• 10 Signs Your Horse is Stressed—And How to Help

    Learn how to spot the early signs of stress in your horse—behavioral, physical, and emotional—and explore natural ways to calm and support them, ensuring your horse stays calm, happy, and healthy.

Spot The Signs Early & Support A Calmer, Healthier Horse

Spot the signs early and support a calmer, healthier horse. Just like people, horses experience stress—and they often show it in subtle (and not-so-subtle) ways. Whether you’re a competitive rider, trail enthusiast, or barn owner, understanding equine stress is key to ensuring your horse stays calm, happy, and healthy.

At Centerline Distribution, we’re not just equine retailers—we’re horse owners and riders ourselves. We know that early detection and the right tools can make all the difference. Below, we’ll walk you through the most common behavioral and physical signs of stress in horses, what causes it, and how you can help your horse find calm and focus—naturally.

How to tell if your horse is stressed starts with one simple truth: no one knows your horse better than you. Subtle changes in behavior, routine, or mood can be the first clues that something’s off. From pacing and pawing to loss of appetite or overreactivity, stress shows up in many ways. But the good news? You can do something about it. Recognizing these signs early allows you to take steps that support your horse’s mental and physical well-being.

At Centerline Distribution, we’re here to help—with trusted products like StressLess® Equine and a community that truly understands horses.

Help Your Horse Handle Environmental Stress

If your horse’s stress seems triggered by weather, storms, or sudden environmental changes, it’s time to take action. The Atlantic hurricane season runs from June through November, and advance planning can make all the difference. We’ve created a free Equine Hurricane Disaster Plan with essential tips for Florida horse owners—evacuation steps, trailer safety, shelter info, and more. Don’t wait for the storm to strike. Download the Equine Hurricane Disaster Plan below and be ready before the next storm hits. Planning ahead reduces panic—and saves lives.

Download Hurricane Prep Checklist

Common Behavioral Signs of Stress in Horses

Recognizing stress in horses starts with knowing your horse’s normal behavior. Any shift in their usual routine, personality, or body language can be a red flag. Here are signs to watch for:

  • Pacing, Pawing, or Weaving

    Repetitive movements in the stall or paddock are a sign of mental unrest.

  • Aggression or Irritability

    Nipping, biting, or lunging at people or other horses may indicate discomfort.

  • Becoming Hard to Catch or Handle

    If your usually friendly horse suddenly resists, stress could be the culprit.

  • Cribbing, Wind-Sucking, or Box Walking

    These stereotypical behaviors are often stress-related habits.

  • Bolting Food or Refusing to Eat

    Rapid consumption or loss of appetite are both warning signs.

  • Excessive Vocalizing

    Neighing, whinnying, or calling more than usual may signal separation anxiety or distress.

  • Tail Swishing, Fidgeting, or Clamping

    Often overlooked, but these signs show agitation.

  • Yawning When Not Tired

    Repeated yawning can indicate discomfort or nervous energy. It can also be seen as a sign of releasing stress.

  • Overactivity or Poor Focus

    Spooking easily, staring intensely, or failing to concentrate are clear mental stress indicators.

Physical Signs of Stress & Other Red Flags

Physical signs of stress in horses can often be seen before they’re heard. If your horse is sweating without exercise, trembling, or breathing heavily at rest, these may be early red flags. Stress also impacts digestion—frequent pooping is common. Watch for visible tension: flared nostrils, wide eyes, tight lips, or a high head and neck carriage all signal distress. Pinned or tense ears can show discomfort, while ongoing stress may result in weight loss or a dull, lethargic demeanor. Knowing what’s normal for your horse helps you spot these signs early and take action.

Purchase StressLess Equine Supplement

Physical Signs of Stress in Horses

  • Sweating without exertion – A sure sign something isn’t right.
  • Trembling or shaking – Usually paired with tension or anxiety.
  • Increased heart rate and rapid breathing – Especially when at rest.
  • Frequent pooping – Stress often affects the digestive system.
  • Flared nostrils, wide eyes, or tight lips – Visible facial tension speaks volumes.
  • High head and neck carriage – A classic flight response posture.
  • Pinned ears or tense ear position – Indicates your horse is uncomfortable or anxious.
  • Weight loss – Chronic stress can take a toll on body condition.
  • Lethargy or dull demeanor – A once-bright horse becoming withdrawn is cause for concern.

