Behaviour

Stable vices

There are many different vices that horses may exhibit and, although the exact cause is often unknown, they appear to relate initially to boredom and may then simply become habit.

There has been some evidence to suggest that these forms of behavior may be triggered by the release of endorphins during stressful situations or may be hereditary.

A relatively large number of horses exhibit some vice-like behavior or another, however, all vices, which legally constitute 'unsoundness', must be declared at sale.

Crib-biting and Windsucking

Crib-biting can occur in any horse whether stabled or otherwise and is often seen to be copied by other horses. Horses may also wind suck at the same time. This is where horses gulp in air and swallow it. A horse that cribs may have worn areas of wood either in their stable and field and may have very worn front teeth. There are, at present, no successful feed supplements or treatments to stop this condition. Preventing cribbing can be attempted by not allowing the animal access to anything to bite, however, some wind-suckers may still be able to grip their knee or even nothing at all and the only prevention may be a windsucking strap or a cradle.

Weaving

Weaving, horses rocking from side to side, and is usually only seen when horses are stabled and is thought to be caused by boredom or, in some instances, excitiement, i.e. being fed. Some horses may weave to such an extent that abnormal wear of their feet can be seen. A grill on the stable door may help prevent weaving, however, reducing boredom is seen to be more helpful.

Box Walking

Box walking is seen most commonly when horses are placed on strict box rest with a lameness as they are not used to this level of confinement. Again trying to reduce boredom may be the only help to alleviate the problem, however, once their normal routine is re-established the signs should stop.

Wall kicking

Like wall weaving, wall kicking is thought to be asymptom of boredom or excitiement (feedtime).

Methods to prevent stable vices

  1. Try to stable horses where they can see others
  2. Have a haynet with small holes so they spend longer at it rather than bolting it down straight away.
  3. Make sure they get plenty of exercise. If you are not able to ride them make sure they are led out for a pick of grass.
  4. Turn horses out for as long as possible.
  5. Try to engage with them as much as possible even its just a groom for a few minutes.
  6. Provide them with stable toys.

Biting

Biting is most commonly caused by feeding 'titbits' too often, the horse associates you with treats and nips when they don't come, or pain/tickling, especially when grooming or tacking up. To prevent horses biting it is best to start from a young age.

Foals, who will nip through curiosity, can be firmly told not to do so and will soon learn that it is not acceptable. You should either, reduce the number of treats being fed, or cut them out altogether and choose to treat your horse with a nice pat, for example. Any ill fitting tack should be replaced as quickly as possible to prevent biting caused from this becoming a habit. If your horse has a tendancy to bite make sure you keep yourself away from harm, for example tie them up short while grooming. While grooming or tacking up you should aim to be as gentle as possible and if your horse attempts to bite push them away and give them an audible warning. This should be continued, however, may yake several moths before an improvement is seen. Some horses simply have a nasty temperament and may attack to cause harm. These animals should only be dealt with by experienced horse people and veterinary and/or behaviorist advice should be sought.

Napping

This is a very common problem and is simply when a horse or pony refuses to do what the rider asks. Animals may refuse to go forward, buck, rear or walk backwards.

Napping is most commonly seen when a horse/rider partnership is relatively new. Initially the horse may behave impeccably, however, after a period of days to weeks the animal may realise that there is a new rider on board and 'try it on'. In these cases I think giving the animal the benefit of the doubt initially is very sensible.

A vet should check the animal out for any signs of discomfort and all tack should be properly checked and replaced if ill-fitting.

Once all of these are ruled out it is best to get an experienced trainer on board who may be able to ride the animal confidently and get through the nappiness. Knowing any triggers for the napping can also be very helpful as you can be ready for it when it happens.