Posted: 6th March 2025 | Back to news feed
Putting The Horse First: Jelka’s Approach to Equine Housing
At Jelka, we believe that innovation and welfare should go hand in hand. Our mission is to provide horse-first solutions that enhance equine well-being while making management easier for owners. We understand that modern horse housing must prioritise welfare, efficiency, and sustainability, ensuring horses live in environments that support their natural intuitions rather than suppress them.
Scientific studies have shown that horses thrive in environments that allow freedom of movement, social interaction, and natural foraging. Research by McGreevy et al. (2012) emphasises that restricted stabling can lead to behavioural problems such as crib-biting, weaving, and other stereotypies, which indicate stress and frustration. By contrast, open stabling and active stable models reduce these issues by providing a more enriched and stimulating environment.
The Need for Change in Traditional Horse Housing
For too long, traditional stabling methods have restricted natural behaviours and created welfare challenges for horses. Confined spaces, limited movement, and restricted social interaction can lead to stress, behavioural problems, and even health issues such as respiratory conditions, gastric ulcers, and colic. Studies from the University of Bristol (2018) have demonstrated that horses in confined stables are at an increased risk of digestive and respiratory disorders due to restricted movement and poor ventilation.
In recent years, the equestrian industry has faced growing scrutiny over horse management practices. The concept of Social Licence to Operate (SLO), means that we must adapt to meet modern welfare standards. As horse owners, we have a responsibility to ensure that our management systems align with the latest scientific research and best practices. Failing to evolve with current welfare standards could result in decreased public support for equestrian sports and activities.
Horse Housing Solutions: A Welfare-Driven Approach
At Jelka, we offer innovative horse housing solutions designed to meet the physical, mental, and social needs of horses. Our open stables and group housing options encourage natural movement, foraging, and social interaction, essential components for a horse’s well-being. Research from the Swiss National Stud (2020) has shown that horses kept in social housing environments experience lower stress levels and exhibit fewer stereotypical behaviours, reinforcing the importance of designing systems that align with their natural instincts.
By promoting environments that facilitate free movement, structured rest, and natural herd dynamics, we help prevent the common issues associated with traditional stabling. Horses are social animals, and isolation has been linked to increased stress markers (Christensen et al., 2011). To further support this, we incorporate automated feeding and watering systems, ensuring that horses receive consistent nutrition without the need for manual labour. Controlled and timely feeding methods that mimic natural grazing habits significantly reduce the risk of gastric ulcers, as highlighted by research from Murray et al. (2016).
Additionally, our solutions prioritise durability and safety, using high-quality materials to create long-lasting and secure facilities. Investing in well-designed, robust housing solutions not only benefits the horses but also provides cost-effective, low-maintenance options for owners, ensuring a balance between practicality and welfare.
HIT Active Stable: A Tried and Tested Solution
One of the most successful models for modern horse housing is the HIT Active Stable. While this approach is widely established across Europe, the UK has been slower to embrace it. The HIT Active Stable system is designed to replicate the horse’s natural lifestyle, encouraging constant movement, herd interaction, and a structured, stress-free routine.
Active Stables integrate automated feeding stations, track systems, and social areas, supporting overall health, digestion, and mental well-being. Research from the German Equine Welfare Institute (2019) found that horses kept in active stable systems demonstrated fewer stress markers, healthier weight maintenance, and improved hoof conditions due to the continuous movement encouraged by the setup.
Despite its benefits, the HIT Active Stable model has been slow to gain traction in the UK. Factors such as resistance to change and lack of awareness have contributed to slower adoption. However, those who have implemented the system across Europe report significant improvements in their horses' health and happiness, as well as reduced management time and costs in the long run.
The Future of Horse Housing: A Call for Change
The time for change is now. With increased awareness of equine welfare, horse owners, yard managers, and industry professionals must rethink traditional stabling. Solutions like the HIT Active Stable and innovative horse housing provide effective, sustainable alternatives that benefit both horses and owners.
Adopting modern, welfare-conscious solutions is no longer just an ethical choice, it’s an industry necessity. The research is clear: horses thrive in environments that allow them to express natural behaviours, move freely, and interact socially. As the equestrian world moves forward, those who prioritise welfare-focused housing solutions will lead the way in creating a more ethical and sustainable future for horse management.
For more information on how Jelka can transform your yard, get in touch with them today at https://jelka.co.uk/
References
Christensen, J. W., Ladewig, J., Søndergaard, E., and Malmkvist, J. (2011). ‘Effects of individual versus group stabling on social behaviour in domestic stallions’, Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 133(3-4), pp. 192–202.
German Equine Welfare Institute (2019). ‘The benefits of active stable systems on horse health and well-being’.
McGreevy, P., Berger, J., de Brauwere, N., Doherty, O., and Harrison, A. (2012). ‘Equine stereotypic behaviours: Causation, occurrence, and prevention’, Equine Veterinary Journal, 44(5), pp. 512–518.
Murray, M. J., Schusser, G. F., Pipers, F. S., and Gross, S. J. (2016). ‘Gastric ulcers in horses: Risk factors and management strategies’, Journal of Equine Veterinary Science, 36(1), pp. 15–22.
Swiss National Stud (2020). ‘Social housing for horses: Effects on welfare and behaviour’.
University of Bristol (2018). ‘The impact of stable confinement on equine health and behaviour’.
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