PADDOCK ANTICS l PREVENTING ESCAPES
Realising a horse has escaped from his field or stable is enough to send any equestrian into a blind panic. Kelly Johnstone speaks to equine experts to find out why some horses are such accomplished escape artists and how owners can reduce the chances of them getting out
ANYONE WHO OWNS a horse who is an escape artist will understand the total panic that sets in when he is discovered where he isn’t supposed to be. From seeing whether the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, to becoming unsettled when his field mate leaves, there are plenty of reasons why a horse may put his Houdini skills into practice.
And, while tales of greedy Shetlands sneaking under electric fencing and clever dressage horses undoing their own stable doors make for amusing stories, there is a darker side to escapee equines.
“The risks of escaping horses should never be underestimated,” warns equine behaviourist Kay Willoughby. “Some horses are kept in fields near roads, while those in an enclosed yard could get into fields with other horses where injuries may occur. There’s a possibility of horses getting caught in fencing, tangled in torn rugs, or hurting themselves on farm equipment lying around.”
But what makes a horse want to get out of somewhere he should feel safe and secure?
“There are numerous reasons that may make a stabled horse want to escape, from an inability to move around and graze or a lack of companionship, to boredom and hunger, while field-kept horses will have different reasons depending on the season. In the summer, biting flies can cause stress, especially if the horse is unable to find any relief or shelter. In the winter, fields turn muddy and, unless there is a sufficient supply of hay for the herd, then hunger, boredom, the cold weather and a lack of shelter can all play a part,” explains Kay.
The list doesn’t stop there.
“Many horses become anxious when their field companions are taken away, while fear can also be a trigger. As flight animals, anything strange or unusual on their home range can cause a flight response,” Kay adds.
“Horses, like people, have different personalities — some are brave and some are fearful, some accept confinement and some don’t. There are some horses who learn that a quick shock is worth having for the green grass on the other side of the fence, whereas other, more cautious types simply would never
