Ep. 098: Feeder Style, Dominance, and Stress in Group-Fed Horses – What the Research Says

Could something as simple as how you feed your horses be affecting their stress levels and relationships within the herd?

On this episode, host Katy Starr chats with Dr. Karen Wimbush, long-time professor and equine welfare researcher at Ohio State ATI about:

• How feeder spacing impacts herd hierarchy and horse behavior
• The surprising reason dominant horses may actually feel more stress than submissive ones at feeding time
• Tips for reducing conflict and stress in group feeding set-ups

Everything is a tradeoff. Whether you’re feeding horses in dry lots, pastures, or shared pens, this episode offers practical takeaways and insights that every horse owner, barn manager, and caretaker should tune in to.

🎧 Listen now on the Beyond the Barn podcast

Have a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [e-mail]

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*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*

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Research Dr. Wimbush shared during the podcast:

• “Effects of feeder style on behavior and plasma cortisol concentrations in group-fed horses” - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2590286523000435
• “Effect of Pen Size on Stress Responses of Stall-Housed Horses Receiving One Hour of Daily Turnout” - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0737080620304573
• Acclimation Reduces Stress in Adult Horses Tied in Visual Isolation” - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6285647/

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Connect with Dr. Wimbush at [e-mail] or learn more at her University page. 

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