Stable vices, often viewed as bad habits, are familiar behavioral issues commonly encountered in horses and ponies. Much like humans, horses need a certain amount of stimulation and physical activity in their daily routines. A lack of this can lead to mental distress and the development of these so-called ‘vices’.
The Role of Boredom in Developing Stable Vices
Most often, the root cause of stable vices can be traced back to intense boredom. Horses are lively creatures by instinct, requiring ample space to trot around and an engaging environment. When a horse or pony is constantly confined to a small area, lacking the opportunity to indulge in their instinctual behaviors, they might start developing alternative behaviors to keep their minds occupied.
Imagine you’ve sprained your ankle badly, and the doctor tells you to stay in bed for a couple of weeks. After the first few days of Netflix and your favorite snacks, you’d undoubtedly start getting restless, right? Horses are the same. Let’s say the horse injures itself, or maybe the owner just doesn’t have enough time to give it its regular exercise. The lack of movement and stimulation can drive a horse to invent its own ‘games’ to alleviate this frustration and boredom. Just like a child who, when left alone in bed for long hours, might start peeling off the wallpaper, drawing on it, or ripping up sheets—simply out of needing something to do.
What Can We do to Mitigate this Problem?
By understanding the root cause of these vices, we’re better equipped to tackle, and ideally, prevent them. The solution revolves around catering for the horses’ need for physical exertion and mental stimulation, consistent with their instinctive needs.
Identifying and Addressing Common Stable Vices
Even though some horses display behavior that might seem trivial or less harmful than others, these actions can still be bothersome and vexing, often driving caretakers up the wall. Understanding these habits can aid us in developing effective strategies for mitigating them and promoting healthier behavior in horses.
Minor Yet Troublesome Behaviours
Some horses reveal their boredom or frustration through seemingly harmless activities. Upsetting their water buckets, redistributing their bedding, or incessantly scraping the floor of their stall with one foot are some of these activities. While these behaviors mainly annoy the stable-hand, they can also have consequences like uneven shoe wear if the horse continually scrapes one shoe against the floor. Moreover, the horse may inadvertently teach these unwelcome habits to their stablemates, amplifying the problem.
Dealing with Habitual Kicking
One prevalent annoyance is when the horse has a habit of kicking the stall walls or water bucket. Besides being bothersome and potentially damaging the stable, the noise can influence other horses to emulate this behavior. To manage this, one approach is to minimize the noise— an integral part of why the horse finds the action gratifying. For instance, old mattresses or straw-stuffed sacks can be used to pad the walls and muffle the sound. But remember to apply a layer of creosote beforehand; this discourages the horse from tearing the padding materials for amusement. Substituting metal buckets with plastic ones can also reduce the rattle and appeal of kicking.
Variety as a Form of Enrichment
A change of scenery can work wonders in soothing a restless horse and relieving boredom. One possibility is to turn the horse out to pasture, allowing it to graze and interact naturally. If weather conditions don’t permit this, putting a New Zealand rug on the horse can keep it comfortable while it explores outdoors. Through such strategies, we can provide the horse with much-needed variety and stimulation, reducing its reliance on nuisance creating activities.
Exploring Persistent Stable Vices in Horses
While the beneficial strategies we previously discussed will undoubtedly help with managing most stable vices in horses, some behaviors are more persistently embedded and might require extra attention. Two such stubborn vices are weaving and crib biting, also known as wind sucking.
Weaving: A Difficult Habit
Weaving refers to a habit where the horse sways from side to side rhythmically, shifting its weight from one foot to the other. This repetitive behavior is often seen among Thoroughbreds and while not all weavers lose physical condition or show a sign of strain on their front legs, owns can find them undesirable. This cosmetic downside negatively influences the resale value of the horse, as this idiosyncrasy is generally perceived as a flaw by potential buyers. Adding to the issue, it is a habit that other horses tend to mimic, thereby spreading it in the stable.
One approach to combat weaving involves cleverly redesigning the horse’s surroundings. Indoors, where there are no gates to lean over, the horse is less likely to weave. If you don’t have indoor stables, installing a barred door could also help. These bars should be spaced so that the horse can look out, but can’t swing without colliding mildly with the bars, thus deterring the unwelcome habit. However, remember safety first: always pull the horse’s head back before opening such a door.
