Horses in the wild are social and move around frequently while grazing continuously. Horses in captivity are often confined alone with limited chewing time. Given these big changes away from their natural behavior, it’s not surprising that horses become stressed and may develop undesirable behaviors. These maladaptive behaviors, commonly referred to as vices, include cribbing (or wind sucking), weaving, pacing, and kicking the stall. These behaviors may be an attempt to meet their physical and mental needs or provide a mental release from the stress. Research indicates that some of these behaviors are associated with the release of pleasure-inducing neurochemicals in the equine brain, specifically endorphins and enkephalins.

Horses differ in their ability to cope with the stress of captivity, and for some, vices can become entrenched and challenging to modify. This article seeks to address the underlying causes, preventive measures, and treatment options for these behavioral issues.

Most common stable vices result from inadequate adaptation to captive management. These behaviors are often psychological adaptations that appear to soothe the horse. Some of these vices even have established biochemical pathways, similar to drug addiction, as the behavior triggers the release of chemicals in the brain that provide pleasure to the horse. With this in mind, two key points stand out:

• Punishing a horse for a stable vice is likely to increase stress and exacerbate the issue.
• Prevention involves creating the most comfortable environment possible. The following list provides helpful guidelines:
  • Allow as much pasture time as possible.
  • Provide constant access to hay when the horse is stalled.
  • Avoid stabling a horse alone.
  • Keep windows open so the horse can see outside, and if possible, allow them to stick their heads out.

By focusing on these preventative measures, you can help reduce the occurrence of stable vices in your horses.