Stereotypies in Stabled Horses: Welfare and Prevention

Crib-biting, weaving, and box walking are welfare indicators showing that horses have unmet behavioural needs.

Key Facts

Stereotypies develop in around 10 to 15 percent of stabled horses
Crib-biting involves grasping a fixed object and gulping air and is associated with gastric ulcers
Weaving is rhythmic lateral swaying that increases in anticipation of feeding
Stereotypies once established cannot be eliminated even if the underlying cause is addressed
Full turnout with access to grass reduces the risk of stereotypy development significantly

Welfare Considerations

Stereotypies in horses indicate that the animal has been or is in an environment that does not meet its behavioural needs. Horses evolved to travel up to 80 kilometres daily grazing continuously. Stabling for 20 or more hours per day creates a profound mismatch with natural behaviour. Gastric ulcers are highly prevalent in stabled horses and cause chronic pain. Anti-weaving grilles and crib-biting collars prevent the stereotypy expression but do not address the underlying welfare problem.

What You Can Do

Maximise daily turnout time and provide companions for stabled horses
Feed a high-fibre diet with ad lib hay to meet grazing time and digestive needs
Avoid anti-weaving devices that mask stereotypies without addressing their cause
Consult a veterinary gastroenterologist if a horse develops stereotypies to rule out ulcers
Support research into horse welfare in competition stabling which is often highly restrictive