Olfactory Stimulation as Environmental Enrichment for Domestic Horses-A Review.
Authors: Bini de Lima Ana Caroline, Sebastião da Fé Vanessa Cristini, Palermo Hernandes Maria Simara, Oliveira Dos Santos Viviane Maria
Journal: Animals : an open access journal from MDPI
Summary
# Olfactory Stimulation as Environmental Enrichment for Domestic Horses: Editorial Summary Domestic horses operating within conventional management systems experience significant restriction of natural behavioural expression, creating welfare challenges that environmental enrichment strategies may help address. This 2023 review synthesises current understanding of equine olfactory anatomy and physiology, exploring how the horse's sophisticated olfactory system functions in odour detection and how stress mediates these processes—fundamentally important given that olfaction drives many species-typical behaviours. The authors present evidence that olfactory stimulation interventions can measurably influence both physiological parameters and behavioural responses in stabled horses, suggesting meaningful potential for practical application. Whilst the review identifies olfactory enrichment as a promising and under-utilised tool for improving equine welfare in captive settings, it also highlights critical gaps in the research base, emphasising the need for rigorous, controlled studies to establish optimal protocols, appropriate odour types, and duration of exposure for different management contexts. For equine professionals—whether designing stable environments, supporting behavioural rehabilitation, or advising on enrichment programmes—understanding the mechanisms underpinning olfactory enrichment provides an evidence-informed foundation for implementing low-cost, accessible welfare interventions that leverage the horse's natural sensory strengths.
Read the full abstract on PubMed
Practical Takeaways
- •Incorporate scent-based enrichment strategies into stable management routines to reduce stress-related behaviors and support natural behavioral expression in domestic horses
- •Recognize that olfactory stimulation may improve physiological well-being beyond traditional enrichment methods, potentially reducing stereotypic behaviors and anxiety
- •Consider individual variation in olfactory responsiveness when designing enrichment programs, as stress levels and sensory sensitivity affect odor detection effectiveness
Key Findings
- •Olfaction plays a significant role in the expression of equine behavior and is often underutilized in domestic settings
- •Olfactory stimulation has been demonstrated to influence both physiological and behavioral parameters in horses
- •Stress can interfere with equine olfactory detection processes and sensory perception
- •Environmental enrichment through olfactory stimulation offers a method to improve welfare in confined horses