Stereotypic behaviors in horses including crib-biting, wind-sucking, and weaving are indicators of poor welfare rooted in management deficits, and addressing root causes provides more welfare benefit than physical prevention.
Stereotypic behaviors in horses are behavioral symptoms of welfare deficits, particularly inadequate forage access, social isolation, and insufficient exercise. They indicate that the horse has experienced or is experiencing management conditions that fail to meet fundamental behavioral needs. The horse welfare response should focus on preventing stereotypy development through appropriate management from early life, and when stereotypies are established, on improving management to prevent progression rather than suppressing the behavior through physical restraint. Anti-crib devices that prevent the behavior without addressing its cause add welfare harm through frustration without reducing underlying distress.