Reducing stable vices in horses

Stable vices in horses, otherwise known as “stereotypical behaviors” can result from various types of stressors in a horse’s life, and be a source of stress in the horse owner’s life.

Horses exhibiting stable vices like weaving, stall-walking, head-tossing, crib-biting, wind-sucking, door-licking or even self-mutilation are devalued as compared to horses without these behaviors, and they may be physically harmed by these behaviors. Horses may develop a permanent reliance on these behaviors that are believed to be caused by underlying frustration and the horse’s inability to practice natural behaviors like grazing and socializing with a herd of horses.

The underlying mechanisms determining which horses may develop stable vices are topics of ongoing behavioral research and varying opinions among experts. However, there have been several strategies identified regarding ways to reduce the incidence of stable vices in horses.

In a recent article from Kentucky Equine Research, KER Nutritionist Dr. Kathleen Crandall outlined some methods to prevent or control stereotypies including:

Offering a high-fiber diet and more frequent meals. Turning out horses as often as possible. Ensuring horses have eye contact with others. Providing free-choice hay to stalled horses early in life to prevent the development of stereotypies (this practice reportedly does not affect cribbing behavior in confirmed cribbers but could prevent the behavior from developing.; Using tongue-activated fiber dispensers (which appear to be more effective instead of liquid dispensers). Providing feeding puzzles in the shape of a ball that contain a food reward. Utilizing enrichment tools with a food reward rather than nonfood-related products; Using cribbing straps or anti-weaving bars. Removing or modifying surfaces on which cribbing may occur. Hanging obstacles at the front of the stable to prevent weaving. Tying or obstructing the path of stall walkers.

Dr. Crandall suggested that the best way to avoid the development of stereotypical behavior throughout the lifetime of a horse is “provision of ample grazing opportunities to young horses, such as foals, weanlings, and yearlings.” Despite this, Dr. Crandell noted that “even horses on pasture can develop stereotypic behaviors”.

While stable vices in horses can be costly in a number of ways to both the horse and horse owner, practicing sensible management based upon the natural behavior of horses can reduce the incidence of these behaviors.

Kevin H. Kline, Ph.D., is a professor of Animal Sciences, University of Illlinois