Crib biting, Windsucking, Weaving,
Box walking, Rug Tearing
These bad habits or vices usually occur in horses and
ponies as a result of boredom, anxiety or discomfort and sometimes
even mineral imbalance. There is new evidence coming to light that
indicates that in many cases stomach problems can cause enough
discomfort to make horses bite and suck wind in exasperation. In
such cases a build up of acids in the stomach needs to be alleviated
by the use of Antacid mixtures. Stomach ulcers occur in around 60%
of competition horses and 95% of racehorses but disappear when
horses are put to pasture. They are mostly caused by feeding of
concentrates. To address the problem of bored horses introduce
playthings into the stable and if horses are anxious the use of
calming feed supplements might do the trick.
Remember to address the cause of the problem when trying to
tackle vices. Just using a calming herbal formula is not enough.
Your horse may be playing up because he or she is bored silly or
hurting somewhere or scared of the horse next door.
Free veterinary advice helpline: 01243
773363 (UK)
Free veterinary advice helpline: 0044 1243 773363 (International)
Mobile veterinary advice line: 07734 240 709 (UK)
All numbers available 9am - 5.30pm UK time.
Out of hours try mobile number.
