What might be a consequence of keeping horses in box stalls?

Keeping horses in box stalls can lead to behavioral problems due to confinement. Horses are naturally social animals that thrive in environments where they can interact with other horses and exhibit natural behaviors such as grazing, roaming, and playing. When confined to a small space, especially for extended periods, horses may develop stress-related behaviors known as stereotypies. These behaviors can include cribbing, weaving, or other repetitive motions as a response to the stress of confinement.

Confinement can also result in reduced physical activity, which can impact a horse's mental and physical well-being. Overall, the lack of social interaction and space to move can lead to a range of behavioral issues that detract from the horse's overall quality of life. In contrast, while the other options mention issues like exposure to severe weather or injuries, these do not directly stem from the confinement aspect of box stalls, making the issue of behavioral problems the most relevant consequence of keeping horses in such conditions.