Stable and Other Vices
Article
Study Evaluates Cribbers' Sleeping Habits
British researchers found horses that crib spend less time in "standing sleep" mode than horses that don't.
Photo by Photos.com
Article
Can Horses 'Watch and Learn'?
One experiment showed a trend suggesting it was possible, but another refuted that evidence.
Photo by Janne Winther Christensen, PhD
Article
Behavior of Horses With, Without Gastric Ulcers Compared
A study shows that "ulcerated" horses didn't seem to look or act significantly different from healthy horses.
Photo by Michael J. Murray, DVM, MS, Dipl. ACVIM
Article
Stall Walking
March 28, 2013
I just bought a mare only to find out she is a stall walker. Is there a fix for stall walkers?... Read More
Article
Study Evaluates Cribbers' Sleeping Habits
January 10, 2013
British researchers found horses that crib spend less time in "standing sleep" mode than horses that don't.... Read More
Article
Incessant Licking
October 01, 2012
I have a very athletic 10-year-old, 17-hand Warmblood gelding who is very well-behaved. He doesn't bite, doesn... Read More
Article
So, You Want to be an Equine Behaviorist
October 01, 2012
I am extremely interested in becoming an equine behaviorist. I want to know more about how to go about pursuin... Read More
Article
Mouthy Mystery
October 01, 2012
When my friend rides her Thoroughbred gelding in the arena, after doing several side passes over and over agai... Read More
Article
Stall Rest Suggestions
September 01, 2012
I have a horse that is on stall rest while recovering from a fractured humeru... Read More
Article
On Stall Rest and Low Spirits
September 01, 2012
What can I do to keep my horse's spirits up while he's on stall rest? Rather than becoming agitated, he seems ... Read More
Article
Equine Intermale Play
July 01, 2012
We have two males living together for the first time in the same pasture. One... Read More
Article
Stall Kicking Solutions
June 01, 2012
Dr. Sue McDonnell helps a reader whose horse has developed a stall kicking problem.... Read More
Article
Stallionlike Communication
April 01, 2012
My husband and I trail ride frequently, and we both ride geldings. When my horse defecates his horse will walk... Read More
Article
Is Cribbing A Disease?
April 01, 2012
I have a horse that is a cribber. To make both our lives easier, I've deci... Read More
Article
Tongue Games
February 01, 2012
My horse, a 14-year-old gelding, always sticks out his tongue when he plays the head-butting game with his bud... Read More
Article
Can Horses 'Watch and Learn'?
November 25, 2011
One experiment showed a trend suggesting it was possible, but another refuted that evidence.... Read More
Article
Behavior of Horses With, Without Gastric Ulcers Compared
November 08, 2011
A study shows that "ulcerated" horses didn't seem to look or act significantly different from healthy horses.... Read More
Article
Could Vices in Horses be the Basis for a Legal Battle?
November 07, 2011
A researcher discusses what counts as an equine vice and where the fault might lie in a court of law.... Read More
Article
Turnout's Effects on Stall-Kept Equine Athletes
October 28, 2011
A team of researchers found that a little turnout time can improve behavior in stall-kept equine athletes.... Read More
Article
Pawing Prevention for Horses
October 01, 2011
A reader looks for help for their laminitic horse who hates being stall-bound.... Read More
Article
Management Practices Could Help Reduce Cribbing
September 01, 2011
An analysis of cribbing research provides information about the behavior and suggests preventative measures.... Read More
Article
Imprint Training and Future Performance
August 25, 2011
Dr. Sue McDonnell answers a reader's quesion about foal imprint training.... Read More
Article
Researcher: Breed and Housing Impact Riding Horses' Temperaments
May 08, 2011
Finding great riding school horses is a perpetual challenge for instructors. There isn't a formula for selecting the ideal school horse--sometimes the perfect mount just comes along, and other times management methods dictate whether a school horse ... Read More
Article
The Equine Compulsion to Crib
January 01, 2011
Sue McDonnel, PhD, answers questions about equine cribbing.... Read More
Article
Naughty, Nipping Pony
November 01, 2010
Sue McDonnel, PhD, tells us why ponies bite and how we can put a stop to the painful behavior.... Read More
Article
Causal Relationship Between Cribbing and Colic Examined
October 18, 2010
Scientists have established the link between cribbing (also called windsucking) and colic, but a "causal" relationship between the two remains to be proven say researchers from the University of California, Davis. Colic is an important and often ... Read More
Article
New Gelding Trouble
October 01, 2010
Sue McDonnel, PhD, tells us how to deal with a new gelding who won't take orders.... Read More
Article
Does Hand-Feeding Treats Promote Biting?
May 01, 2010
I am a novice horse handler/rider. I've been told that hand-feeding treats to horses promotes biting. What is ... Read More
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Farm Call: Your Questions Answered
Does Hand-Feeding Treats Promote Biting?
Q. I've been told that hand-feeding treats to horses promotes biting. What is the "industry" stance on this issue? In my limited experience they seem to enjoy it and almost all horses I've hand-fed take it gently with their lips.
Weaving Worries
Q. I have a 12-year-old Tennessee Walker who weaves. I recently noticed lameness in the right front leg. How does weaving affect the lameness, and what treatments can I use to stop or decrease the lameness? Would steroid injections help?
Belching Horse
Q. I have a 16-year-old Tennessee Walking Horse gelding who appears to be in perfect physical condition, except for one thing--he belches. Often. Can anything other than ulcers cause this?
