Companion Animal Welfare

Horse Stereotypy Prevention and Management

Stereotypies in horses including crib-biting, weaving, and box-walking are indicators of poor welfare; prevention and management improve equine mental health.

Key Facts

Stereotypies are repetitive, invariant behaviours that develop in response to poor environments
Crib-biting, weaving, box-walking, and wind-sucking are common equine stereotypies
Once established, stereotypies are difficult to eliminate but can be reduced in frequency
Social isolation, limited forage, and restricted movement are primary causes
Turnout, social contact, and forage ad libitum significantly reduce stereotypy development and expression

Welfare Considerations

Stereotypies signal chronic frustration or stress; prevention through appropriate management is more effective and ethical than attempting suppression in horses that have already developed them.

What You Can Do

Maximise social contact, turnout, and forage access for all horses in your care
Never punish a horse for stereotypic behaviour
Support welfare standards that prohibit physical stereotypy prevention devices