8 (demanding) thoughts of a pampered stabled horse this winter

It’s that time of year again. With a long winter ahead of us some of our four-legged friends spend their evenings in a nice, cosy stable out of the harsh weather. So what might they be thinking about this pampered lifestyle?

1. It’s 4pm, it’s getting dark, now where is my mum? She promised me she would be back to take me inside. Maybe if I pace up and down the fence line she will appear? I might shout in distress and then she’ll know it’s an emergency…

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now

TOPICS

Since joining H&H in 2018, Becky has covered a broad range of equestrian news including welfare matters, veterinary studies, FEI Tribunal hearings and road safety campaigns. She has also interviewed top riders including Scott Brash, John Whitaker and Ian Stark, to name just a few. Becky’s reporting has taken her to Canada for Spruce Meadows and France for Pau five-star, as well as the Royal Highland and Blair Castle International Horse Trials closer to home. She was also a key part of the remote reporting team for the Tokyo Olympics and the Europeans.

8 (demanding) thoughts of a pampered stabled horse this winter

3. I’m not sure about layout of my bed… I think we need a bit of a shuffle around. Let’s kick a bit of straw here and there. Ahh. Things are starting to look a little comfier. I can’t understand why humans spend hours putting it back how it was each day..

4. I’m sleepy… I think I might have a lie down… And I think I’ll have a little roll onto my other side… Oh no, I’m stuck. Help! Mum? Anyone?

5. Mmm this yellow stuff on the floor is loads tastier than it looks. It can’t hurt to have little snack, can it?

6. What on earth is this ball hanging down? Why won’t it stay still while I try to lick it? Is this some kind of sick trick? ‘Boredom buster’ you say? You’re making me look like a fool…

7. Oops. When I heard my friend coming into the barn I got excited. Who left my water in such a silly place? I need a re-fill please…

8. Tick-tock. Where is my breakfast? I swear it gets later every morning… Kicks stable door

9. Is it nearly time for the field? Bets on for how quickly I can escape this stable… Steps on owner’s foot

You might also be interested in:

6 ways to beat boredom in stable-bound horses

7 reasons to love winter (plus a few reasons not to!)