• Cuddling Up. When horses groom each other, studies have found that it lowers their heart rates, indicating the activity has a relaxing, calming effect1.
• Grazing. No surprises here, feral and pastured horses spend 40-60 percent of their time partaking in this activity.
• Water, Please. Horses drink in association with feeding, so they’ll need continuous access to fresh water to wash that forage down.
• Good Company. Social isolation is a disturbing experience for a horse—companionship soothes a lonely heart.
• R & R. When allowed to control their own environment, horses opt out of stall life and instead spend the majority of their time turned out with friends.
• Walking. Feral and pastured horses rarely trot or canter unless startled. Instead, those hooves were made for walkin’.
• A Comfy Bed. Soft bedding is preferred over a bare surface, and straw is often a favorite over wood shavings.
Further Reading
The Stresses of Easy Living
The Best of Outdoor Living