These are coping mechanisms as the horse instinctively reacts to its confinement in a stable for too long, lack of grazing as nature intended and lack of social interaction with other members of his or her herd. In other

words, when we take away the three main survival instincts that the equine was born with, we cannot expect him or her to survive and thrive. Sometimes it is unavoidable as horses sometimes have to be stabled and turnout may not always be possible. However, this situation is not ideal and can cause what we call stable vices which can have a negative effect on our beloved horses.

Developing methods, sometimes punitive to the horse to stop these so called ‘vices’ occurring by inflicting more restrictions will NEVER cure the problem. Providing good grazing, adequate forage when stabled and companionship with other members of the herd will eradicate these damaging problems. I do have first-hand evidence of this as I have helped many horses who arrived at our Rehabilitation Centre with very stressful stable vices. With the correct respect for their natural environment and a better management regime these problems were solved very quickly. It requires understanding of the horse’s needs and respecting them which I believe we all strive to do as best we can. 

Horses are naturally freemoving grazing herbivores in large social groups. Confining

them for long periods causes reactions.

The digestive system is a series of muscles that need exercising in the equine. The

horse is a trickle feeder meaning they should eat small amounts regularly and never have an empty stomach. Again, this is an instinctive need so when you leave the horse for long periods of time with no food at all, grabbing the door or stable wall and sucking in air as this at least exercises the muscles required to eat. Not very logical and very

damaging but again the horse is working on instinct. This action causes stress and other internal digestive problems as the system should have forage not air. It also causes damage to the irreparable teeth over time and to the lips and it should be avoided at all

cost.

Some managers try to suppress this habit which of course shows little understanding of the horse’s natural instincts and their needs and if this line of action is taken the horse will find another way of fulfilling his or her instinctive needs.

Many managers and owners of horses believe that this habit will be copied by other horses, but I have never found this to be the case and sadly I have had far too many horses come into my care with this dreadful debilitating stable vice.

To correct this unnecessary and damaging habit, it is sensible to remove the cause. i.e., replace the forage, the ability for the horse to be part of a herd by supplying some time grazing with others and ensure that the horse is not left for long periods of time with no food. I have first-hand evidence that this will

eradicate the problem very quickly.