximising the stable environment - covering aspects such as ventilation, flooring, bedding, lighting and the use of therapeutic tools for the stabled horse

Article by Adam Jackson

Horses stay in their stables for different durations based on their care, training regime, health status, and seasonal changes.  Ensuring your horse's comfort and well-being in their stable is crucial, as inadequately designed facilities can lead to injuries, health issues, and fire hazards. With horse welfare under the spotlight with the focus being on the keeping and protection of animals under the European Union review, there is no better time to look at how we can maximise the stable environment.

Ammonia

Ammonia is a serious irritant that can harm the respiratory tract and cause breathing difficulties.  Lower concentrations of ammonia can irritate a horse's upper respiratory tract, while higher levels may skip this area and lead to inflammation and fluid buildup in the lower lungs.  Ammonia triggers inflammation, which increases mucus production and disrupts the function of cilia in the respiratory tract, negatively impacting the immune response.  When cilia malfunction, dust and dirt can accumulate in a horse's lungs, causing health issues and decreased performance.

Monitoring ammonia levels in stables is crucial, as levels should ideally be below 10 ppm, and an odour of ammonia typically indicates levels are dangerously elevated at 20-30 ppm, which can harm horses' health.  

Bedding

Ammonia can be managed effectively through proper stable management in addition to ensuring good ventilation. To improve the absorption of urine and faeces and lower ammonia levels, add extra dry bedding in the areas of the stable where the horse often soils.  A recent study has shown that even with regular cleaning, elevated ammonia levels can remain near the floors.  Using a combination of highly absorbent bedding materials and an ammonia-neutralising product can help lower ammonia levels.

Bedding made of pine shavings is excellent at controlling the ammonia levels.  The pine oil in the shavings tends to inhibit the bacteria that converts urine into ammonia, thus keeping the ammonia levels low.  In addition, bedding that has strong shavings provide cushioning rather than compacting together.

Stable floor setups

The type of surface on which a horse stands for extended periods can significantly influence its comfort, movement quality, and overall soundness. Consequently, it is essential to invest time and resources in choosing the appropriate flooring for your stables. Moreover, selecting the right flooring can enhance operational efficiency and lower costs associated with hygiene management and stable cleaning. Finally, conduct routine inspections of your flooring to guarantee safety and avert potential hazards.

There are two main categories of flooring: permeable and impermeable.

Permeable or porous stable flooring can consist of either conventional packed clay or a specially engineered geotextile membrane. In the case of the latter, the membrane layers act as a barrier between the horse and bedding and the underlying base material. 

In both scenarios, it is essential to install pervious materials on a foundation of well-graded crushed and compacted stone.  There are disadvantages associated with the use of pervious flooring. While packed clay is softer than cement or asphalt, it is prone to becoming uneven when exposed to additional moisture, particularly if deep bedding is not utilised. 

Membrane layers can also contribute to urine accumulation, leading to an increase in ammonia levels that negatively impact the respiratory health of horses. Furthermore, this moisture can permeate the underlying base material, resulting in the development of unpleasant odours. Another significant issue with this type of stall construction is the potential for groundwater contamination.

Stable flooring that is impermeable or impervious is specifically engineered to stop urine and moisture from seeping through. To facilitate the elimination of urine and faeces, it is essential to either grant the horse access to an outdoor space or to supply bedding that can absorb moisture and offer cushioning.  

It is essential to have a solid foundation beneath for the entire system to function effectively. Stall flooring consists of a base layer and an upper layer of material. If the base is not properly established, the overall performance will be compromised. 

Additionally, rubber matting is regarded as an ideal durable choice due to its ability to mitigate hardness, alleviate fatigue in the horse's legs, and simplify the cleaning process. Rubber mats may require a significant initial investment; however, they offer long-term benefits by facilitating consistent cleaning, lowering bedding expenses, and enhancing the health, comfort, and overall wellbeing of horses.  

A correctly installed rubber mat should be even and stable while offering a degree of cushioning. The market offers a range of matting options, including custom wall-to-wall installations and interlocking mats. It may be beneficial to explore mats that are thicker and more cushioned to provide insulation against cold floors and to minimise the risk of pain in the hip, stifle, hock, fetlock, and pastern areas.  

