What horses really need
At the renowned Aubenhausen equestrian centre everything is focused on one thing – horses. The two top dressage riders, Benjamin Werndl and Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, take a holistic approach that is consistently geared towards the natural needs of their horses. “They can ultimately only perform really well when they really feel at ease,” says Benjamin Werndl.
What does that mean in practical terms for Benjamin Werndl and his horses? Here are his five tips for horse welfare that can be incorporated into any stable project.
1. Find inspiration in nature
Horses are herd animals; they move around for many hours a day and feed continuously. “We are inspired by nature,” says Werndl.
His horses are let outdoors several times a day, spend a lot of time in the paddocks and have access to hay almost round the clock. Exercise, fresh air and a tailored diet are not just something special but essential foundations for healthy, balanced horses.
2. Exercise should be a matter of course
Stables should support natural processes rather than restrict them. For Werndl, this means spacious facilities, clear pathways and plenty of room for horses to move around regularly and naturally – not just during training, but throughout the day.
3. Facilitate social contact
Horses seek each other’s company, groom and interact with one another. “We’ve now made it possible for them to stay in contact with one another in this way,” said Werndl. The social contact openings in the stall partitions, developed in collaboration with Röwer & Rüb, are specifically designed to facilitate this interaction – safely and in a controlled manner.
4. Respect the horse’s need for peace and quiet
As important as closeness is, distance is sometimes just as important. Interaction must never be forced – not least to ensure the horses’ safety. Spacious stalls and well-designed solutions ensure that both interaction and privacy are possible. If a horse needs more peace and quiet, the social contact opening can be easily closed off with a grille insert; and with the high-quality craftsmanship of Röwer & Rüb products, this is simple and uncomplicated. Individuality is always the foundation for ensuring that all horses feel safe and secure.
5. Daily interactions matter
In addition to structural factors, people play a key role. “Horses may not understand our language, but they do understand when we treat them with affection and genuine care.”
Looking to the future of horse management, Benjamin Werndl hopes that horses will be treated as equals. Quality, a long-term perspective, safety and trust, always with the horses’ best interests at heart – these are all values he shares with Röwer & Rüb.
For Werndl, one thing is certain – a facility such as Aubenhausen is a living space. And well-being is only possible where function, attitude and responsibility come together.
Would you like to find out how you can improve welfare in your stables? Please get in touch with us – we’d be happy to advise you in person.
