Prevalence and Perceived Effects of Enrichment Elements in Outdoor Areas on the Behavior and Welfare of Group-Housed Horses
Authors: Nicole Miggitsch, C. J. Naydani, Bryony E. Lancaster
Journal: International Journal of Equine Science
Summary
# Editorial Summary: Environmental Enrichment and Group-Housed Horse Welfare A global survey of 132 barn managers across 16 countries reveals that environmental enrichment—particularly foraging opportunities alongside structural and sensory elements—is associated with substantial improvements in equine behaviour and welfare. Respondents reported significant increases in natural behaviours following enrichment introduction, with 78.8% noting enhanced locomotion, 66.7% observing more foraging activity, and 65.2% documenting increased play; statistically, enrichment provision correlated directly with positive behavioural change (p < 0.001). Health-related improvements were reported across multiple conditions, including lameness (93.5%), laminitis (91.7%), equine metabolic syndrome (89.6%), hoof problems (88.7%), and equine asthma (88.5%), whilst stereotypic behaviours such as weaving and fence-walking were entirely eliminated in responding facilities, with crib-biting reduced in two-thirds of cases. Notably, enrichment benefits appeared independent of turnout area size, suggesting that even facilities with space constraints could implement meaningful welfare enhancements. These findings warrant consideration by equine professionals managing group housing, particularly those addressing behavioural issues or metabolic health concerns, though further controlled research is needed to establish causality rather than correlation and to identify optimal enrichment strategies for specific populations.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Adding enrichment to turnout areas—especially foraging opportunities—can significantly improve observed behavior and reduce problematic stereotypies, with no need to increase turnout size to be effective
- •Managers report that enrichment correlates with improvement in common health conditions like laminitis, lameness, and EMS, suggesting it may be a practical welfare tool alongside other management strategies
- •Forage-based enrichment appears most impactful for calmness and natural behaviors; structural elements add benefits for confidence and handling; consider combining types for maximum effect
Key Findings
- •Foraging enrichment was the most prevalent enrichment type used, with 66.7% of respondents reporting increased foraging behavior after implementation
- •Enrichment provision showed significant direct relationship with positive behavior change (p < 0.001), including 78.8% increase in locomotion and 65.2% increase in play
- •Respondents reported substantial health improvements: 93.5% noted improvement in lameness, 91.7% in laminitis, and 89.6% in EMS after enrichment provision
- •Stereotypic behaviors decreased markedly: 100% elimination of weaving and box/fence walking reported, with 66.6% reduction in crib-biting