Stereotypic behaviours including crib-biting, weaving, and box walking in horses indicate welfare compromise from chronic frustration. Prevention through management change is more effective than suppression.
Equine stereotypic behaviours develop in response to chronic stress and deprivation of natural behaviours in stabling. Inadequate forage, social isolation, lack of exercise, and restricted movement all contribute. Anti-weaving bars and collars suppress stereotypies without addressing underlying causes, potentially increasing underlying welfare compromise. Increasing forage provision, providing companionship, maximising turnout, and reducing stabling time addresses the welfare drivers of stereotypic behaviour. Prevention through appropriate management from the start is far more effective than treating established stereotypies.