Stereotypic behaviors in horses - including crib-biting, weaving, and box walking - are indicators of compromised welfare resulting from housing and management factors.
Horse stereotypies are behavioral indicators of chronic welfare compromise arising from management systems that restrict natural behaviors. Horses are evolved for continuous movement, social grazing, and forage-based diets. Stabling in individual boxes with limited social contact, exercise restriction, and high-concentrate diets creates conditions incompatible with these needs. The resulting stereotypic behaviors - repetitive, apparently functionless movements - provide some stress relief but indicate underlying welfare deficits. Prevention through turnout, social contact, ad-libitum hay access, and gradual diet management is far more effective and welfare-positive than attempting to suppress established stereotypies.