In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to install a drain in a non-porous stall to facilitate the collection of liquids. A drain is particularly beneficial in veterinary or maternity stalls that require regular washing. Drains should be situated near a wall, and the stall should be graded appropriately. If drains are installed, ensure that cleanout traps are included to capture and eliminate solid waste.

Ventilation

Good ventilation in stables is essential for removing bad odours, improving indoor air quality and humidity, which supports horse health, while also controlling temperature and condensation to extend the building's lifespan.

Horses are obligate nasal-breathers and grazing posture hinder their ability to effectively clear dust and debris from their respiratory systems.  Prioritising good ventilation is essential for maintaining horses' health, as it mitigates the risks of respiratory diseases caused by airborne pollutants. Failure to minimise airborne particulate matter like mould, mildew, and dust-borne bacteria can lead to serious respiratory diseases, including asthma, allergic reactions and upper respiratory tract viral infections (i.e. herpes, influenza).  

Another source of moisture is the condensation that develops within the barn.  Inadequate ventilation, especially from closed doors during cold weather, can lead to increased moisture buildup indoors.  The horses themselves are a source of moisture and with the more horses kept in for longer periods, the more condensation that is generated. Therefore, it is vital to refresh the air inside the barn constantly to ensure the health and well-being of the animals.

Natural ventilation offers the most affordable solution with minimal initial investment, zero maintenance expenses, and no energy consumption.  However, a combination of natural and mechanical ventilation can enhance air quality and comfort in a stable block. 

Installing air inlets low and outlets high in the barn harnesses the natural tendency of warm air to rise, improving ventilation efficiency.  To optimise ventilation, high outlet vents should be installed at the roof's ridges, where warm air naturally accumulates. 

During winter, the barn doors may remain shut to retain heat, while strategically placed vents ensure adequate airflow, and in summer, windows and stable doors may be left open to promote ventilation and comfort.  Using horse body heat to warm a stable leads to very poor interior air quality due to inadequate ventilation and the accumulation of ammonia and other gases.  In a well-ventilated, unheated stable with good air quality, the air temperature typically stays within 0-5° C /  5-10° F of the outdoor temperature.

A well-designed mechanically ventilated barn allows for precise regulation of indoor air quality, surpassing the capabilities of a naturally ventilated barn.  Power ventilation systems in barns often incorporate exhaust fans and high-volume, low-speed units strategically placed in main aisles, barn ends, or between stables for optimal airflow.  Individual fans in stables or aisles primarily serve to disperse particulates and repel insects rather than provide significant cooling.

If you are designing a brand new stable, the steeper the pitch of the roof, the faster the stale air will exhaust through the top ridge vents. 

Vents and grates at the bottom of stable partitions help improve air circulation, effectively reducing ammonia fumes from urine.  Stabled doors should feature grated panels to ensure both security and proper ventilation.

Water Supply

A steady availability of clean, fresh water is crucial for preventing dehydration and colic.  You can provide water in your stable using either buckets or automatic drinking bowls, depending on your setup.

Automatic drinking bowls can be costly and require installation.  It's difficult to gauge your horse's water intake, but you can minimise physical labour in the yard and make sure your horse has constant access to fresh, clean water.

Water buckets are an affordable choice and you can track your horse's water intake, but it involves lifting and transporting the buckets to and from the stable.  

Lighting

Horses possess an internal timing mechanism known as a circadian rhythm, which regulates various physiological and behavioural functions.  This internal clock is controlled by the daily 24-hour cycle of light and darkness and operates in nearly every tissue and organ.  

Scientific research supports the use of lighting systems that emit blue light similar to sunlight is advised for daytime use and a soft red light should be utilised during the night.  Enhancing stable lighting can optimise the horse's health and wellbeing by supporting its natural circadian rhythm.  All elements of their physiology can function more harmoniously and in sync with the environment.

Social interactions 

Recent studies indicate that private stables may not promote health and well-being as effectively as communal environments.  The results indicated that horses housed in 'parcours' exhibited minimal abnormal behaviours like stereotypies, had the freedom to move throughout most of the day, engaged with other horses, and maintained positive interactions with humans.  

