May 2012 Articles

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Recognizing Stress in Horses

Recognizing Stress in Horses Source: Mark Russell, Assistant Professor, University of Arkansas
More often than not, our horses will show signs of stress. And just as often, horse owners can control the amount of stress seen in our horses. There are many indicators of stress. If stress levels stay low, chances are the ride and overall experience will be much more positive. Further, you will add life to your horse and allow him to be much happier, and his overall health will increase as well. But how do we recognize stress in our horses? Does it increase when we leave home? Chances are, the less frequently you leave home with your horse, the higher the stress level will be when you do leave. Nevertheless, horses can show signs of stress at home on a daily basis in some cases.
Horses experiencing stress may offer many signs to owners. For example, they may appear to be frightened and/or nervous. We may see this in the form of running, or in some cases, they develop vices such as cribbing and stall weaving. Abnormal sweating can also signal a stressful situation for your horse. Muscle tone can also provide some clues. If the horse is tense and the muscles are contracted, it may be tying up. If the muscles are flaccid and extremely relaxed and the horse is depressed, the central nervous system may be damaged. If any of the signs are observed, a closer inspection is needed.
In order to fully recognize a horse’s change in condition, it is a good idea to keep permanent records for each horse in your care. The file should include:
Permanent identification, birth date and registrations
Reproductive history, breeding dates and foaling dates
Weight and condition scores
Normal temperature (T), pulse (P) and respiration (R) or TPR
Deworming dates and products used
Vaccination dates, diseases and products used
Illness dates, diagnoses and treatments
Injury dates and treatments
Surgery dates and outcomes
Allergy causes
Stress can be grouped into four different categories for horses:
Behavioral or psychological
Mechanical
Metabolic
Immunological
Behavioral Stress – Horses do not see the world as we do. They have what is known as monocular vision as well as binocular vision. With the monocular vision, they are able to see to each side of their head much better than humans. They also have binocular vision, which allows them to see objects in front of them. However, horses are unable to see approximately 4 feet directly in front of them. Further, horses hear much better than humans. All of these factors can be possible explanations of why they seem to spook easily and without warning on occasion.
When a horse is stressed, he may also show signs of agitation. A horse that is agitated may lay his ears back and swish his tail. This is not to be confused with a horse that is fearful. This horse will clamp its tail down, its body is tense and eyes may be wider than normal.
Horses are known to also feel less stress when around other horses. Even if a horse cannot be in the same pasture as other horses, they will feel more ease when they are able to see other horses that are in close proximity.
Mechanical Stress – Stress level in horses can also increase greatly when there is some type of structural injury. Examples of this may include lameness, local inflammation, swelling, heat and/or pain. Checking for injury or lameness should be a part of the everyday routine for maintenance of your horse. The best time to do this is while feeding in the morning and again at the evening feeding session.
Nutrition and Metabolic Stress – The horse’s digestive system is designed to handle frequent small meals. Further, when horses are in a grazing environment, they are better able to maintain optimum health. To reduce stress, horses require that a certain proportion of the diet be roughage. Vitamin and mineral requirements must also be met but not exceeded for the stage and condition of the horse.
Three metabolic problems in horses are closely related to nutrition:
Colic
Laminitis
Tying up
Immunological Stress – Stress caused by disease and/or parasites can range from superficial discomfort to death. A good vaccination program is the best defense against infectious diseases. Additionally, an effective deworming program must include good management practices as well as regular use of antiparasitic drugs. Some important guidelines include:
Treat all horses at the same time.
Rotate clean horses to clean pastures.
Design feed and water facilities to prevent fecal contamination.
Remove manure frequently from stalls and paddocks.
Clip and harrow pastures regularly.
Consult with a veterinarian on selection and use of antiparasitic drugs.
Monitor the effectiveness of the parasite control program by checking egg counts in feces.
As horse owners, we will never completely be able to keep our horses from becoming stressed. However, with routine checks and awareness, we may be able to manage it. Special thanks to Dr. Rick Parker, equine professor from College of Southern Idaho, for his contributions to this article