Unlocking Your Horse’s Sensory World: The Importance of Novel Scents

When was the last time you stopped to consider your horse’s sense of smell?

In the bustling world of equine care, we often focus on the basics – food, shelter, exercise – without delving into the intricate sensory experiences our equine companions crave. Horses, with their remarkable olfactory abilities, are more sensitive to scents than we might imagine.

Imagine their world: confined to small paddocks or stalls, surrounded by the same scents day in and day out. While they might receive the best care, these environments can lack the diversity of smells and flavors that would naturally stimulate their senses in a wild environment.

The Power of Scent

A horse’s sense of smell is extraordinary. Their ability to detect scents is not only highly developed but also integral to their well-being. In the wild, horses encounter a variety of smells daily – the fresh earth after rain, the aromatic herbs and grasses underfoot, the ever-changing scents carried on the wind.

Yet, many domesticated horses miss out on these olfactory stimulations. The confines of their living spaces limit exposure to diverse scents, leading to potential under-stimulation.

Age-related differences in sniffing behavior were noted, as well as a notable distinction between pregnant and non-pregnant mares. The study concluded that “odors may constitute a source of environmental enrichment for horses either directly as pleasant scents, or secondary as new scents to already existing enrichment materials.”

Enrichment Ideas

There are many ways you can utilize your horse’s sense of smell to create enriching experiences for them! Here are a few ideas:

• Aromatherapy: Introducing calming scents like lavender or chamomile in the stable can help reduce stress and anxiety in horses. These scents can be diffused using essential oil diffusers or applied to specific areas within the stable.
• Scented Toys or Treats: Incorporating scented toys or treats can provide mental stimulation for horses. Scented balls, puzzle toys, or edible treats with different aromas (peppermint, apple, etc.) can encourage interaction and engagement.
• Herbal Pastures: Planting or placing specific herbs or aromatic plants in the pasture can offer natural scents for horses to explore. Herbs like mint, rosemary, or basil can create a pleasant sensory experience for the horses. You might also plant along fence lines of paddocks, or rotate potted herb plants outside their stall.
• Treasure Hunt: Hide or scatter appropriate snacks for your horse throughout their living space. I like to toss broken up hay cubes throughout my pasture, and the horses have a grand time seeking them out. I’ve seen them find missed cubes, days later, by walking past where it is sitting. They do a double take, and swiftly turn around to sniff it out – super fun to watch their nose in action!
• Scented Grooming Products: Using scented grooming products during grooming sessions can make the experience more enjoyable for horses. Shampoos, conditioners, or grooming sprays with mild and natural scents can contribute to a positive sensory experience. I really like Electric Pony’s Pony Perfector, which has a lovely calming scent that is different from standard grooming products. Watch your horse to learn their opinion!
• Scented Pads or Blankets: Introducing scents on stable pads or blankets can offer familiar and comforting smells. If your horse needs to leave their friend for some time, consider hanging their saddle pad on their friend’s stall for comfort. These items can be used during transportation or in the stable to create a sense of familiarity for the horse.
• Rotating Scents: Introducing new scents periodically can prevent habituation and maintain the novelty factor. Regularly changing or introducing different scents keeps the environment interesting for the horses.
• Flavored teas: Add horse-safe herbs to a bucket of water for your horse, warm or cold. This will provide something new and different to smell and/or taste. There is no need to add sweeteners – simply the natural, organic herbs will add some flavor to any day. Raw Apple Cider Vinegar is another flavor that most horses enjoy, and can be added to a bucket of water for some added health benefits too!

Remember, when using scents for enrichment, it’s essential to ensure that the scents used are safe for horses, and some horses may have individual preferences or aversions to certain scents. Gradual introduction and observation of the horse’s reactions are crucial when implementing scent-based enrichments.

Creating Moments of Delight

Picture your horse eagerly exploring a new blend of herbs, inhaling deeply as they encounter intriguing scents. Or seeing their eyes light up with accomplishment when they find a hidden snack using their nose. It’s about providing moments of delight and engaging their senses in a way that might otherwise be overlooked in their daily routine. If you don’t know where to start, we have a sampler pack of herbs that our horses love. I like to use them in buckets of water, creating different teas for them to taste. Once you know what your horse likes, you can order herbs online by the pound! Having a variety to rotate through keeps things exciting for your horse, otherwise they may habituate to any one flavor.

Remember, it’s the little things that can make a world of difference. By offering your horse an array of scents and flavors, you’re enriching their environment and contributing to their overall well-being. Join us in unlocking the sensory world of your horse. Let’s bring a bit more joy and wonder into their lives, one delightful experience at a time.

Note: While we don’t claim direct health benefits, our aim is to enhance your horse’s daily experiences with delightful scents and flavors.

References

1. Rørvang MV, Nicova K, Yngvesson J. Horse odor exploration behavior is influenced by pregnancy and age. Front Behav Neurosci. 2022 Jul 28;16:941517. doi: 10.3389/fnbeh.2022.941517. PMID: 35967896; PMCID: PMC9366077. Frontiers ↩︎