Horse Stereotypy Management: Wind-sucking and Crib-biting

Stereotypic behaviours in horses indicate poor welfare and are difficult to eliminate once established. Prevention through appropriate management is far more effective than treatment.

Key Facts

Crib-biting and wind-sucking are oral stereotypies affecting 5-10% of stabled horses
Stereotypies develop from frustration of natural behaviours particularly foraging
Once established, stereotypies are highly resistant to management interventions
Surgical and device-based interventions prevent the behaviour but not the underlying stress
Horses with stereotypies show higher stress responses to management changes
Social transmission of stereotypies between horses has limited evidence support

Welfare Considerations

Stereotypic behaviours are welfare indicators showing that horses are coping poorly with their management environment. They develop from chronic frustration of natural behavioural needs, particularly for extended foraging and social interaction. Prevention through ad libitum forage access, social contact, and maximising turnover time represents the welfare-based approach. Once established, reducing stable time and increasing environmental complexity may reduce frequency, but elimination is rarely achieved without addressing fundamental management.

What You Can Do

Provide horses with ad libitum hay or haylage to satisfy foraging motivation
Maximise daily turnout time and social contact with compatible companions
Never purchase a horse with a stereotypy without understanding management implications
Avoid anti-crib devices as they prevent the behaviour without addressing the underlying stress