Horses and Stuffed Animals

[floppyammy]

I have noticed in many pictures and articles featuring top level H/J horses, that many have a stuffed animal as a stall companion and traveling buddy.

The reason I ask is that my gelding is scheduled for surgery Feb. 19, after which he will be on a few weeks of stall rest. He is not very happy being stall-bound for even part of a day, so I’m sure the next few weeks may be hard on him.

Does having a stuffed animal around benefit horses in any way? Or is that more of an item from home that offers some consistency for horses that travel frequently and have to settle in quickly in many new environments?

Should I get my horse a stuffed animal for his upcoming stall rest?

[MtnDrmz]

I have absolutely no proof that any stuffed animals help or doesn’t help, but I think if it keeps your horse happier in any way, then do it! One of my favorites in our barn always has a stuffed animal in his stall at home and shows that he likes to nestle his face into. It keeps him from getting as stressed, and he loves to have things touching his face in general lol Kind of a wierdo, but a very sweet one!!! It helps him, but I’m pretty sure some others would be totally indifferent, or want to attack it Just depends on the horse.

[ybiaw]

I think for horses that travel a lot, it’s an easy way to have something consistent with them in their stall. Something that smells, looks, tastes (ew) like “home.” Kind of like a security blanket.

Not sure it would work for your stall rest gelding any better than a slow feeder haynet would, but it definitely wouldn’t hurt to try it.

[FancyIllusions]

I’ve never seen this but now I’m curious! What size of stuffed animal are we talking about?

[ybiaw]

[QUOTE=FancyIllusions;8526259]
I’ve never seen this but now I’m curious! What size of stuffed animal are we talking about?[/QUOTE]

http://www.chronofhorse.com/article/behind-stall-door-voyeur

Lots of top show jumpers travel with a stuffed animal or two. Kent Farrington’s Voyeur has a couple that go with him everywhere. Explained by his groom Denise:

“They come everywhere with him. It’s just one thing that’s the same. When they’re in different stables all the time, it’s nice to have something, even if it’s small, that’s the same. I don’t know if it really makes a difference, but he likes them, and it’s just something that’s similar for him.”

[bjd2013]

I have one at home that has a teddy bear in his stall. He will grab it and lick it. Surprisingly hasn’t destroyed it yet. Keeps him busy.

[Scribbler]

And then there is this video that has been making the rounds:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c6u105-SyK0