Stereotypic behaviors in horses indicate inadequate fulfillment of behavioral needs. Understanding causes and management reduces their prevalence and improves equine welfare.
Stereotypies are behavioral indicators of chronic welfare inadequacy. Their development reflects prolonged inability to perform natural behaviors and is associated with chronic stress, frustration, and altered reward pathway function. Once established, the behaviors become self-reinforcing, meaning the welfare problem is permanent even if management improves. Anti-cribbing devices that prevent the behavior cause additional welfare harm by suppressing a behavior that may provide stress relief without addressing its cause. The prevention of stereotypy development through appropriate management is far preferable to dealing with established behaviors.