A horse with a stable vice can be frustrating and even upsetting, but what can you do to manage, reduce and prevent them?

Although they sound negative, the term stable vices is simply a way of describing abnormal equine behaviours. Stable vices are more correctly termed stereotypies and are sequences of repeated, learned behaviours that have no obvious purpose. Horses usually develop them as a way of coping with stress or to compensate for something thatβs missing from their life. Once ingrained, stereotypies can be nearly impossible to stop.
Studies show that horses who display stereotypies have a higher level of the stress hormone, cortisol, so itβs thought thereβs a link to stress. Itβs also been shown that horses have a higher level of endorphins, the feel-good hormone, when theyβre carrying out stereotypic behaviours, meaning they get a reward. Because of this, trying to prevent your horse from doing them can actually cause him more stress, so when heβs allowed to resume them heβll do so at an increased rate to compensate. Instead, the best way to manage stable vices is to reduce the potential stresses in your horseβs life so heβs less inclined to carry out the behaviour.
Did you know?Β Stereotypies must be disclosed when selling your horse and may have an impact on his sale price.
Types of stereotypies
Stereotypies are broken down into two different types…
- oral stereotypies are behaviours involving your horseβs mouth and include windsucking, crib-biting and wood-chewing
- locomotor stereotypies are when your horse moves in a constant, repetitive motion, such as weaving and box-walking
Did you know?Β Although many people claim horses can develop stereotypies by copying, itβs never been scientifically proven and itβs more likely that the same stressors are affecting multiple horses.
Fibre first
Offer your horse a diet thatβs high in fibre. Horses have an innate desire to chew and being denied this can make them more prone to developing or carrying out oral stereotypies. Fibre feeds require much more chewing than concentrates and have a greater volume gramme for gramme, so take much longer to eat. Because of this, fibre offers the additional bonus of keeping him occupied for longer, meaning heβs distracted from carrying out any stereotypical behaviours. The extra chewing also produces more saliva, which is important for good gastric health and aids digestion. Studies suggest that leaving horses without forage for long periods can increase the risk of stereotypic behaviours forming, so recommend feeding at least 6β8kg per day to counteract this.
Out and about
Stereotypies appear to be far less common in horses kept at grass, so itβs important to offer your horse as much turnout as possible. Horses have evolved to spend the majority of their time grazing β which satisfies their need to chew β or moving to find food and water, and horses in the wild can cover many miles a day. Spending lots of time in a stable prevents domesticated horses from carrying out this natural behaviour, causing stress. Being denied free movement can also increase the risk of him carrying out locomotor stereotypies.
Stereotypies may have links to boredom. While being turned out with companions can offer your horse plenty of stimulation, if heβs stabled then distractions can be in short supply. If he has to spend a lot of time inside, here are a few ideas to keep his mind off any unwanted behaviours…
- give him a stable toy to play with
- hide carrots in his haynet or bedding so he can use natural foraging behaviour
- put apples in his water bucket so he can bob for them
- divide up his forage ration into several nets and spread them around his stable
- stable him in a place with lots of activity going on for him to watch
- find excuses to get him out of his stable, such as taking him for some hand-grazing or a good groom
Did you know?Β Scientists believe that stereotypies can form or become worse when your horse is prevented from carrying out a normal behaviour or action. For instance, a horse may crib-bite more when heβs anticipating his dinner or is hungry, or a weaver might be worse when he wants to be turned out in the field.
Better in company
We all know horses are social creatures, but being denied the opportunity to interact with each other can be very stressful β horses kept in isolation are much more likely to develop stereotypies compared to those who have visual contact with other horses from their stables or paddock. The arrangement least likely to result in stereotypic behaviour is group turnout, but this isnβt always practical or available to horses on mixed livery yards.
If your horse has to spend a lot of time in his stable, try to choose one that has bars or a grill between it and the stables on either side so he can interact with his neighbours β make sure he gets on well with them, though, or you could cause him more stress. If this isnβt possible, a stable mirror or good view of the yard can be good alternatives.
Did you know? Itβs believed that some horses are more genetically predisposed to developing stereotypies than others.
Keeping busy
Lack of exercise can be another contributing factor, so try to give your horse as much of it as possible. Simply put, he canβt carry out stereotypical behaviour if heβs working and it will help to dispel any restless energy that might otherwise be channelled into locomotor stereotypies. Keep his work varied, too β alternate between flatwork, jumping and hacking as much as you can, and try to make the most of the warmer weather and lighter evenings to plan some excursions further from home.
If youβre short on time or he has to spend the majority of his time inside, why not try to do two short sessions rather than one longer one? Fifteen minutes lungeing in the morning and a half-hour hack in the evening will break the day up far more than an hourβs ride after work.
Out of your hands
There are other management factors that are thought to be linked to stereotypies, some of which are much harder to control. An early or traumatic weaning can trigger the development of such behaviours, as can a sudden change in routine or environment.
TOP TIP As a rule, the more enriched your horseβs life is and the more stimulation you provide him, the less likely he is to develop or carry out stereotypies.
Health concerns
Trying to manage stereotypies is important because these behaviours impact your horseβs health. Those carrying out oral stereotypies are at an increased risk of colic and there are links to other gastro-intestinal conditions, including ulcers. Horses who crib also wear down their teeth unnaturally. Locomotor stereotypes can cause uneven hoof wear and loading of the joints, and thereβs also an increased risk of ringbone and knee damage.