What is the main purpose of using mirrors in horse stabling?

Using mirrors in horse stabling primarily serves to curtail weaving behavior. Weaving is a common stable vice where horses repeatedly shift their weight from one front foot to the other while swaying their necks and heads. This behavior can be a manifestation of stress, boredom, or anxiety due to confinement or lack of stimulation in their environment.

By incorporating mirrors into the stable, horses can see their reflections and may become more engaged with their surroundings. The mirrors can create an illusion of additional space and activity, helping to alleviate some of the boredom that may lead to weaving. This visual stimulation can encourage more natural behaviors, providing a sense of companionship and reducing the anxiety that often leads to such vices.

While enhancing vision might seem beneficial, mirrors primarily assist in reducing stress-related behaviors rather than improving visibility. Similarly, while one might think mirrors could deter kicking or aid in feeding, these functions are not the primary or intended use of mirrors in stabling conditions. Thus, the use of mirrors focuses on improving the overall mental well-being of the horse, directly addressing weaving behaviors.