Although this may not always be viable within training yards, stable adaptations can be made to increase social interactions. Windows in stables with views to other stables or paddocks allow horses to see and interact, even if they are not in direct contact, stall partitions with bars allow for visual and olfactory contact and individual turnout paddocks or pens allow horses to graze and interact in close proximity.  

Feeding and entertainment

Horses should ideally have unrestricted access to hay; however, using slow feeders or automated feeders are also available to provide small portions throughout the day.

Entertainment devices can also help stimulate interaction and engagement, reducing the chances of stress and the emergence of negative habits (vices).  Stable toys, mineral licks, stable treats, spreading forage in different locations, visual stimulation such as mirrors and brushes affixed to walls or fences all offer enrichment.

Technology

A range of technology is increasingly accessible to facilitate continuous care around the clock.  Technology has the potential to staff, allowing them to redirect their time towards enhancing equine welfare.

The integration of camera-GPS surveillance with specialised software monitors the movements of individuals and determines the typical behaviour patterns for each horse within the herd.  This cost-effective technology can alert yard personnel if a horse exhibits unusual behaviour.

There are a range of therapeutic technologies that can be utilised in the stable environment such as massage rugs, leg wraps and boots and handheld complimentary devices; as well as additional training and rehabilitation systems such as spas, treadmills, combi floors and solariums. All of which can be considered for enhancing the horse's well-being. 

Conclusion

Ensuring the comfort and well-being of the horse within the stabled environment by adapting structures and utilising enrichment tools can help prevent injuries, health issues and fire risks. By promoting best practice for keeping the competition horse and ensuring natural behaviours are expressed as much as possible within the training regimes, will only benefit the horse thus increasing performance results.  

Understanding and treating depression in horses

Introduction

While depression is widely recognised in humans, it is a condition which is often overlooked in animals. The symptoms and clinical signs of depression vary from species to species but recent studies have shown that humans and horses share some characteristic warning signs which are important to recognise.  

Horses are prey animals with a well-developed fight-or-flight response and their behaviours are controlled by the nervous and endocrine system.  Like all animals, behaviour is influenced by many external factors that include genetic predisposition, environment, physiology, experience and learning. Foals are neurologically mature at birth and soon after birth can identify and react to dangerous stimuli, but like humans, the horse’s brain function does decrease with age resulting in increase in anxieties and fears. 

The brain and its neurotransmitters play an instrumental role in the temperament and behaviour of the horse; therefore, abnormal levels of various hormones can lead to a change. Normal survival instincts for the horse fall into two broad categories that includes ‘something to fear and must flee’ and ‘something not to fear and should be explored or ignored’. New research has also demonstrated that there is not a linear dominance hierarchy but rather the herd communicates with positive reinforcement and less from punishment.

In order to achieve the best results when training, it is important to consider these natural behavioural instincts. Maintaining a positive mental attitude in both training and management regimes for the horse will have considerable benefits to performance and reduce negative behaviours. 

What is depression? 

Depressive disorder (also known as depression) is a mental disorder that can occur in horses.  It involves a depressed mood or loss of pleasure or interest in activities for long periods of time.  Depression affects how the horse thinks and behaves and may lead to a variety of potential physical problems.  

While depression is widely recognised in humans, it is an illness which is often overlooked in animals.  The symptoms and clinical signs of depression vary from species to species but recent studies show that humans and horses share some characteristics. With racehorse welfare being a key topic at present, understanding and recognising small behaviour changes can allow for small management adaptations to be made thus enhancing the horses wellbeing. 

The research 

Recent research from France alongside the growing body of research, suggests that horses may develop something similar to depression in a response to physical or social discomfort.   

Researchers have observed horses that become withdrawn because of undergoing a cognitive shift.  It has been found that horses tune out to their surroundings due to physical or psychological stress.  Horses have the cognitive ability to be attentive; however, with the presence of chronic stressors there is a delay in a horse's response as they have “switched off” from their environment and demonstrated sensory inattention. 

Because we do not truly know how the horse is feeling, the hypothesis currently being considered is that the horse develops an “inward-oriented attention” when subjected to chronic disorders.  It must be stressed that this long delay in attentiveness does not indicate a state of calm for the horse but a withdrawal from its surroundings. 

