Companion Animals

Companion Horse Stereotypies and Stable Vices

Stereotypic behaviours in horses indicate chronic frustration and welfare compromise.

Key Facts

Crib-biting, weaving, and box-walking affect 5-15% of stabled horses
Stereotypies develop when horses are denied social contact, forage, and movement
Once established, stereotypies are difficult or impossible to eliminate
Physical devices to prevent stereotypies do not address underlying welfare problems

Welfare Considerations

Stereotypic horses have developed these behaviours as coping responses to chronic frustration — typically from stable confinement without adequate forage, social contact, or movement. Physical devices that prevent the behaviour while leaving the underlying welfare problem unaddressed may worsen psychological welfare. The focus should be on preventing development through appropriate management.

What You Can Do

Provide horses with ad libitum forage to prevent oral stereotypies
Ensure daily turnout and social contact with other horses
Never use physical devices to prevent stereotypic behaviour without addressing causes
Advocate for management standards that prevent the development of stereotypies