Avoiding Burnout with Equine Enrichment

Are there pre-qualifying criteria for students w ishing t o en ter y our p rogram? Regarding entrance requirements, the interested equestrian would need to make an appointment to visit campus (with Raechel Lindbloom*) and meet with the EQS Program Director, Professor Jennie Petterson. There are, of course, grade point average requirements, and Prof. Petterson could answer many questions about entrance into the program and what is specifically required.

Are scholarships available? YES, scholarships are available. The prospective student would just need to go to https://www.williamwoods.edu/academics/ undergraduate/programs_and_degrees/ equestrian/index.html to find out more, and then contact the admissions representative: Raechel Lindbloom* at Raechel. Lindbloom@williamwoods.edu

What makes this school special? William Woods is the home of over 150 performance horses. This includes young horses just learning the discipline, all the way to horses who have multiple championships already earned. There are horses to teach you many aspects of each discipline.

What tips do you have for potential students? The more you investigate what the horse industry is all about, the more prepared you will be to take advantage of what an equestrian education has to offer. If you’re interested in teaching or training, spend some time shadowing someone who is doing that job. If you want to manage a barn or work in an equine assisted therapy setting, volunteer at a facility so that you have exposure to that field. We try to expose students to a wide variety of careers and fields in the industry, but the more you have explored before you get to school, the quicker you can begin to focus on your area of interest.

Contact information: www.williamwoods.edu/eqs

Christine Olsen and friend. Photo courtesy of the author.

Avoiding Burnout with Equine Enrichment By Christine Olsen

No one said a lesson horse’s job is easy. Horses are individual characters and some may be more resilient and tolerant than others. Burnout can cause physical and mental symptoms and typically happens within 3–5 years. Horses that are suffering from burnout do not stay useful at their job and have the potential to be dangerous. Providing equine enrichment can help prevent burnout (not only for your lesson horses, but for all your equine partners).

What is equine enrichment and why is it important?

This term has increased in popularity as more horse owners are becoming concerned about the effects the environment has on their horse’s behavior. Enrichment by basic definition is the improvement of something. In the case of equine enrichment we are offering choices or freedoms to improve the quality of its environment or experience.

Horses are like any other living organism and they have basic needs. When those needs are not met they can become stressed and unwanted behaviors may appear. In extreme cases the health of the horse may also be in jeopardy. Modern time horse stabling and management is often at the convenience of the caregivers while the horse’s welfare is a second priority. Adding ➢

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When making an enrichment plan it is a good idea to have goals, write down observations, and evaluate. Start small and build from there instead of starting at the big picture. Don’t be afraid to mix things up either. Make sure what you introduce to your horse is safe. New foods should be safe and in appropriate amounts. New toys should be chosen with care and not cause harm. Don’t forget adding new things to your horse in general can cause stress on its own. If what you have added is stressful to the point that the horse cannot cope, you have observed the enrichment is not suitable and it’s time to change things up.

What types of enrichment can you provide for your horse? Think about the needs of your horse and if those needs are satisfied. Some basic needs of all horses are food and water, a safe environment, and friends. There are some other subcategories that can come from these basic needs.

Addressing the need for food is an easy way to improve your horse’s environment. Horses are grazing animals with a digestive system set up to eat 16-18 hours a day. Hay nets or other slow feeders help prolong roughage delivery time. Spreading out hay in a turnout can also provide movement to mimic grazing. Providing novel treats can also enrich their environment. There are some horses with dietary restrictions so it is a good idea to talk to your vet before changing your horse’s diet. Creative thinking can help find solutions for that horse that seems to gain weight by breathing.

Your horse’s environment must be safe, but can also be an environment for discovery and learning. Imagine the wild horse that has diverse, seemingly endless acreage to roam. Hills, barriers, water, and footing can be enriching (sand, soft stone, mulch). In the winter months for those who live up north, building a snowman for your horse to play with can be a fun activity for both you and your horse (don’t forget the peppermint eyes and carrot nose!). Adding diversity to your horse’s environment can be fun for them but also a fun way to observe how your horse reacts. You can try hanging blocks of ice with treats inside, wind chimes, use essential oils, a radio, a scratching post and other toys to keep your horse engaged. Have you ever seen horses play on keyboards or even paint?

Last but not least, we must recognize that horses are gregarious. Having social contact is essential for healthy behavior but is sometimes difficult to achieve. Other horses are the best option, but other animals can be friends as well. For stalled horses, a mirror can even bring the horse some social enrichment.

Take Home Lesson Any new experience can be a form of enrichment. What fun activities can you do with your horse? Remember to think about safety and to always allow the horse to back away from any new activities it might find stressful. Do things slowly and monitor your horse’s response.

Teaching equine enrichment strategies to your students is also a valuable lesson for your riders. My students have been very imaginative and I’ve found that they are the most creative in coming up with ideas (a picture of a purple pony in the stall might not be the best idea, but the kids sure had fun making one for their favorite lesson horse). This activity can provide valuable equine science and behavior education for riders of all ages while giving them a task that will make them feel like a valuable part of the team.

About the author: Christine Olsen has 15 years of experience in the industry as a rider, trainer, clinician, and instructor. She manages a private farm in Richmond, Illinois and enjoys sharing her passion for horses with her students.