An entire volume could be written about horse stereotypies, also known as vices or bad habits. When a horse develops a repetitive behavior that has no discernible function, such behavior is defined as "stereotypic," according to Mason, 1991.
Horse cribbing on a fence rail.
Because of negative effects stereotypic behaviors have on horse dependability, usefulness, and health, identifying these behaviors and avoiding situations that lead to their development is important.
© 2016 by Photomak New window.
Often referred to as "vices" because of the detrimental effects of these behaviors, they are most commonly divided into three types: oral, locomotor, and other. Oral behaviors relate to a horse using its mouth or teeth, while locomotor behaviors relate to the movement of the horse.
Stereotypic behaviors can also be categorized as aggressive, fear-driven, performance-related, metabolic, and stall-related. Because of the negative effects these behaviors have on the horse's dependability, usefulness, and health, as well as the owner's interest, identifying these behaviors and avoiding situations that lead to their development is important.
Equine Guelph's TheHorsePortal October Horse Care Info Sheet features "What are stereotypies?" as an informative guide for horse owners and caregivers. Stereotypies are common: between 10-40% of stabled horses experience stereotypic behaviours.1
Stereotypies are repetitive behaviours with no apparent goal or function. Some of the most common examples include:
• Cribbing
• Wind sucking
• Weaving
• Pawing
• Stall walking
What causes stereotypies?
• High concentrate, low fibre diets that decease time spent eating
• Insufficient space for movement
• Insufficient social and environmental stimulation
• Frustration
How can we prevent stereotypies?
• Maximise horse welfare
• Encourage natural behaviours
• Reduce anxiety, stress and frustration
• Provide environment that allows freedom to move and socialization
How can we manage stereotypies?
• Increase exercise/turnout
• High fibre forage-first diet, increasing chew time
• Socialization with other horses
• Enrichment tools (joy balls, food puzzles, etc.)
Learn more about stereotypies and other behaviours by taking our short courses Horse Behaviour & Safety and Horse Care & Welfare!
1. Davidson, N. and Harris, P. Nutrition and Welfare. In The Welfare of Horses. Springer. 2007.
Come Learn with Us EquineGuelph.ca TheHorsePortal.ca
Press release by Equine Guelph - The Horse Portal