We think it provides them with a warm and cosy sanctuary – but apparently horses hate being saddled with stables . The beasts find them a miserable and stressful experience , research reveals . As a herd animal , horses prefer to be in groups and stables prevent them interacting with their neighbours , according to a study by Nottingham Trent University . Stable condition : Scientists found the animals ’ stress levels - measured by the hormone corticosterone - rose and they became difficult to manage as they became increasingly isolated . Scientists found animals that were isolated had higher levels of stress hormones and became difficult to manage . The findings , published in the journal Physiology and Behaviour , showed that horses are at their happiest in a paddock . Scientists found the animals ’ stress levels - measured by the hormone corticosterone - rose and they became difficult to manage as they became increasingly isolated . These stress levels could also lead to sickness and disease , the study published in the journal Physiology and Behaviour found . Research : The study by Nottingham Trent University ( above ) found that as a herd animal , horses prefer to be in groups and stables prevent them interacting with their neighbours . Equine welfare expert Kelly Yarnell told the Daily Telegraph : ‘ To the human eye , the stable appears safe and inviting and is based on the belief of what the horse finds comfortable . ‘ However , for a social animal that spends most of its time in close contact with other horses , the isolation brought about by single housing could activate an equine stress response. ’ She said equine welfare would be improved by shared housing . In the wild , horses live in herds that move over up to 30 sq miles while domestic horses often spend most of the day inside . Lee Hackett , director of equine policy at The British Horse Society , said the study should change the way we keep horses . He said : ‘ It is fairly obvious that keeping any animal in a domestic setting could potentially compromise it , whether that be a hamster in a cage or a lion in a zoo . '
fences prevent horses interacting with their neighbours , scientists say . Isolated horses suffer higher stress levels and become harder to handle . a Trent University study shows horses are happiest in paddock .