Crib biting (cribbing) is a vice where a horse sucks in air, usually when biting onto a hard surface such as a fence or stable door. They arch their necks then swallow the air, often making a gasping sound as they do it.

Crib biting horses can be grass or stable kept and the cribbing can be a result or stress, boredom or a nutritional deficiency. Chronic crib biters can abnormally wear their teeth, leading to digestive problems.

Can you Control Crib Biting?

The degree of crib biting varies from one horse to another therefore the following methods may help relieve symptoms in some horse but not others.

• Turn your horse out as much as possible.
• Add grills between stables to increase social contact.
• Provide a stable mirror specifically designed for horses.
• Make sure your horse has a companion. If it’s not possible to have another horse then consider a sheep or goat.
• Provide adequate roughage such as hay or haylage to occupy your horse.
• Add anti chew strips or grills to stable doors.
• Paint fences and gates with anti crib solutions.
• Ensure the horse has an adequate diet with correct minerals.
• Giving an antacid supplement can help some horses.
• Use an anti crib strap or collar.
• Providing a piece of hard rubber for the horse to chew on. This is sometimes more appropriate than using an anti crib collar.
• Surgery can be performed as a last option.

As with most horse ailments it is advisable to talk to your vet to get his expert advice on what the underlying cause of your horses crib biting maybe.