Stable Mirrors to help prevent stable vices & weaving

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Stable Mirror Modern methods of horse care mean that we must impose restrictions on our horses natural behaviour, which may cause undesirable stereotypical behaviours or 'stable vices' created through stress, loneliness, or boredom.

It is unnatural for horses to be kept in an enclosed space apart from their companions. Researchers now say that traditional deterrents such as anti weave grilles and crib collars may cause more harm than they prevent, so many owners look for alternatives..

Stable mirrors have been researched widely in cases of weaving, wind sucking, crib biting and box walking, also repetitive, aggressive or threatening behaviour, and are thought to be successful in reducing or even curing these stable vices. When the horse sees his own reflection, he thinks he has a companion, which calms and relaxes him, improving his overall disposition and demeanour. Dozing increases, which improves digestion and has an overall beneficial impact on the horses well being.

Box rest/weaning
People who have used a mirror to help manage a horse on long-term box rest believe that it helped the horse cope with the confinement. It is also possible that the mirror might reduce the stress of individual box weaning.
Separation anxiety
Horses can get agitated or distressed when a favourite companion must be sold or they are separated from their field mates . A mirror can be very effective in this situation, and an almost immediate effect can be seen. Research has proven that, when a mirror is used, many horses can benefit enormously from this simple intervention.

A number of owners have also found unexpected secondary effects; for example, a mare that is normally quite noisy when in season was reportedly much calmer once the mirror was installed. Other owners have observed that their horse's temperament improved and several owners have said that with the mirror in the stable, their horse is also much easier to tack or rug up.

Research has found that a mirror is a genuine aid to the management of the stress that can arise when a social animal is restricted from close interaction with others of its kind, and is a worthwhile investment into your horses well being and happiness.