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

26/08/2025 48 min
Ep. 098: Feeder Style, Dominance, and Stress in Group-Fed Horses – What the Research Says

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Episode Synopsis

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 behaviorThe surprising reason dominant horses may actually feel more stress than submissive ones at feeding timeTips for reducing conflict and stress in group feeding set-upsEverything 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 podcastHave a topic idea or feedback to share? We want to connect with you! Email [email protected]_______________________________*Views and opinions expressed by guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect the view of Standlee Premium Products, LLC.*_______________________________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/S0737080620304573Acclimation Reduces Stress in Adult Horses Tied in Visual Isolation” - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6285647/_______________________________Connect with Dr. Wimbush at [email protected] or learn more at her University page. _______________________________
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