Buying a horse that cribs?

[skint1]

I have a tb mare that is a crib/wind sucker, no I wouldn't ever buy another- or a horse with any other "vice" either.

Despite numerous veterinary interventions, we never found a root cause and whilst we managed to reduce the behaviour with giving her an appropriate diet and lifestyle it has never disappeared and we just kind of accept that she does it. It can cause a lot of damage on a yard and to gateposts etc in a field. Most livery yards would, quite rightly, ask you to keep a collar on the horse or otherwise do something to prevent damage.

Also, if you are keeping such a horse at a livery yard- you have to think of the other liveries and their views on the subject, an opinionated livery could make your life an absolute living hell over it.

 

[sem9999]

May not work for everybody, but have personally seen an really extreme cribber (arrived like that 14 years ago) on which a whole range of gut supplement never made any difference, be 'cured' within 2 months of changing to thunderbrook feed (base mix+chaff). Still cannot believe a change of feed could make such a difference (the change of feed was for other reason than cribbing).

 

[Frenchmade]

May not work for everybody, but have personally seen an really extreme cribber (arrived like that 14 years ago) on which a whole range of gut supplement never made any difference, be 'cured' within 2 months of changing to thunderbrook feed (base mix+chaff). Still cannot believe a change of feed could make such a difference (the change of feed was for other reason than cribbing).

I feed my horse on Thunderbrooks base mix and chaff. Its wonderful stuff. I didn't start feeding it because of the cribbing either. And I don't believe Im incorrect when I say he doesn't crib in his paddock. That might be because there's nothing to crib on, but he's extremely contented and spends all day eating. He looks fab! I actually believe the cribbing is a reaction to stress related to his racing career and so it only show itself when he's about to be ridden. But of course you won't be able to tell the details of this cribbing horse until he's been bought and has settled in. It might be much worse and a real problem.

I wouldn't let what other people thought affect what I did and if there were ever another livery who insisted on forcing their views on others, then they'd get short shrift from me!