Does Cribbing Help Horses Cope With Stress During Training?

Cribbers allowed to crib during training had reduced stress levels than when they’re not allowed to, researchers found.
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We know that crib-biting can help cribbing horses release their stress. But did you know that it can also help them manage stress during training?

One Swiss research group recently found that cribbers allowed to crib during training—in this case, on a wooden plank near where they were being trained on the ground—have reduced stress levels than when they’re not allowed to crib, making the learning experience more pleasant for them.

“Crib-biting horses have higher stress levels than noncrib-biting horses, but those stress levels can be significantly reduced if we let them crib on some wood when they’re undergoing training,” said Sabrina Briefer Freymond, MSc, of the Agroscope Swiss National Stud Farm in Avenches.

Cribbing is a stereotypy caused by chronic phases of stress that induce irreversible biological changes in the brain. These changes are related to the release of dopamine, which is involved in learning, Briefer Freymond said during her presentation at the 2015 Swiss Equine Research Day, held in April in Avenches

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Passionate about horses and science from the time she was riding her first Shetland Pony in Texas, Christa Lesté-Lasserre writes about scientific research that contributes to a better understanding of all equids. After undergrad studies in science, journalism, and literature, she received a master’s degree in creative writing. Now based in France, she aims to present the most fascinating aspect of equine science: the story it creates. Follow Lesté-Lasserre on Twitter @christalestelas.

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