What would your horse like for Christmas?

There seems to be a growing confusion over what our horses like, want, or even need. Horse owners are encouraged to focus on feed, supplements, tack, gadgets or the next new innovation in rugs and ignore the bigger picture.

When we see unnatural or ‘problem’ behaviours in our horses, our first question should always be ‘are their basic physical and behavioural needs being met?’ We are pretty good at recognising their physical needs and looking after them if they are injured or sick but we often overlook their behavioural needs.

By considering the behaviours a horse would perform naturally, we can judge what is the best environment and management routine from their point of view and ensure their welfare is the best possible. There has been extensive research into the horse's needs and what is important to them. The horse’s basic behavioural needs are:

Safety: the horse’s primary need – this is being part of a herd and its long-term security, the ideal is a mixed herd of 8-12. They also need the space and freedom to move away from, or react to, any potential danger.

Social life: horses form long term pair-bonds and relationships with other horses within their herd. Horses are extremely friendly, social animals and are not naturally aggressive. They are one of the few animals that play as adults. Having an equine friend gives a horse safety, security and confidence. Having the freedom to socialise, play and mutually groom with other horses is vital for a horses mental and physical wellbeing.

Eating & drinking: the horse would naturally graze on a wide variety of herbs and grasses and they browse in trees and bushes at will (one study noted horses eating 200+ different types of grasses and herbs). They eat while on the move for at least 16-18hrs a day. These are both herd activities, horses only eat or drink when they feel safe.

Body care: this is the ability to groom, scratch and roll freely. Our horses should self-groom at least once an hour, mutual grooming and rolling is a daily occurrence. They need to be able to regulate their own temperature by finding shelter whenever necessary. Urination and defecation only happens when a horse feels safe.

Rest and sleep: horses sleep for only 3-5 hours a day. They need to lie down flat with their legs outstretched or propped up on their chest in sternal recumbency for their daily 30 minutes of deep REM sleep. They would naturally have a lookout to be vigilant while they are asleep at all times. Many horses sleep only when turned out in company.

Movement: the horse is constantly moving and naturally would move one of his feet every few seconds, even when eating. They rarely stand still unless dozing or sleeping, when they would have a lookout who would warn of any danger. It is vital for a horses physical and mental health to be able to canter and gallop freely.

Space: this is the horse's individual and herd space. It is also the need for a constant home ‘range’ which would naturally be around 30-40km square.

The ability to explore: investigating different areas keeps a horse's mind stimulated and he can learn about his environment, what is safe and what is dangerous.

Many domestic horses have extremely restricted lives and never have the opportunity to fulfil their basic needs. Often behavioural problems disappear just by making small changes in daily management, giving them freedom to make choices for themselves. So if you are considering giving your horse a flashy browband for Christmas, think about what he would really like.

Ask your yard owner if he can have turnout for an hour longer every day (time in a new paddock for the day would be a real treat!), more time with his horse friends, a variety of forages to choose from, if he is stabled then give him a big straw bed for a good night's sleep or if you want to buy him a present then get him something to entertain him for Christmas and beyond. He'll thank you for it. .

...and then on January 1 you can make a New Year resolution to keep it up for next year!