Boredom Busters: Innovative Solutions
Innovation also has its place in helping curb these behaviors. A common preventative option involves hanging a weighted object on a string so that the horse considers the potential bump when initiating the weaving motion. Something as simple as a plastic container filled with water could serve as a practical and non-harming deterrent, as the horse will experience a ‘splash’ whenever it hits it. This tactic, coupled with the companionship provided by the indoor stables, could potentially prove more effective in keeping the horse content and reducing the weaving behavior.
Comparing Stable Styles
In traditional indoor stables, the horses aren’t deprived of companionship as they maintain visual contact and close proximity to each other. This sense of companionship can alleviate feelings of loneliness, and make them feel more content. However, not all horses share this sentiment—some prefer having their personal space and feel more comfortable in a stall with high solid sides rather than bars. Ultimately, determining the best solution largely depends on individual horses and their unique preferences.
Understanding Crib Biting and Wind Sucking in Horses
Crib biting and wind sucking are two more complex vices observed in horses that may require specialised attention to control. They can affect both the horse’s health and its surroundings, making it crucial to mitigate these behaviours.
Unravelling the Crib Biting Behaviour
Crib biting manifests when a horse uses its teeth to grab a door, a protruding piece of wood, a manger, or any similar object and then typically indulges in wind sucking simultaneously. This well-documented behaviour can cause damage to both the horse’s physical welfare and the stable property.
The Ill Effects of Wind Sucking
Wind sucking not only accompanies crib biting but can also manifest separately. Severe wind suckers might simply stand in their stalls, bending their necks and consuming air without latching onto any object with their teeth. This habit can lead to a multitude of health problems. Such horses tend to have difficulty maintaining a healthy physical condition. Excessive air intake leads to bloated bellies, also known as ‘pot bellies’, and can disturb their digestion.
It’s crucial to understand that some horses only exhibit this behaviour when kept in confined spaces. So, turning them out into the fields might appear, at first glance, to be a solution. However, hardened wind suckers might find similar surfaces like posts in the field to attach to and indulge in these vices outdoors as well. Therefore, providing pasture access alone might not be a perfect solution for such individuals.
Various strategies can be adopted to curb the typical horse behaviors of crib biting and wood chewing. The market offers several dedicated products for this purpose, but sometimes, the most effective solutions may be found in traditional remedies.
Products to Dissuade Crib Biting
If you’ve got a wood-chewer or a crib biter, you’ve likely checked out some products on the market that claim to help. Brands like Nonaro and Cribox, among others, offer specially formulated preparations aimed at stopping these behaviors.
However, it’s worth noting that these products, while largely effective, are not the only solutions available for this problem.
The Potential of Plain Creosote
A tried-and-true substance that has been commonly used with some success is plain creosote. As old-school as it sounds, this simple solution has proven to be as effective as any modern patent preparations, especially in controlling wood chewing.
Not only does creosote discourage chewing and crib biting due to its taste, but it is also more wholesome, meaning that it is less likely to have adverse effects on the horse or the environment. It might not be the fanciest option out there, but sometimes simplicity and tradition can deliver results in a way that contemporary solutions can’t. Always remember though, the best course of action is to understand the individual habits of your horse and devise a personalized approach to manage these behaviors.
Managing Rug Fear and Sensitivity in Horses
Rug fear or sensitivity to blankets is another challenging behavior observed in horses. It can be attributed to various factors, such as an oversensitive skin or merely mischief on the horse’s part. Handling these issues with patience and innovative solutions can save both the horse’s comfort and the owner’s peace of mind.
Overcoming Rug Sensitivity
Horses with highly sensitive skin might find woollen rugs irritating, which can cause them to react adversely. It’s essential to empathize with their discomfort, as the same prickly feeling can be experienced by humans too – think back to the days of a scratchy woollen vest at school!
One effective way to alleviate this frustration for your horse is to provide a barrier between the rug and their skin by using a smooth material. A cotton bed sheet or linen cloth can make a significant difference in preventing rug irritation.
Addressing Mischievous Behavior
In cases when a horse’s destructive rug-chewing behavior is purely mischief and not a tactile issue, a simple solution like attaching a bib to the head collar’s side dees could prove to be the answer. By placing the bib just under the lips, it effectively discourages the horse from gnawing on their rug, saving you from expensive replacements and preserving your horse’s comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bad Behavior in Horses
Q: Why is my horse constantly kicking its stall?
A: This behavior could be a sign that your horse is bored or frustrated. Horses are active creatures and need ample physical activity. Try spending more time riding or giving them a chance to roam freely in a secure area. In some cases, they might also need more social interaction.
