askHELTIE HELTIEhorse® Many changes of horses in the herd cause stress and reduced immunity!

Many changes of horses in the herd cause stress and reduced immunity!

Horses in a boarding stable don't always have it easy. Turnover in boarding stables is generally higher than in private ownership. And as horse owners, we all know that horses are herd animals. But did you also know that changes in the group cause stress and therefore a decreased immunity? Read in this blog how this works.

Behaviour

Hormones

Stress

12 January '23 • 2 min reading time

Stable herd = safety and security

Horses naturally live in herds, with a clear leader and mutual friendships and relationships. Each horse holds a certain place in the hierarchy in relation to another horse. They make way for one horse and not for another. This creates a balance in the herd. And this balance is important for overall safety and feelings of security. The herd can then peacefully graze, rest, play, groom, and relax. Stress only occurs when there is danger, but once the danger is gone, the herd returns to a state of relaxation.

Unstable herd = stress and unrest

In many (boarding) stables, there is a constant coming and going of horses. Horses stay for a few months to a few years and then leave for another place (with or without the current owner). Horses are sold, move, or pass away, preventing the herd from forming.

Each time a horse leaves or joins, the hierarchy must be reestablished. Even if it is a submissive/easy/stable horse. The bonds are re-evaluated, horses must learn to trust the new horse, and the new horse must learn who is in charge and who is not. New friendships are made, but it is also determined who is or remains the boss. A herd change therefore involves a lot of activity within the herd! It may appear calm on the surface, but a lot is happening underneath. Also, realize that it can take up to a year for a horse to completely trust its new place. A move has a significant impact and always causes stress.

Stress leads to reduced immunity

A horse's immunity is always under pressure during a move. In the new environment, there are different bacteria/viruses/organisms that challenge the horse's immunity. Additionally, the horse experiences stress, which may not be visible physically but is present internally. Everything is new, smells different, the daily routine is different, there are different horses and different people. Everything is different for the horse internally causing stress. Stress leads to reduced immunitybecause the body shifts into survival mode. In an acute stress situation, more cortisol is produced which is anti-inflammatory in the short term. However, in the case of a move, it can be considered chronic stress. The stress createdmore waste products in the body, leading to more inflammatory reactions and decreased immunity of the horse.

It is not uncommon for horses to develop a runny nose, be slightly sick, or even colic shortly after a move.

Limit herd changes!

This is especially important for stable owners, but also for those who have horses at home. Try to limit herd changes as much as possible. The fewer changes, the more stable the herd, and the less stress the horses experience. This not only provides a better living environment for the horse, but also benefits overall immunity and health.

If there are many changes on a boarding stable, this often indicates something about the policies of this stable. Keep this in mind when looking for a new place for your horse!

Also interesting:

Guest blog

Stress

The science has discovered that when a body is experiencing stress, cell division occurs differently than when there is no stress. This is the reason why a body becomes "sick". The stress remains in your cell, so every cell that divides afterwards carries the information of the stress again. Only when this stress is released can the next cell division take place without the information from the stress! It's pretty cool how something like this works, right?! But then, the question may arise: How do you relieve the stress?

Guest blog HOPE for Horses: Stress in horses

The science has discovered that when a body is experiencing stress, cell division occurs differently than when there is no stress. This is the reason why a body becomes "sick". The stress remains in your cell, so every cell that divides afterwards carries the information of the stress again. Only when this stress is released can the next cell division take place without the information from the stress! It's pretty cool how something like this works, right?! But then, the question may arise: How do you relieve the stress?. Learning to release stress I think we all know that being exposed to stress for a long time or frequently is not beneficial for health. Unfortunately, you cannot escape stress, it is a given that you will have to deal with stress in your life. The good news is that you can learn how to deal with it and how to release stress. This varies from person to person and certainly also from horse to horse! Knowing that avoiding stress is impossible, how can we help release the stress? From well-behaved t...

Cannabinoids

Clove

Stress

Triphala

If your horse is stressed, you would like to do something about it. Stress is not fun for your horse and can even lead to dangerous situations. But... there are many remedies and supplements available. Which one should you choose? The answer depends on your horse and your situation!

Horse Stress: Choose your clove, triphala or a stress product?

If your horse is stressed, you would like to do something about it. Stress is not fun for your horse and can even lead to dangerous situations. But... there are many remedies and supplements available. Which one should you choose? The answer depends on your horse and your situation!. Every horse experiences tension from time to time. Sometimes it is short-lived, but sometimes it is truly chronic. If you want to help a horse with stress, it is important to first investigate where the stress is coming from and what type of stress it is. This way, you can better assess what you need to do. Circumstances Horses are herd animals that require social contact and free movement. If they do not (or insufficiently) receive this, it can lead to prolonged, chronic stress. A lack of rough...

Magnesium

Stress

If you ride dressage or show jumping with your horse, it can be quite enjoyable to compete. At least, for you as a rider. Competitions are a good opportunity to see where you are in your training and to compete against other combinations. But does your horse enjoy it as much? And what can you do to make the experience as positive as possible for him? A few tips and tricks, even if your horse may not enjoy it that much yet.

To compete or not when your horse finds it stressful?

If you ride dressage or show jumping with your horse, it can be quite enjoyable to compete. At least, for you as a rider. Competitions are a good opportunity to see where you are in your training and to compete against other combinations. But does your horse enjoy it as much? And what can you do to make the experience as positive as possible for him? A few tips and tricks, even if your horse may not enjoy it that much yet.. Resilient horse Before competing, it is important that your horse can handle everything that will come his way. In other words, your horse must be resilient enough. There are several things you can do to increase the chances of your horse being mentally prepared for a competition. Firstly, make sure that not everything is unfamiliar to him. Do you braid your horse's mane often? Practice that and then ride in your own familiar arena. Without stress. Make sure that other preparations for a competi...

Questions? AskHELTIE!

Are you looking for advice about your dog or horse? Or do you want to know more about conditions or ingredients? Feel free to contact AskHELTIE, and we will be happy to assist you! .