Causes of Undesirable Behaviours in Horses

The exact causes of these behaviours are not entirely clear, but the environment likely plays a significant role. Horses are naturally designed to be on the move, grazing throughout the day. However, generations of breeding domestic horses have adapted them to stabled life. It’s important to remember that horses were intended to graze for about 70% of the day, so their mouths are designed to be active for extended periods. Many horses in the Middle East have limited outdoor & more stabled horse generally,

Causes of these behaviours can include the effects of weaning (particularly early weaning), training, feeding, housing, social interactions, and boredom. A confined horse may feel isolated and anxious, leading to the development of problematic behaviours. Sudden changes in routine or environment can also trigger these behaviours.

Prevention and Management

Preventing and managing these undesirable behaviours in horses should primarily focus on environmental enrichment. Aim to turn the horse out as much as possible and provide ad lib fibre in the stable to mimic grazing behaviour. This can improve digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health. Adding chaff to concentrate meals can extend feeding time and reduce resting periods. Offering stable toys, like balls, and providing distractions around the yard can be helpful.

These behaviours tend to be more common in large and busy racing yards for various reasons. Thoroughbred horses are more prone to developing these behaviours than draught types or ponies. Racing yards can be stressful environments, and the fitter and more active nature of the horses can contribute to these behaviours. In busy yards, the constant activity and movement of other horses can also lead to anxiety. Some distractions, such as chickens, a bird feeding station, or background music, may be beneficial.

Treatment and Management

There’s no quick fix for these behaviours, and many owners learn to tolerate moderate habits. However, the destruction caused by habitual crib-biting, like damage to stable doors and fences, can be a concern. To reduce destruction or as part of a management plan, barrier methods can be used. These include covering wooden surfaces with metal guards or applying substances like “Crib Halt,”, our equine anti-cribbing product which has an unpleasant taste, dissuading the horse from biting surfaces.

Chewing, especially wood chewing, is often observed in horses but is not classified as a vice. Young horses may chew on rugs or other horses’ tails. Crib Halt can help deter this behaviour, but some chewing may be due to diet-related mineral imbalances, so consulting a vet or nutrition expert can be beneficial. Capsaicin is prohibited in competitive horses because it possesses certain pain-relieving qualities. Foran Equine has created an equally unpalatable capsaicin-free anti-cribbing alternative that is permissible for use in racehorses and competition horses.

In contrast to crib-biting and wood chewing, the primary concern with mane and tail biting in horses is not the horse responsible but the resulting damage—a shortened, chewed mane or tail. This behaviour is most frequently observed in young horses and may stem from a mineral imbalance leading to pica.Mane and tail biting can lead to excessive hair ingestion, resulting in trichobezors (hairballs) that, in turn, can cause impaction colic.
To address mane and tail biting:

– Separating the affected horse from the herd for a month can be a solution, though it’s not always feasible with young horses.
– Applying a deterrent substance like “No Bite”, our mane and tail anti- biting product to the mane and tail can discourage biting or chewing, helping restore the condition of the mane and tail.
– Ensuring the horse receives a complete, balanced diet is also essential.

Bandage/Rug Chewing

Horses often chew or tug at rugs or bandages once they are applied. This can result in damage to the protective gear and potential contamination of wounds. To prevent this behaviour:

– Coat the rugs or bandages with an aversive substance like our “No Bite” product to deter biting or chewing, preserving the integrity of the items.

Discussing all aspects of vices in horses is beyond the scope of this article. If you’re concerned about your horse developing such behaviours or need assistance managing existing ones, it’s advisable to contact your vet or a member of our expert team for guidance.