Behavioral Problems in Horses–Part II

This is the second of a multi-part series outlining common equine
behavior problems

Stereotypic is a term used to define behaviors
that are repetitive, control a large part of the day and serve no purpose.  Compulsive behaviors in horses can be divided
into movement-related behaviors and oral behaviors. Control and poor management
practices are the primary contributing factors. Horses that have more social interaction,
consume a variety of roughage and feed two or more times daily are less likely
to demonstrate these behaviors. Cribbing is an example of oral behavior,
whereas pawing is an example of movement-related problems. If your horse
demonstrates one behaviors, they are likely to exhibit another.  Research shows that these types of behaviors
are commonly seen in mares and 2-yr-old foals.

Cribbing (Aerophagia, Wind
sucking)

Symptoms: grasping objects (i.e. water bucket) in stall
with incisors, neck flexing, air sucking. 
May result in damaged incisors.

Possible Causes: Highly palatable foods (grains, molasses),
lack of exercise, excessive confinement, GI discomfort

Treatment: turning confined horses to pasture, providing toys and
stimulation, strapping around the horse’s neck behind the poll or open-end muzzle,
keeping stalls free of horizontal surfaces and objects that the horse can grasp

Wood Chewing
(Lignophagia)

Symptoms:  wood-chewing
horse grabs and swallows pieces of wood. Wood chewing increases in cold, wet
weather.

Possible Causes: the definitive cause of wood chewing is lack
of roughage in the diet. Additionally, confinement, high-concentrate diets, and
lack of exercise and stimulation increase incidence of wood chewing.

Treatment: provide more roughage, exercise, stimulation, toys, and social
contact. Eliminate exposed wood and cover fence edges with wires and. Taste repellents
can also help minimize wood chewing.

Geophagia (Pica)

Symptoms: 
Ingestion of dirt and sand; however soil may include stones that create
intestinal obstruction.

Possible Causes: Soil may be iron and copper rich, attracting
ingestion. 

Treatment: management should include increasing roughage and exercise and
providing salt blocks and toys.

Stall Walking and
Weaving

Symptoms: walking in circles in the stall, and when
released continue to circle in a small area. Tying the horse to prevent walking
will only transform the behavior into weaving, i.e., lifting the legs and
shifting weight and head position from side to side in the same spot.

Possible Causes: lack of exercise, lack of social contact and
claustrophobia. Stress and anxiety appear to aggravate the problem.

Treatment:  increase exercise and
stimulation, provide social contact, and turn the horse to pasture.

Stall Kicking Or Pawing

Symptoms: 
Self-Explanatory

Possible Causes:  boredom,
aggression, frustration or anticipation (i.e. during food preparation). The
horse may kick in anticipation when food is being prepared but is out of reach.
Frustration may be a result of lack of exercise, need to mate or lack of social
contact.  Many horses that make holes
also eat wood from these holes.

Treatment: should be directed toward eliminating the underlying cause; providing
more social contact, exercise, and stimulation

Head Shaking

Symptoms: shaking or jerking (usually up and down) head
uncontrollably, without any apparent stimulus. May include snorting, rubbing
their head on objects, and anxious expression. Note: exclude that the symptoms
are not a result of seizures, GI disorders, pain, trauma, ear/eye disease, etc.

Possible Causes: improper bit, an incompetent rider, fear and
anxiety, dressage leading to extreme cervical flexion, and compulsive
disorders.

Treatment:  Management of any
underlying medical problem, desensitization and counter-conditioning.

As we’ve said before,
horses need companionship and management; they need the company of other horses
and assistance from you.  Keeping your
horse from daily social interaction may result in developmental issues.  Identify the problem and make the necessary
adjustments.  Your horse will thank you

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