Q: My horse tends to bite. What can I do?
A: Biting in horses can stem from several reasons like insecurity, dominance, fear or health issues. To address this, first ensure the horse’s health is not the cause. If health isn’t the problem, consult a trainer to work on your horse’s confidence and social skills.
Q: Why does my horse buck during rides?
A: Bucking is a natural defense mechanism for horses and can be triggered when they’re scared or uncomfortable. It may be a saddle that doesn’t fit right or something in the environment that’s spooking them. Make sure your horse’s gear fits comfortably, and try to identify potential triggers in the surroundings during your rides.
Q: Can a horse’s diet affect its behavior?
A: Absolutely! Just like with humans, the dietary intake of horses can play a substantial role in their mood and behavior. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet does more than maintaining a horse’s health; it can also help manage stress, improve digestion and ultimately moderate their temperament.
Q: Why is my horse weaving or swaying?
A: Weaving –- moving from side to side in a swaying motion -– is often a sign of stress or boredom in horses. This behavior is commonly seen in confined horses with limited social interaction or environmental stimulation. Providing opportunities for free-roaming and socializing with other horses can help.
Q: What do I do if my horse refuses to be led?
A: Horses can refuse to be led due to several reasons such as fear, dominance or lack of training. Start by reassuring the horse and identifying any potential fear-triggers. If fear isn’t the issue, it could be a training problem. Consult a professional for guidance or employ patient, positive reinforcement techniques to build trust and cooperation.
Q: Can horses exhibit separation anxiety?
A: Yes, horses can experience separation anxiety. Commonly known as “herd-bound” behavior, a horse may get anxious when separated from its companions. This is due to their instinct to live in herds. Gradually increasing the separation time or pairing your horse with different companions can help manage this behavior.
Q: Why is my horse constantly pawing at the ground?
A: Pawing can be a way for horses to release stress or show impatience. It can also be a sign of discomfort or pain, especially if it’s along with other signs like rolling or a lack of appetite. If it’s a habitual issue, distracting the horse with toys or activities can help. However, if you suspect physical discomfort, consult a veterinarian.
Q: My horse frequently tosses its head. What does this mean?
A: Head tossing is a behavior that can be triggered by various causes. It might be something as simple as flies bothering your horse, or as complicated as dental issues, ill-fitting tack, or discomfort in the neck or back. If this issue continues, it’s best to get your horse checked by a vet to rule out any health problems.
Q: Can behavioral changes in a horse indicate health issues?
A: Absolutely! Similar to humans, changes in a horse’s behavior could be a sign of underlying health issues. If your horse is suddenly acting out, showing signs of aggression, or changes in eating or excretion habits, it’s always a good idea to have a vet examine them.
Q: How important is socialization for a horse’s behavior?
A: Socialization is crucial for a horse’s mental and emotional well-being. Horses are herd animals and isolation can lead to stress and bad behavior. Allowing your horse to interact with other horses can result in improved behavior and mood.
Q: What should I do to manage my aggressive horse?
A: Aggressive behavior can be addressed in a variety of ways. You might try spending more quality time with your horse, ensuring their physical health, or consulting with an equine behavior specialist. Remember, it’s important to approach an aggressive horse with caution to ensure your safety and theirs.
Q: Why do horses seem to fight in the field?
A: Horses fighting in the field often engage in such behavior due to establishing dominance, competing for resources like food or water, or protecting their personal space. This behavior is relatively common among social herd animals as they establish their place in the hierarchy.
Q: How can I minimize horses fighting in the field?
A: To minimize fighting in the field, ensure there are ample resources for all horses – for example, by providing multiple feeding and watering stations spread out across the field. You can also monitor the dynamics between horses and separate those with clear signs of aggression or incompatibility to prevent fights from escalating.
Q: Is it safe to introduce new horses to each other in a field?
A: While it’s necessary to introduce new horses into a field, it should be done carefully. Initially, allow the new horse to share a fence line with the existing ones, so they become familiar with each other’s presence. Gradually, introduce them in a controlled environment and observe their interactions. Supervise their interactions until they establish a peaceful relationship.
Q: What should I do if my horse is consistently targeted by other horses in the field?
A: If your horse is consistently being targeted, it could signify a mismatch in temperament or social dynamics. In such cases, remove your horse from the field, preferably giving them a safe space to recover and regain confidence. Consult with a horse behavior specialist to determine the best course of action, and assess whether it’s necessary to separate the horses permanently or if another solution is possible.
