Once established, stereotypies cannot be permanently eliminated, but their frequency can be significantly reduced through improved management. Humane management of horses with stereotypies requires understanding rather than suppression.
Managing a horse with established stereotypies requires reframing the welfare goal from elimination to reduction through root cause management. The horse that cribs or weaves is communicating through behavior that fundamental needs are not being met. Physical prevention of the behavior through collars or grids stops the communication without addressing the message — a welfare failure masquerading as welfare management. Management changes that provide ad libitum forage, appropriate exercise, social contact, and enrichment reduce stereotypy frequency because they address the motivational states that drive the behavior. The horse who can access hay continuously and move freely shows substantially less crib-biting than the horse restrained by a collar — and the former approach is genuinely welfare-positive while the latter is not.