Your horse does not worry about the economy, global
warming or midlife weight gain, but he can still experience stress. Just like a
harried executive, your horse may suffer ulcers, constipation, diarrhea and
general poor health, all of which combine to put him at risk for colic.
The continuous release of cortisol, the "fight or
flight" hormone, affects your horse's immune and digestive systems and can
cause behavior abnormalities like cribbing and weaving.
Common causes of equine stress include improper or
inconsistent feeding, isolation, confinement or limited turnout
and improper handling techniques.
Your horse's emotional life plays a part in his overall health and immune response. Small changes to your horse’s environment can provide big gains in health and colic resistance. Provide adequate social structure, a consistent feeding program and as much pasture time as possible and your stressed-out horse will settle into his newer, mellower lifestyle with ease.