Dr Georgia Mason from The Ontario Veterinary College has suggested that a horse may respond similarly to humans with depression.  It is thought that the horse’s withdrawal can be a result of a ‘learned helplessness’ in that responding to negative stimuli does not make any difference.  Thus depressed people are prone, for example, to judge ambiguous stimuli as being unlikely to be positive and to recall unpleasant memories more readily than pleasant ones.

In addition, a number of studies have assessed cortisol levels in those horses that are withdrawn. Cortisol acts to assist in relieving stress by increasing glucose metabolism to provide energy, which then enables the horse to escape from the stress. In the short-term, cortisol release is beneficial to the horse to help it cope with a stressor. This study found that abnormally low levels of cortisol (hence a physiological depression) were found in withdrawn horses that are in a pathological and depressed state.  These depressed horses also expressed anhedonia, which is the loss of pleasure to feed on an appetent substance.  

Further studies and research are needed to better understand the pathology of depression in horses.  It has been suggested that the life conditions, such as food, space, social conditions and health problems should be questioned and observed in order to identify potential acute or chronic stressors that may lead to depression. 

However, there are reviews that question the current animal models of depression and suggest that ethological models of mood disorders based on animals living under natural conditions need to be improved and developed. 

Symptoms of a depressed horse 

It is important to become acquainted with potential signs of depression in the horse so that you can identify them quickly.  By identifying the symptoms of depression, one can rapidly begin the task of identifying the underlying cause such as an injury, illness, social or environmental stressor.  With these tools, one can reduce the risk of the short-term and long-term negative effects that could ultimately hinder the horse’s health and performance.  

Lack of response

In humans and animals, being attentive is one aspect of subject cognitive abilities and capacities. The delay in responding to stimulation shows that withdrawn horses ‘switch off’ from their environment and show sensory inattention. Such lapses of attention are likely to be associated with the chronic effect of stressors, which might be expected to induce a lowered state of arousal.

A French study from the Universite de Rennes, demonstrated that depressed horses that were subjected to a series of five new, unique and unusual sounds were significantly less likely to pay attention to the noises compared to normal horses.  Their findings demonstrated that the withdrawn horses had undergone a cognitive shift that they were so physically or psychologically stressed that they developed sensory inattention. 

Heightened anxiety 

While the depressed horse will often be disinterested in everyday activities, people and companions, they are likely to demonstrate heightened emotions towards challenging situations and new stimuli as they try to express their discomfort. Stimuli that are usually unremarkable to the horse may become uncomfortable for the horse and make them “spooky”, anxious or fearful when they weren’t before. 

Lack of interest in food 

A change in mental well-being in your horse can lead to a loss of appetite.  The potential complications are the loss of weight, condition, muscle development, fitness, energy levels as well as the increased susceptibility to infection and prone to other health conditions such as colic or gastric ulcers. 

There are other illnesses and ailments that can lead to inappetence; hence, it is worth seeking veterinary advice in order to rule out any other physical problems.  

Anhedonia

Dr Carole Fureix looked at anhedonia which is the loss of feeling pleasure from experiences that used to be pleasurable.  This symptom is prominent in the depression of humans. Her study demonstrated that horses who are at times withdrawn are more anhedonic than those that are not withdrawn.  She concluded that this is a key symptom of clinical depression and suggests that withdrawn horses are indeed in a depression-like state.  

The horse may show unwillingness to work or no longer take pleasure in work they used to enjoy. This is especially important when considering rider and horse safety too as a withdrawn horse may not react appropriately to potentially dangerous situations.

Posture

Standing facing the stall wall for periods of time while demonstrating a withdrawn posture showing a fixed gaze, neck stretched out level with back, eyes open but lack of eye and ear movement. This differs from a content horse that is resting and displaying relaxed muscles, laterally rotated ears, the drooping of its eyelids and lips and holding its neck such that it slopes lower and rounder.  

Physical changes are perhaps somewhat easier to spot with a withdrawn posture being one of the typical signs of depression.  A healthy and content horse will stand with their head up and ears moving inquisitively.

Causes of depression 

The domesticated horse is often managed in such a way that they cannot express their natural behavioural instincts, thus exposing them to stressors which can lead to depression.