Other Red Flags to Watch For

  • Sudden changes in personality or mood
  • Trouble learning, focusing, or responding to training
  • Unexplained weight loss or dull coat
  • General signs of pain—which are often stress responses themselves

Tip: Stress in horses can stem from changes in environment, feeding schedule, social dynamics, physical pain, illness, or even your own stress as a handler. Chronic stress can lead to serious health issues like gastric ulcers, colic, or immune suppression. Always consult your vet to rule out physical causes.

Natural Ways to Help Your Horse De-Stress

Here’s the good news: You can take proactive steps to ease your horse’s anxiety and support their overall wellness. If your horse is showing signs of stress, don’t worry—there are simple, natural ways to support their emotional and physical well-being. Start by increasing turnout time to let them move freely and graze, which helps relieve tension and restore balance. Creating a quiet, consistent barn environment also builds trust and reduces anxiety. Social interaction is key—horses are herd animals and thrive with companionship.

For extra support, turn to a calming horse supplement such as StressLess® Equine, a trusted, all-natural calming supplement that promotes focus and calm without sedation. Ideal for training, travel, and daily use.

Purchase StressLess Equine Supplement

  • Offer More Turnout Time

    Allowing your horse to move freely, graze, and socialize in a natural setting can have a profoundly positive impact on their mental and physical health.

  • Create a Calm Environment

    Reduce loud noises, limit disruptions, and provide clean, safe, and comfortable surroundings. Use consistent routines to build trust.

  • Encourage Social Interaction

    Horses are herd animals. Ensure your horse has visual or physical contact with others to help reduce feelings of isolation.

  • Use Natural Calming Supplements

    This is where StressLess® Equine shines. Trusted by riders across the country, StressLess is a natural calming supplement that supports mental focus and calm behavior, without drowsiness or suppressing energy. It’s perfect for show days, travel, stall rest, and everyday training.

Tip: Stress is common—but it’s not something you have to accept. By recognizing the signs early and taking action, you’re giving your horse the best chance to live a happier, healthier life.

Worried Your Horse Might Be Stressed? Discover the Signs—and Shop Calming Solutions from Horse People Who Truly Get It

If you’ve noticed changes in your horse’s behavior—like restlessness, tension, or loss of focus—it could be stress. In our blog, “10 Signs Your Horse is Stressed—And How to Help,” we cover how to recognize the signs early and what you can do to support your horse’s mental and physical wellness. One trusted solution is StressLess® Equine, a non-drowsy, all-natural calming supplement. Available in two convenient sizes, with three flexible auto-ship plans you can cancel anytime. At Centerline Distribution, we don’t just sell horse products—we own and ride horses ourselves. We know what works because we live it every day.

We can help you and help your horse stress less.

Purchase StressLess Equine Supplement

Why Buy StressLess® from Centerline Distribution?

At Centerline Distribution, we offer more than just supplements—we offer peace of mind.

  • Talk to Betty, a real horse owner who understands your concerns
  • Enjoy a money-back guarantee—no questions asked (though we doubt you’ll need it!)
  • Support a woman-owned, family-operated business that prioritizes small business values
  • Get access to free resources and guidance to help you and your horse thrive

Whether your horse is a competitor, a companion, or somewhere in between—they deserve to feel calm, focused, and understood.

Stress is common—but it’s not something you have to accept. By recognizing the signs early and taking action, you’re giving your horse the best chance to live a happier, healthier life. And remember: when you shop with Centerline Distribution, you’re not just getting top-quality products like StressLess® Equine—you’re becoming part of a community that truly cares.

➡️ Ready to reduce stress and restore calm?

Shop now at centerlinedistribution.net or contact us directly. We offer 2 sizes for your convenience and 3 types of auto-ship options. We’re happy to help you find the best solution for your horse.

Take the Stress Out of Your Horse’s Life

Noticing signs of stress in your horse? From pacing and poor focus to weight loss and irritability, early recognition is key. In our latest blog, we break down the top 10 signs your horse may be stressed—and how to help. One of the best solutions? StressLess® Equine Calming Supplement. It’s all-natural, non-drowsy, and now available in two convenient sizes with three flexible auto-ship options—cancel anytime! Make calm a part of your horse’s routine. Order now at Centerline Distribution and give your horse the support they deserve.

Purchase StressLess Equine Supplement