stable mirrors

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Rosiejazzandpia

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Hi. Just wanted to get some info on mirrors in stables. Have heard of people using them but never done so myself.
Quick back story
horse is a 14 year old Arab who, up until march, was stabled and kept with my other mare. They had been together for all their life up until I lost my horse. Last winter they were in a block of 4 stables and opposite each other. Arab is generally a bit nervous and clingy but has coped well without her mate since march.
Last winter she lived in overnight and out during the day, however I am a bit worried as to whether she will settle. In the stable block she can see the 2 horses oposite and the one next door but she doesnt have her mate anymore.
I was wondering if getting a few mirrors in her stable might help her settle when winter comes, but want to hear peoples opinions. Any similar experiences? What mirrors did you buy and where from? How much and any cheap alternatives?
Dont want to spend loads but will pay fair prices :)
Thanks in advance :)
 
I have heard good things about them with some horses but also that other horses aren't fussed by them. You wont know if one will help your mare unless you try.

The one thing that is certain - you must get a proper stable mirror (not made of glass) as they are safe if the horse bashes it, the last thing you want is a mirror that cracks and causes an injury.
 
I'd think about your girl's temperament before deciding on mirrors, as they may do more harm than good. Take my girls.. LL would probably find them quite fascinating & spend hours looking at & sniffing them. SS on the other hand would probably jump out of her own skin & refuse to ever enter the stable again.

If you think it might help, perhaps try one & see how it goes? You could add to it if it goes well. If not, you've only spent money on one :)
 
You should only need one stable mirror, if positioned correctly your mare will be reassured by it being there, I know a couple of people that use them but they have had to move them to find the best place, I think having more than one would be confusing as they will see too many reflections and it could be scary rather than something secure to look at.
 
We had a stable mirror which i put in the wb's stable, who is so laid back and docile. He hated it, he would go to bite his reflection whenever he saw it. My hunter mare looked at herself, calmly turned round and double barrelled it. But on a good note my other 3 love it. So i guess you just have to try.
 
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