The Impact of Horse Stress

Just like people, horses undergo stress from many factors, including training, feeding schedules and interaction with other horses. Although some horses may deal with stressors better than others, even the toughest of horses can become affected and end up with health or behavioral problems if ignored (Eilerts, 2019). Stress can be imposed on a horse by an inconsistent routine, the domesticated lifestyle itself, and intense exercise pressure. In fact, decisions made about a horse’s care at every phase of life affect if, when, and to what extent he develops arthritis (Barakat, 2019).

A horse’s natural instinct is to run in the face of danger, but in the domesticated lifestyle humans have conditioned them to, the response to stressful situations is no longer to run away. Instead, some are bound to their stalls and rely on humans for their nutrition. Certain disciplines also involve intense training that adds stress to joints and ligaments, as well as overall wellbeing (Threlkeld, 2018). Racehorse training, for example, is rigorous and can lead to chronic stress. Other factors include a busier competition season, a change in nutrition or feeding schedule, and adapting to new riders (Barakat, 2019). The result can be poor performance and refusing to train by bolting, rearing or bucking (Eilerts, 2019). Knowing the triggers that lead to stress in your horse lets you watch for behavioral changes as they develop and take steps to help your horse lead a calmer, healthier life.

Some behavioral changes to look out for:

• Losing weight due to loss of appetite
• Acting out by biting, bolting or kicking
• Increased heart rate or sweating
• Inflammation or gastric ulcers

At every stage of your horse’s life, the quality and consistency of care put into looking after your horse supports a happier and healthier life overall. That can mean creating a consistent daily routine, increasing time out of the stall, and monitoring exercise levels (Eilerts, 2019). Constant, unaddressed stress can contribute to further inflammation, and if the stress is caused by constant exercise, you risk aggravating the early stages of arthritis. If your horse is showing signs of joint inflammation, talk with your veterinarian about whether Alpha2EQ®, the horse’s own anti-inflammatory molecule put to work, has a place in the management plan.