STABLE VICES
Such as Box walking, Crib Biting, Rug Tearing, Weaving, Windsucking.
Causes
Often sheer boredom can be at the root of these problems but actual pain as in indigestion and general anxiety or mineral imbalance can also be causes. Most often seen in high performance horses on a very high level of hard feed it is observed that this regime can be the prime cause. The level of work and lack of time at peace in the paddock can give rise to the symptoms.
Treatment
Antacid mixtures can help releive indigestion if fed regularly and the amount of hard feed given needs to be assesed very closely for each individual. Giving as much time as possible for these horses to relax in a natural element - at grass - is essential. More time in the field will also alleviate boredom and the introduction of equine playthings to the stable can be considered. Check the stable mates on either side of a horse with stable vices to ensure there is no antipathy between them and also have the horse checked out for any signs that could be causing pain internally.
Calmers can have a role to play in the treatment provided all the other elements in the condition are checked out first.