Horse Crib-Biting and Stereotypic Behaviours

Stereotypic behaviours in horses such as crib-biting, wind-sucking, and weaving are signs of compromised welfare. Understanding their causes helps prevent and manage these conditions.

Key Facts

Approximately 5-10% of horses develop stereotypic behaviours
Crib-biting involves grasping a fixed object and gulping air
Stereotypies typically develop in young horses in restrictive environments
Once established, stereotypies are very difficult to eliminate
Crib-biting collars reduce the behaviour but do not address underlying causes

Welfare Considerations

Stereotypic behaviours in horses are coping mechanisms that develop when animals cannot satisfy fundamental needs — particularly for forage, social contact, and movement. Horses evolved to roam and graze for 16+ hours daily; confinement to stables with limited forage and social isolation creates chronic frustration. The welfare approach prioritises prevention through appropriate housing, turnout, forage access, and companionship rather than simply suppressing visible symptoms with physical devices.

What You Can Do

Ensure horses have access to ad libitum forage and daily turnout
Provide social contact — horses are herd animals and should not be housed alone
Avoid restricting feeding to two meals per day in stabled horses
If a horse develops stereotypies, consult an equine behaviourist
Advocate against the use of anti-crib collars as a primary intervention