Stereotypic Behaviours in Horses: Causes and Prevention

Stereotypic behaviours such as crib-biting, weaving, and box-walking affect a significant proportion of horses in stabled environments, indicating unmet behavioural needs.

Key Facts

An estimated 10-35% of horses in stabled environments develop stereotypic behaviours
Crib-biting involves biting a fixed surface and swallowing air, producing an endorphin release
Stereotypies are more prevalent in horses with limited forage, social contact, and exercise
Once established, stereotypies cannot reliably be eliminated, only managed
Restricting horses from performing stereotypies does not reduce the underlying frustration and may increase it

Welfare Considerations

Stereotypic behaviours in horses are often called vices, but this terminology is unhelpful. They are coping mechanisms that develop when an animal cannot meet fundamental behavioural needs. The equine digestive system is designed for continuous grazing; stabling for long periods without forage creates physical and psychological frustration. Social isolation compounds this. Prevention requires providing unlimited forage, social contact with other horses, and adequate daily exercise or turnout. Anti-cribbing devices that prevent the behaviour without addressing its cause simply redirect distress.

What You Can Do

Provide horses with unlimited access to forage to meet their continuous grazing need
Ensure horses have daily social contact with other horses where possible
Offer paddock turnout for a minimum of several hours per day
Never punish a horse for performing a stereotypy or use devices that prevent it without addressing the cause
Consult an equine behaviourist if a horse develops a new stereotypy