Lack of adequate positive social interaction with other horses 

A study from Michael Steger and Todd Kashdan explained that dysfunctional social behaviour has been implicated in the experience of depression. 

In addition, Timothy Elmer and Christoph Stadtfeld described individuals with depressive symptoms are more likely to be isolated from their social group(s), which can further increase their symptoms.  

Similarly, lack of social interaction without conscious choice for extended periods of time can lead to depression in humans.

Lack of adequate exercise and/or turnout 

It is well documented in human medicine that exercise and physical activity can improve many health conditions. Research on depression, anxiety and exercise demonstrates that the mental health and physical benefits can help improve mood and lessen anxiety.  The link between depression, anxiety and exercise are not entirely clear.  It has also been shown that exercise and physical activity may help keep depression and anxiety from coming back. 

Companionship reduces stress in the horse, hence naturally  living in a herd.  Horses are able to form companionships with their own species and other animals including humans.  In fact, horses kept in isolation, such as in closed stables, can become anxious, flighty and difficult to manage. 

Exercise releases endorphins which are feel-good chemicals in the body and also allows for more social interaction.  A recent University of London study demonstrated that people with low aerobic and muscular fitness are nearly twice as likely to experience depression.  

Illness or injury that causes pain or discomfort 

In humans studies have found that anywhere between 30-85% of patients suffering from chronic pain are also clinically depressed. Other illnesses in humans such as nutritional deficiencies, cushing’s disease, lyme disease, chronic pain, and insulin resistance can cause depression.

Stress during training, competing or in the daily routine 

If there is chronic stress in which the horse’s physiological stress response is taxed beyond what it is designed to do it can begin to impair the horse possibly leading to depression 

Inflammation and depression 

There is evidence that there is a link between inflammation and depression. Inflammations that lead to serious depression in humans can be caused by infections such as those caused by bacteria, viruses or even parasites.  There is increasing evidence that inflammation can cause depression because of the increase of cytokines setting the horse’s brain into “sick mode”.   

Treating depression

Simple changes in management can help treat the underlying cause of depression and can substantially improve the horses well-being thus having a positive impact on performance.

Light therapy

Modern management methods mean that horses can spend a large amount of time stabled which impacts the horse’s circadian rhythm (body clock). 

A study was performed at Nottingham Trent University where trial horses were put under an hour of high intensity broad spectrum light every day for six weeks. Their behaviours regarding feeding, sleep patterns and attitude to being handled and ridden were compared to a group of horses that had not received the therapy. The untreated horses were noted to be sleeping longer, lazier at ridden exercise and grumpier.

Light therapies have many positive benefits that can reduce signs of depression and improve overall well being; better daytime alertness and improved rest and sleep pattern, extending summer coat and body condition and encouraging the body to convert feed to muscle mass, noticeably fewer stable vices such as box walking, cribbing, weaving and reduced bacterial pathogens and fungal load leading to improved respiratory function.

Management

Racing is already making moves to ensure the best welfare conditions for horses, with German trainers now having to comply with regulations regarding size of stable, the amount of light in the stable, the provision of windows enabling horses to socialise and turn out capacity for a minimum two hours per day.

Increasing turnout time is reported to have positive effects on their horses' mental wellbeing, reduces stiffness and lowers the rate of stable vices. It also allows the horse to make social connections whilst allowing them to show their natural instinctual behaviours. 

With horses in varying routines in large yards, this can sometimes become stressful to some individuals. By providing company of other horses when stabled, this can help with social interactions and reduce stress. Stable enrichment and adlib forage can also replicate positive behaviours in the stable. 

It is known that exercise releases ‘feel good’ endorphins, thus, keeping the horse in a regular training regime complimented with the correct nutrition will be beneficial. 

Veterinary advice

It is important to seek veterinary advice should the horse be exhibiting signs of depression to help identify the underlying cause. Diagnostics such as blood tests can ensure there is no infection present and work-ups will highlight any pain or discomfort.

Conclusion 

While depression is widely recognised in humans, it is an illness which is often overlooked in animals. Depression in horses can be significant and harmful regardless of the underlying cause and can be temporary or long term. It is vital to ascertain the underlying cause of depression in a horse in order to treat and remedy the illness.