Can You Stop Horse Cribbing? Managing the Behavior

Last updated: August 30, 2024

By: Miles HenryFact Checked

Stop horse cribbing? Is it possible? The act of a horse grasping a solid object with its teeth and sucking in air can be frustrating and potentially harmful. As someone who has owned horses for years and currently has a three-year-old that cribs, I understand firsthand the difficulties involved. It often feels like an uphill battle, even with cribbing collars and modified stalls. It’s easy to feel like the saying “once a cribber, always a cribber” is true.

While it may be difficult to fully eliminate cribbing, effective management strategies can minimize its impact and improve your horse’s quality of life. In this guide, we’ll delve into the causes of cribbing, explore practical tips and strategies for managing it, and provide support and encouragement for those navigating this challenging behavior.

Understanding the Causes of Cribbing

Cribbing is a complex behavior rooted in both physical and psychological factors. It’s likely a combination of these elements contributes to its development:

• Boredom and lack of environmental enrichment: Horses are naturally curious and social animals. When confined to stalls for extended periods or lacking mental stimulation, they might resort to cribbing out of boredom. The University of Minnesota Extension emphasizes the importance of providing adequate foraging opportunities and social interaction to prevent undesirable behaviors like cribbing.
• Stress and anxiety: Horses are sensitive to changes in routine, social isolation, or performance pressures. These stressors can trigger or worsen cribbing behavior. Research suggests that cribbing may be a coping mechanism for horses experiencing stress.
• Nutritional deficiencies: An imbalanced diet or lack of access to enough forage can contribute to digestive discomfort and lead to cribbing. The UC Davis Center for Equine Health highlights the importance of a balanced diet in maintaining equine health and behavior.
• Learned behavior: Some horses may pick up cribbing by observing other horses.
• Genetic predisposition: Evidence suggests that some horses may be genetically predisposed to cribbing. In my experience, I’ve owned many horses, but only one has been a cribber, despite similar management practices. A study published in the Journal of Veterinary Behavior suggests a heritable component to cribbing behavior.

Strategies to Stop Horse Cribbing

While a magic cure for cribbing doesn’t exist, a multifaceted approach that addresses the underlying causes and employs various management techniques can be very effective.

Environmental Enrichment

Providing your horse with a stimulating environment is critical to reducing boredom and discouraging cribbing:

• Ample turnout time: Allow your horse to spend as much time as possible turned out in a spacious pasture with companions. This offers natural opportunities for exercise, socialization, and foraging.
• Mental and physical stimulation: Keep your horse entertained and engaged with safe toys, like treat balls or hanging objects, and foraging opportunities, such as scattered hay or slow feeders. If your horse cribs in their stall, consider using metal or other crib-resistant materials to cover surfaces they might target. This may not eliminate cribbing but can significantly reduce opportunities.

Stress Reduction

Minimizing stress in your horse’s life can help reduce the urge to crib:

• Consistent routine: Horses thrive on predictability. Maintain a regular schedule for feeding, turnout, exercise, and social interaction.
• Adequate social interaction: Ensure your horse has opportunities to interact with other horses in the pasture or through shared fencing.
• Address any health issues: Underlying health problems can cause discomfort and contribute to cribbing. Regular veterinary care is essential.

Nutritional Considerations

A balanced diet plays a crucial role in your horse’s overall health and can help minimize cribbing:

• Ample forage: Provide plenty of high-quality hay or pasture. Forage is essential for digestive health and helps keep horses occupied. The Rutgers Equine Science Center provides valuable information on equine nutrition and forage management.
• Balanced diet: Consult your veterinarian to ensure your horse’s diet meets their nutritional needs.
• Supplements: Some horse owners succeed with supplements like probiotics or calming herbs, but it’s essential to consult your veterinarian first.

Behavioral Modification

Identifying triggers and employing positive reinforcement techniques can help modify your horse’s behavior:

• Identify triggers: Observe your horse to pinpoint what situations or objects elicit cribbing. Try to minimize exposure to these triggers.
• Positive reinforcement: Reward good behavior with treats or praise. Avoid punishment, as it can increase stress and worsen the problem.
• Professional help: Consult a qualified equine behaviorist for personalized guidance and training techniques. The International Association of Animal Behavior Consultants can help you find a certified professional in your area.

Cribbing Deterrents

Several tools and techniques can help deter cribbing, but their effectiveness varies:

• Cribbing collars: These collars apply pressure to the throatlatch when a horse attempts to crib. They require proper fitting and may not work for all horses.
• Cribbing muzzles: These muzzles restrict a horse’s ability to grasp objects. They should be used cautiously and only briefly, as they can interfere with grazing and drinking.
• Taste deterrents: Applying bitter or unpleasant substances to surfaces can deter cribbing, but horses may become accustomed to the taste.
• Surgical options: In severe cases, surgical procedures may be considered to alter the muscles involved in cribbing. This is a last resort and should be discussed thoroughly with your veterinarian. The National Institutes of Health provides information on various surgical options for horses, but it’s crucial to discuss these with your vet.

How I’m Managing My Horse’s Cribbing and Helping Her Gain Weight

Cribbing can significantly affect a horse’s ability to maintain a healthy weight. The constant expenditure of energy on the behavior and potential digestive disturbances can lead to weight loss or difficulty gaining weight, especially in young, growing horses.

As a horse owner, I’ve witnessed this firsthand with my three-year-old filly. Despite providing ample feed and ensuring a balanced diet, her cribbing made it challenging for her to keep weight on. It was disheartening to see her struggle, and I worried about the long-term implications for her health and development.

However, by diligently implementing management strategies like a cribbing collar and crib-proofing her stall, we’ve finally started to see some positive changes. She’s gradually gaining weight and looking healthier, which is a huge relief.

If you’re struggling with an underweight cribber, don’t lose hope. It’s crucial to address the cribbing behavior while also taking steps to support your horse’s nutritional needs:

• Consult your veterinarian: Work with your vet to develop a tailored feeding plan to ensure your horse receives adequate calories and nutrients.
• Provide high-quality forage: Offer free-choice access to good-quality hay or pasture, which is essential for digestive health and weight maintenance.
• Consider additional feed or supplements: Your vet may recommend adding a high-calorie feed to support weight gain.
• Monitor progress regularly: Use a weight tape and body condition scoring to track your horse’s progress and adjust their diet.

Remember, managing a cribber and promoting weight gain requires patience and dedication. Celebrate every small victory and continue to refine your approach as necessary. Addressing the behavioral and nutritional aspects can help your horse achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

The Importance of Patience and Consistency

Managing cribbing requires patience, consistency, and a willingness to experiment with different strategies. It’s a journey that takes time and dedication. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results. Celebrate small victories and continue refining your approach. Remember, many horse owners have successfully managed cribbing.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cribbing Horses

Conclusion: Can You Stop Horse Cribbing?

Cribbing is a frustrating behavior, but with dedication and a multifaceted approach, it’s possible to manage it and enhance your horse’s quality of life. While a complete cure may not always be achievable, consistent effort and the right strategies can significantly reduce the frequency and impact of cribbing.

Remember, every horse is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Be patient and persistent, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from your veterinarian or an equine behaviorist. By addressing the underlying causes and employing a combination of management techniques, you can help your horse overcome this challenging habit and thrive.

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If you’ve battled cribbing with your horse, share your experiences and tips in the comments below. Let’s build a supportive community and continue learning from one another.

Remember:

• The answers provided here are for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional veterinary advice.
• Always consult your veterinarian for personalized guidance on managing your horse’s cribbing behavior.
• Be patient and consistent, and experiment with different strategies to find what works best for your horse.