Companion Animals

Equine Stereotypic Behaviours: Understanding and Prevention

Stereotypic behaviours including weaving, crib-biting, and box walking in horses are indicators of chronic stress and compromised welfare that cannot be cured once established.

Key Facts

Estimated 5-15% of UK horses show stereotypic behaviours
Weaving, crib-biting, wind-sucking, and box walking are the most common forms
Stereotypies develop as coping mechanisms in horses with insufficient forage or social contact
Once established they cannot be eliminated though management can reduce frequency
Anti-weaving grills and crib straps prevent the behaviour but not the underlying distress

Welfare Considerations

Stereotypic behaviours in horses are distress signals that indicate the horses welfare needs are not being met. They develop because horses are stabled for too long, fed insufficient forage, or denied social contact. Management that prevents stereotypies from developing is far preferable to devices that prevent expression without addressing the underlying cause.

What You Can Do

Provide ad libitum forage access through hay nets or tracks to prevent boredom
Allow social contact with other horses through stable windows or companion paddocks
Minimise stabling time and maximise turnout opportunity
Never use devices that prevent stereotypy expression without addressing underlying needs
Seek advice from an equine behaviourist or vet if stereotypies develop